IN BRIEF

MODIFIED ‘385’ TRIALS

TESTS began on May 21 of Class 385 No. 385004 fitted with new style windscreens in an attempt to resolve the reported ‘fishbowl’ effect that has prevented the much needed units from entering service on the main route between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The problem was said to be that drivers could sometimes see double signals through the original curved windscreen, especially at night, but the new flatter version seems to have solved the problem. The ‘385s’ should have entered service in 2017, but the new windscreen can now be rolled out and fleet and driver training recommence for service introduction in the summer.

Late introduction of the EMUs has had knock-on effects with other operators such as Northern that were due to benefit from stock cascades.