GA opted for yellow fronts on the Class 720s because of concerns about visibility at foot crossings in rural areas and along the 100mph mainline to Norwich. Probably the same reason for SWR.
Being from Montreal, I cant help feeling very proud when I see Bombardier all over the world. ⚜️🇨🇦😊 Bombardier’s original 1974 metro cars (the first public transport rolling stock they made) are still running on 🟢🟡🔵 lines, with the new hybrid Bombardier+Alstom cars on the 🟢🟠 lines.
I wouldn’t be very proud of it now, these trains are now 3 years late into service, have little to no sign of service entry any time soon, and have caused mayhem on the network by not working, hell there’s been class 444s on suburban services because they had nothing else
It's the bizarre world of accounting; it would seem SWT got the 707s on quite an expensive deal from Siemens/whoever the leasing company is, and it was cheaper for SWR to break that contract and sign a new one with Bombardier at a better leasing rate. Why that is possible... who knows.
Geoff, this is a real feelgood video, especially the visit to Litchurch Lane in Derby. I am delighted to see that so many trains new are to built here in Britain.
Another Cool insight into the Manufacturers and the processes in place towards Train Building and also a great way for the younger people to explore different Apprenticeships / Traineeships that maybe available within these organisations. Thanks again Geoff.
@@SkunkMantraTechnoSkunk Really.. How strange. I swear the ones in the Thameslink line have toilets.. 🤔 Is it an 8 carriage? I mean I cannot think of any reason why they would omit WC's, unless it was a 4 coach short commuter service.
@@F1ll1nTh3Blanks yer these are normally 8 carrages from Guildford to waterloo eva via Cobham going through wimbledon or Leather head ETC then to waterloo. ive not seen public lavs on them.
Hello Geoff, a very useful and informative video, very well edited, commentated, narrated, guided, polished and produced, I can't wait for these news Trains to be rolled out, it's certainly going to enhance the current Passenger experience significantly. Cheers Peter :)
Yes!! From the sounds of it they will working on my commute!! The best thing is the air conditioning! It’s so hot in the summer on swr trains compared to southern ones as no air con! The seat charging ports sound good as well! 👍🏻😀
Geoff explained in the description. "- The first few units have pantographs (including the one shown on the test track) just to prove the functionality, but the rest/majority will be third rail only."
I find the old plastic chairs in bus and ferry to be more comfortable because they are angled and have curve on the lower part which support my lower back muscle. Yes they are ugly but they are more ergonomic and easier to clean.
@DanielTheRanterVGCP But I though we were going to have our sovereignty back and that there would be butterflies and unicorns everywhere and life would be wonderful?
@DanielTheRanterVGCP Modern fire resistant seats don't have to be hard, comfy padded ones take up more space, fire resistance is probably not important now that smoking is banned, oh how I miss a smoke filled compartment in the morning.
A train that is late before its even started....what a shambles. I saw a video of a large number of 701 units at Worksop, they're doing a lot of good there aren't they?!
Just to quickly point out, I think the Bombardier factory is where you see the running rails, the third rail, the fourth rail and overhead electrification in the same place. The only thing missing is a MAGLEV guideway.
I work for bombardier (Anglia build) and saw you walking around site the other day, wasn’t sure if it was you! It’s cool to see a video about my own job!
The train on the Dynamic Test Fascility had it's Pantograph up on the overhead lines but, as far as I'm aware, all of the Waterloo routes are powered by the third rail. Are theses trains designed to take power from both top and bottom? Or are the Waterloo routes destined for the same overhead upgrades that the West Coast mainline is/has received?
Never ceases to amazes me how different types of trains and modes London has..why does it need to be so complicated 🤣 here in Cork we literally have..the train or the bus. They're your choices 🤣
its because some service lines have shorter platforms and poor rail infrustructure so they have to build trains that will accommodate the tunnels , bridges . quite complex though but its all to do with the infrustructure and total number of passengers moving too.
Hey Geoff, when the Class 484's get built, I have a feeling you'll be doing a video on that. The old Island Line trains are definitely in need of replacing. But still the 701 looks amazing, shame the 707's are going.
Great video, Geoff, I knew the vote would get you there, lol. Glad to hear they are complete with accessible, as I suspect I will appreciate those more now!
I prefer Siemens. German quality and technology beats Canadian any day of the week. The main modification I would make for the Desiro City would be flush doors and rounded/pointed cab ends to increase aerodynamic efficiency. And customise the traction motors by using neodymium magnets for the rotor to increase the power density (more volts per unit amp, so more power can be supplied without burning the wires out, and the higher back emf allows the train to regeneratively brake at lower speeds).
My only issue with the new trains is the seats don't look as good as the other Aventra trains but assuming you reply Geoff you can tell me how they are?
We can try all 3's - as Southern, SouthEastern, and South Western Railway of all 701 services either 5 or 10 coaches. I know they build 90 of them, (30x5 + 60x10), but can we do more real soon?
Dear Geoff ...at DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) Bombardier Trains are known as ... late (years - more then the purple line is), not working, "Störung - Störung" and many technical difficulties ... how about the UK ... same there?
Most likely "Malfunction - Malfunction" or maybe "Error - Error" in the UK. I once worked on German flightpath computers that used to say: "Überfragt - Überfragt". Stuck with the crew lingo for years after.
same here in Toronto Canada; Bombardier delayed delivery of Flexity streetcars and then delivered faulty ones that the TTC, the local transit agency, had to fix up in-house. They also seem to be late in delivery for MTA New York Subway trains. Bombardier is a hot mess.
Two of the 707s, had pantographs and even did test run from Peterborough to Wimbledon. Several factors, one being the ability to cascade them in the future. Also there's always the chance in the future that parts of the network could be re-electrified to 25kv. Look at the daft plan the DfT had to electrify between Reading and through to Southampton with 25kv and remove 3rd rail! Even Merseyrail's 777s have 25kv ability for future network expansion.
Hey Phil! Ah, I wondered what they were building at Feltham - that answers that question then! I noticed it had an overhead pickup - that's odd, not much call for that on the local lines, lol.
Well, it's 2023 and they're still parked in depot yards, unuseable, apparently because of the extra few seats you mention. Still leaky rustbuckets are all we peasants on the SWR network can expect, some six years after the new franchisees promised us the Earth if they got the gig!
If I'm not mistaken, I saw a third and fourth rail, and a pantograph. I always thought that swt use track that is either thrid rail electrified, or no electrification, except probably at Reading?
I was about to ask the same are some of the first unit being fitted with Pantos like the first gen 375s Bombardier produced to test them and the rest only fitted with 3rd rail shoes for weight saving and cost saving?
Yes, I think all new builds are dual-voltage now. More flexibility if/when 3rd rail is eventually replaced, or they end up being cascaded to a different area!
joshlikescola (almost) every electric unit built in the last 20 years is dual voltage capable. Most southern region units are only fitted with third rail shoes though.
joshlikescola: Wait so all of the 701s are going to be panto fitted? It wouldn’t be surprising considering the 387 order came with all trains being dual voltage, but I would have thought they’d be similar to the 707s with only a few temporarily fitted with AC equipment...
@@DavBlc7 Ironically they are striking because these trains have door controls for the driver so the trains are capable of driver only operation (Like they have on most of the other suburban rail lines)
I actually live In a High rise building in Basingstoke, and it because it looks over B’stoke Station. I see a LOT of 701s going past that station. I hope, when they are released for Public use, some of them will run on on London Waterloo - Basingstoke. 🤞
I think you should be asking *if* at this point, most still haven’t even been built, and they’re still not authorised for service, not to mention all of the issues
Yellow fronts is a good idea for trains with a dark livery, such as these - especially if they pass over level crossings. It is for this reason that Trains in New Zealand are required to have yellow fronts, as we have hundreds of level crossings.
“Here’s some shots of the interior of the train.”
*immediately cuts to a shot of the exterior of the train*
You know that Geoff like doing outside shots
750-742=8 spares
When you were inside the shed, you looked like a little kid with his cap on, and oh so excited to play with some big trains.
They've FINALLY entered service. Well, one train so far.
At the start: Waterloo busiest railway station
Me: *gets flashback to April fools Waterloo least used London station*
He said "least used London Waterloo", so its technically correct
@@asheiou What about London Waterloo East!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@isaactimmins8959 we don't talk about Waterloo East
GA opted for yellow fronts on the Class 720s because of concerns about visibility at foot crossings in rural areas and along the 100mph mainline to Norwich. Probably the same reason for SWR.
Good reason why trains should still be yellow at the front
almost 3 years later and theres still no sign of these things entering service, theyll be as old as the 455s are now when theyre finally introduced
Being from Montreal, I cant help feeling very proud when I see Bombardier all over the world. ⚜️🇨🇦😊
Bombardier’s original 1974 metro cars (the first public transport rolling stock they made) are still running on 🟢🟡🔵 lines, with the new hybrid Bombardier+Alstom cars on the 🟢🟠 lines.
I wouldn’t be very proud of it now, these trains are now 3 years late into service, have little to no sign of service entry any time soon, and have caused mayhem on the network by not working, hell there’s been class 444s on suburban services because they had nothing else
@@class444swr3 Bombardier delivering a train without at least a year delay and at least 2 major faults would be a miracle
Nice! But it’s a bit silly to replace the 707’s already! It’s been like 2 years
They are probably needed elsewhere
Yeah! The 707’s are going to Southeastern to replace the 376’s
@@lv-ag6129 Not confirmed
It's the bizarre world of accounting; it would seem SWT got the 707s on quite an expensive deal from Siemens/whoever the leasing company is, and it was cheaper for SWR to break that contract and sign a new one with Bombardier at a better leasing rate. Why that is possible... who knows.
K.o.R spot on really
1:16 Just casually driving around with a piece of trainbody...
The BlockMaster Productions as you do 😳😂😳
4:05... I didn't snigger, but a wry smile did cross my face when the dude behind you roared with laughter lol
Geoff, this is a real feelgood video, especially the visit to Litchurch Lane in Derby. I am delighted to see that so many trains new are to built here in Britain.
As a former SWR commuter I really enjoyed watching this. Keep up the good work!
Another Cool insight into the Manufacturers and the processes in place towards Train Building and also a great way for the younger people to explore different Apprenticeships / Traineeships that maybe available within these organisations. Thanks again Geoff.
Again the most uncomfortable looking seats ever, the type that when you sit down you almost wish you were standing..
Do you think that the new open format is going to get rid of the toilets as well?
@@DanielCraigie Why should it.. It didn't on the 707. 🤔
@@F1ll1nTh3Blanks Ones now from Guildford to waterloo lines via Cobham never had toilets once was stuck on it for 2 hours man i was bursting.
@@SkunkMantraTechnoSkunk Really.. How strange. I swear the ones in the Thameslink line have toilets.. 🤔
Is it an 8 carriage? I mean I cannot think of any reason why they would omit WC's, unless it was a 4 coach short commuter service.
@@F1ll1nTh3Blanks yer these are normally 8 carrages from Guildford to waterloo eva via Cobham going through wimbledon or Leather head ETC then to waterloo. ive not seen public lavs on them.
Hello Geoff, a very useful and informative video, very well edited, commentated, narrated, guided, polished and produced, I can't wait for these news Trains to be rolled out, it's certainly going to enhance the current Passenger experience significantly. Cheers Peter :)
your lying are you...
@@thetrainman1977 no
"Don't snigger"
You'll be glad to know I didn't, Geoff.
I laughed quite loudly for a few minutes.
okay
Uh, If I were you I'd check my spelling mate
One thing that ALL manufacturers should be compelled to do is make ALL multiple units coupling compatible wherever possible.
On the upside, no chance of falling asleep in those seats which resemble folded ironing boards.
4:05 you said don't snigger but someone's laughing in the background lol
*_ahaHAHAHAHA_*
ARGHARGARGHARG
Yes!! From the sounds of it they will working on my commute!! The best thing is the air conditioning! It’s so hot in the summer on swr trains compared to southern ones as no air con! The seat charging ports sound good as well! 👍🏻😀
I've just noticed that the class 701 was using its Pantograph and not the Shoe gear?
TFL_Travel_RBLX might be the GOBLIN overground ones
Geoff explained in the description. "- The first few units have pantographs (including the one shown on the test track) just to prove the functionality, but the rest/majority will be third rail only."
They have both :)
Scott Quine will all of them be both ?
@@JackLebeau666 oh god please Big no no the have got the class 710 already .
Looks like the same awful, rock hard, bolt upright seats that so many new trains have. Why can't we have comfortable seats now?
I find the old plastic chairs in bus and ferry to be more comfortable because they are angled and have curve on the lower part which support my lower back muscle. Yes they are ugly but they are more ergonomic and easier to clean.
@DanielTheRanterVGCP But I though we were going to have our sovereignty back and that there would be butterflies and unicorns everywhere and life would be wonderful?
@DanielTheRanterVGCP Modern fire resistant seats don't have to be hard, comfy padded ones take up more space, fire resistance is probably not important now that smoking is banned, oh how I miss a smoke filled compartment in the morning.
We could have comfy seats but we have a poor culture in Britain called “destroy everything” Better to drive
Zero human ergonomics
Anyone else think the 701 looks like an angry wasp?
James Christmas tbh it kinda does xD
URRGH ANGRY HEADLIGHTS
Abit, but with a blunt head.
Yup
It was 13:15 for quite a long while, either it’s able to time travel, or it’s the train equivalent to a VCR blinking 12:00
Middle of 2021, still waiting for my 701 to appear.
I don't want them
End of 2022 and still no sign of 701s, at least some have moved from Eastleigh at least
A train that is late before its even started....what a shambles. I saw a video of a large number of 701 units at Worksop, they're doing a lot of good there aren't they?!
Just to quickly point out, I think the Bombardier factory is where you see the running rails, the third rail, the fourth rail and overhead electrification in the same place. The only thing missing is a MAGLEV guideway.
Fantastic news, these look great. SWR is a dire experience on some of those older trains.
I’m guessing they’ll have hard seats which won’t line up with the windows! If that’s the case they’ll be crap!
So glad you refer to the Lizard line as the Purple Line. Cheers Geoff!
"Mid 2020" 🤣
Welcome to 2024, Class 701!
They look a lot better in this video than a lot of pictures and artists impressions that I've seen and I can't wait for them!
I work for bombardier (Anglia build) and saw you walking around site the other day, wasn’t sure if it was you! It’s cool to see a video about my own job!
The train on the Dynamic Test Fascility had it's Pantograph up on the overhead lines but, as far as I'm aware, all of the Waterloo routes are powered by the third rail. Are theses trains designed to take power from both top and bottom? Or are the Waterloo routes destined for the same overhead upgrades that the West Coast mainline is/has received?
No plans for overhead wires to go to Waterloo
How weird that 3 years later they're still not in service!
And yet this week - three years later - they’ve been taken for “storage”😂
Never ceases to amazes me how different types of trains and modes London has..why does it need to be so complicated 🤣 here in Cork we literally have..the train or the bus. They're your choices 🤣
its because some service lines have shorter platforms and poor rail infrustructure so they have to build trains that will accommodate the tunnels , bridges . quite complex though but its all to do with the infrustructure and total number of passengers moving too.
Waterloo station is amazing...!!! 🙂🔝👌🚄🚆
They r gonna replace my childhood already with something you can get from Tesco for 1.99 is absolutely just I'm out of words 😂
Felicidades por tener
tan bonitos trenes en Inglaterra.
Saludos y abrazos
afectuoso desde:
Guadalajara Jalisco, México.
🇬🇧🏴🇲🇽 😀🤗
Wow, the flatter fronts look so so much better than the standard design!
Ah, but what's the best cab angle for a train that needs to go at 100 mph?
@rosiefay7283 a bit late, but they never needed a arrow front the hit 100mph. No train ever really did. Just needs enough power
Good job you put this on TH-cam, as the general public won't see them for years yet......
Bruh the infamous ironing board seat
Mad tunnel vision going on at the start there Geoff. You're a genius, man. Stick some shades on 😎
Hey Geoff, when the Class 484's get built, I have a feeling you'll be doing a video on that. The old Island Line trains are definitely in need of replacing.
But still the 701 looks amazing, shame the 707's are going.
The southwestern line uses a third rail system to power its trains yet at 9:01 you can clearly see a pantograph is that just for the test model??
It looks like the evolution of the class 185
Cool looking trains Geoff. The controls look like a space ship!
Geoff Will you make a video on the 701 when it enters into service
2.37-2.38 a nice sound in the background. The ping. Means a cup of tea 😂
How about an update. Mid 2020 ??
They’re going to see “soft introduction” in 2024, I think the defects and union disagreements have almost been resolved.
Great video, Geoff, I knew the vote would get you there, lol. Glad to hear they are complete with accessible, as I suspect I will appreciate those more now!
Will this train result in them being more punctual, cheaper fares, and fewer strikes? I seriously doubt it
Nice informative piece, Geoff!
I prefer Siemens. German quality and technology beats Canadian any day of the week. The main modification I would make for the Desiro City would be flush doors and rounded/pointed cab ends to increase aerodynamic efficiency. And customise the traction motors by using neodymium magnets for the rotor to increase the power density (more volts per unit amp, so more power can be supplied without burning the wires out, and the higher back emf allows the train to regeneratively brake at lower speeds).
My only issue with the new trains is the seats don't look as good as the other Aventra trains but assuming you reply Geoff you can tell me how they are?
Where was the Elbow test?
They look so good! Also I love the Elizabeth Line trains
The class 701 looks so much nicer than the other aventra offerings imo
We can try all 3's - as Southern, SouthEastern, and South Western Railway of all 701 services either 5 or 10 coaches. I know they build 90 of them, (30x5 + 60x10), but can we do more real soon?
Yep you're right
Hi Geoff.
I caught a glimpse of one on a test run through Richmond station today around 12:40. Looks sleek.
Dear Geoff ...at DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) Bombardier Trains are known as ... late (years - more then the purple line is), not working, "Störung - Störung" and many technical difficulties ... how about the UK ... same there?
Most likely "Malfunction - Malfunction" or maybe "Error - Error" in the UK. I once worked on German flightpath computers that used to say: "Überfragt - Überfragt". Stuck with the crew lingo for years after.
same here in Toronto Canada; Bombardier delayed delivery of Flexity streetcars and then delivered faulty ones that the TTC, the local transit agency, had to fix up in-house. They also seem to be late in delivery for MTA New York Subway trains. Bombardier is a hot mess.
What a beautiful plastic box on wheels would look perfect in my bin
I went to Bombardier last month. I didn't go inside though. I would like to go inside. Geoff, what day did you go? When is Bombardier open?
TGA Tolu: Trains and Planes It’s only open to the railway press
I like how they make you put the booties on outside so you can really track in the dirt...
Why do they have pantographs? SWR uses 3rd rail?
I think the Pantograph are to allow testing on Bombardier's Derby test track.
Two of the 707s, had pantographs and even did test run from Peterborough to Wimbledon. Several factors, one being the ability to cascade them in the future. Also there's always the chance in the future that parts of the network could be re-electrified to 25kv. Look at the daft plan the DfT had to electrify between Reading and through to Southampton with 25kv and remove 3rd rail!
Even Merseyrail's 777s have 25kv ability for future network expansion.
Very cool. They shoulda let you sign one of the trains somewhere hidden as they were building it, that way you’ll have a special connection to it.
Geoff, I thought you said that Waterloo was the Least Used Station?
I do know it was an April fools before anyone starts being confusion.
Great film as usual Geoff.
Was this filmed before the countless issues this week on the swr network
This week?? There always seem to be issues on SWR
I went on a guided tour there around 30 years ago, the other 39 visitors were trainee Police Officers and were not even interested in trains!
What ever happens to all of the old stock ? Maybe the Isle of Wight could do with some.
Nope. There's a tunnel on the Isle of Wight which is too narrow for regular trains. This is why they use tube trains.
They're kept in reserve for when the inevitable problems start with the new trains.
Hey Phil! Ah, I wondered what they were building at Feltham - that answers that question then! I noticed it had an overhead pickup - that's odd, not much call for that on the local lines, lol.
I love only 5 minutes away from the site
Well, it's 2023 and they're still parked in depot yards, unuseable, apparently because of the extra few seats you mention. Still leaky rustbuckets are all we peasants on the SWR network can expect, some six years after the new franchisees promised us the Earth if they got the gig!
If I'm not mistaken, I saw a third and fourth rail, and a pantograph. I always thought that swt use track that is either thrid rail electrified, or no electrification, except probably at Reading?
And how many are going to comment that "that train had a pantograph but SWR is 3rd rail"....
Me. I was that man. Picky, picky, picky...
Well it ac/DC which means it can run on both
I was about to ask the same are some of the first unit being fitted with Pantos like the first gen 375s Bombardier produced to test them and the rest only fitted with 3rd rail shoes for weight saving and cost saving?
@@danielholmes3122 you know that, I know that, but that won't stop people now, will it?
The Siemens trains on SWR were also configured so they could have pantographs added
Hey Jeff Marshall, would it be possible if you could at some point visit Strawberry Hill depth and see the train is it there?
How long are these going to stay clean/graffiti free?
Can’t say I’ve ever noticed any graffiti on any train on SW Railway and the current stock have been in use a while.
@@GrahamRead101 I agree not normally too much graffiti but I've seen the odd bit on the 455 units
Tends to be the windows which get damaged on the Windsor Lines for some reason. Not a lot of graffiti in Feltham, but there's a new target now :(
This is coming on my line, can’t wait!
"cheap plastic things from tesco express" yawwie - 2019
They look like that I hate Aventras apart from the 710s and 345s.
I don't mind the 701s but the 720 looks nice but the 710 doesn't look that good at the front
He only hates them because they're replacing the 455s, 456s, 458s and 707s...
@@oliverbrelsford5472 true. I hope that the 455s and the rest would be atleast on a heritage railway or getting exported. Not scrapped
@@MaxsTrainspotting Good thinking my friend, but sadly none will find themselves on a heritage railway. Reason: Name me an electrified one.
So much for mid 2020!
8:22 3rd and 4th rail
Only uses 3rd rail or overhead
the depot is at clapham junction so sometimes i see the 701s leaving the depot
Clapham is just their graveyard, they sit there doing nothing and occasionally going out to get software updates or whatever
are they dual voltage as they were drawing power from the OHL
Yes, I think all new builds are dual-voltage now. More flexibility if/when 3rd rail is eventually replaced, or they end up being cascaded to a different area!
joshlikescola (almost) every electric unit built in the last 20 years is dual voltage capable. Most southern region units are only fitted with third rail shoes though.
joshlikescola: Wait so all of the 701s are going to be panto fitted? It wouldn’t be surprising considering the 387 order came with all trains being dual voltage, but I would have thought they’d be similar to the 707s with only a few temporarily fitted with AC equipment...
fetchstix™ No, the Class 701s (aside from the test examples shown here) won’t be fitted with AC equipment.
@@fetchstixRHD They (all new stock) has the location for potential pantograph fitment.
Interesting to see they're running with a pantograph. Will the pantograph be retained when they are in passenger service?
Being delayed!! 🤣🤣🤣 that’s south western railway.
And train strike in December too!!!!
@@DavBlc7 Ironically they are striking because these trains have door controls for the driver so the trains are capable of driver only operation (Like they have on most of the other suburban rail lines)
The class 701 will be in service in December 2020
@@MrRevika Mar 2021
Looks like a nice train - good luck with running it @ 100mph on the Windsor lines
I'll miss the 455s... but they are starting to show their age and it will be good to have some new trains on my local branch
Bet those old South West trains are still too good to replace Pacers
Unfortunately their all third rail otherwise a lot of old southern stuff would’ve gone north already
I would like to know were the running gear was built . It wasn’t Derby ,so was it Crewe or have they shipped them in from Germany again ?
4:04 giggity
Geoff, go onto the TFL rail branch from Shenfield down to Liverpool street. You can go on the new Class 345's for Crossrail/Elizabeth line.
He's been there, done that
Oh lol didn't see that
@@geofftech2 i want to meet you in London one day Geoff Marshall
0:06 onwards sounds like a rap song
This made me laugh more than it should🤣🤣🤣🤣
I can already see Mick Cash’s red, sweaty, coked-up face screaming in frustration! I hope they’ll make the guard obsolete soon 🙌
Good trains. Still look like plastic though. The forklift carrying that piece of train gives it away 😂
Matt Kemp maybe it’s not plastic, but composites like carbon fibre which are lighter and stronger than metal.
I actually live In a High rise building in Basingstoke, and it because it looks over B’stoke Station. I see a LOT of 701s going past that station.
I hope, when they are released for Public use, some of them will run on on London Waterloo - Basingstoke. 🤞
I think you should be asking *if* at this point, most still haven’t even been built, and they’re still not authorised for service, not to mention all of the issues
ooh damn, well the fact that are replacing loads of trains should be revoked soon!
Yellow fronts is a good idea for trains with a dark livery, such as these - especially if they pass over level crossings. It is for this reason that Trains in New Zealand are required to have yellow fronts, as we have hundreds of level crossings.
No level crossings on CrossRail so no yellow. 701 started out without yellow, but it was changed some time ago
I had to laugh at erection. Sorry I’ve let u down. Would be Great to see new trains out of Waterloo on metro routes next year
Anyone else notice that train on the test track was using Overhead not 3rd rail power? Do Network Rail have an Xmas surprise for SWR?