Freight operators considering tests for converted ‘769’ bi-mode units

GB Railfreight and Freightliner are looking at undertaking a series of tests on Porterbrook Class 769 bi-mode multiple units, to evaluate them for high-speed logistics.

Porterbrook has 27 of the four-car BMMUs, converted from dual-voltage Class 319s built in 1987-88 by BREL, and which have been returned to the rolling stock owner by Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway. The 19 converted for the latter never even entered traffic.

Two (769922/959) have been converted for express freight use and painted in a deep blue. RAIL understands that a pair of ‘769/9s’ will be taken on by GBRf for express freight evaluation, while two ‘769/0s’ are being converted by Brodie for trials with Freightliner.

However, while talk that Transport for Scotland and ScotRail could take on ‘769/9s’ for passenger use has been refuted, it is still understood that ScotRail will eventually be assessing the units.

Both Transport for Scotland and ScotRail chose their words carefully in statements to RAIL.

Sarah O’Loughlin, from Transport Scotland, said: “I am not aware of any plans for ScotRail to use these trains.”

Paul McKay, Head of Communications for ScotRail, added: “ScotRail has no current plans to introduce Class 769s into service.”

The units are ex-TfW 769002/ 003/006-008, 769421/445/452 and ex-GWR 769922/923/925/ 927/928/930/932/935-940/ 943/944/946/947/949/959.

The only current user of Class 769s is Northern, which has eight sets in traffic (769424/431/434/44 2/448/450/456/458).

A demonstration run of similar hydrogen power HydroFLEX unit 799201 was due to take place on November 20 (as this issue of RAIL went to press), to show off the unit’s capabilities to stakeholders.

On November 13, 769959 was used for the 0807 Kilmarnock- Troon, in connection with the official opening of the new rebuilt Troon station building by Scottish Government Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

Porterbrook stopped short of confirming plans for ‘769s’, but has not denied that there are a number of parties looking at them, both for freight and passenger use.