That's interesting, I have a mate who is leaving my TOC to join the newly formed WSMR (Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone Railway). Their consists have class 67 traction, so I wonder if it has anything to do with this.

John,
This particular driver training was for Arriva Trains Wales as they had not used Class 67's before. The last time they had a shortage they used Class 57's.
The WSMR haven't started training runs yet but as you say they will be using Class 67's with a push/pull set. They hope to start a regular service next Spring and will, to some extent, be competing against Arriva Trains Wales. There have been a couple of exploratory visits to Wrexham by the EWS VIP train and loco.

OK thanks for that info John; and perhaps the lack of a definite start date for WSMR might explain why my mate is being so secretive about when exactly he is leaving. ;)

Interesting decision to use a class 180. I suppose it is better for passenger on/off loading and acceleration. Also the standard class interior in almost ideantical to the 175s. Wonder if there will be a declassified first class coach :D .

Is this the route that go Via Newton Le Wilows and Warrington and will there be a gaurds van for my bike ?

I think they will keep the first class coach. The Welsh Assembly have been pushing for a "business class" rail service between South and North Wales and it looks like this is Arriva's way of providing it. It certainly makes sense for ATW to take over some of the 180's as they have a lot in common with the 175's and have the same route availability.
A 3-car 175 and a 180 working in multiple would almost be a real train:D

Don't get too excited John.:(
If the Class 67 and stock takes over in the interim period you might be lucky but otherwise you're stuck with the ATW 175's or whatever your beloved Northern throws up:)

I think i will send them an email and see what they say.

Ps. are the class 67's unreliable ?

I don't think so.

Its just that i got the impresion of them being un reliable tas didn't quite understand the post below !

If the Class 67 and stock takes over in the interim period you might be lucky but otherwise you're stuck with the ATW 175's or whatever your beloved Northern throws up.(frm swiss trains)


Can you explain in a bit more detail [please !