Tuesday 23 December 2008

Problems with the Thameslink 377s


377501
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

Its come to light that there is problems with the delivery of the 337/5's. Basically the economical downturn has affected Bombardier suppliers meaning that they can't supply all 23 units by March. Bombardier has announced today that it "aimed to supply" 15 units ready for the March 2009 deadline for the Moorgate TL branch and Blackfriars bay platform closures. First Capital Connect is in talks with the DfT to work out how to keep to the Thameslink Programme (TLP) timetable without this extra stock. This could impact the entire TLP futher delaying the start of major works. The original deadline for KO0 (Key Output Zero) was this month but had to be put back already. Hopefully FCC and DfT can work out some contingency plans to allow the TLP to start on time and finally deliver some much need relief for the long suffering passangers.

6 comments:

Dazz285 said...

"Bombardier has announced today that it "aimed to supply" 15 units ready for the March 2009 deadline for the Moorgate TL branch and Blackfriars bay platform closures."

Don't hold your breath for this to happen...
Lorol ar STILL waiting for delivery of there first 378. The whols fleet should have been in service by now..

Mackenzie_blu said...

Its going to be interesting. With FCC and DfT big wigs meeting on Xmas eve to try and sort this mess out at the highest level.

Looks likely that the 377/5s WONT be depended on to provide services but other sources of trains will be. Looks likely that they will nick some 377 from Southern for awhile.

Lets just hope they solve the problems soon enough!

Anonymous said...

At least the first 378 is being tested on the network (since late September 2008). The first 377/5 hasn't even left the premises!

Apparently a supplier involved in the 377/5 fit-out has gone bust while another was on the brink (according to the Standard within the last 2 weeks).

Dazz285 said...

378001 is at Willesden TMD and all it's done for the past 6 weeks is run up and down the DC 3 times on 3 seperate Fridays checking stopping areas.
No other testing at the mo.

Mackenzie_blu said...

I wouldn't be surprised tho folks if the 377 are pushed ahead of the 378 if its possible when they get the parts as these trains could screw £5.5BN of investment up where as delaying the 378s wont cause as much trouble.

Anonymous said...

A friend of a member of the UKmodernEMU Yahoo Group has recently mentioned that there are several complete 378s and 377501 (plus another 377 coach) at the Derby factory ATM.

In addition, it was also mentioned that 378001 was on test earlier today.