TESTING of Great Western Railway No. 230001 Viva Venturer could start next year, with an initial trial lasting around 12 months.
Under the plans, the ‘230’ will fast charge each time it reverses at West Ealing, with the train running over the charging equipment. The train will charge while the driver swaps ends.
Each driving vehicle will charge independently, which should mean that if one fails the other can still power the train. However, GWR plans to stable a Class 165 with an adapter coupler in the area in case of failures.
It is thought that from the 67 vehicles GWR bought following the went to press. However, these sets, which have been stored at Bletchley since December after Vivarail went into administration, would need to be modified as they were fitted with diesel engines.
