IE sends a Mark IV to Connolly

[ACustomer]

It has been reported elsewhere (IRN) that a Mark 4 set did gauge clearance tests at Connolly in the last few evenings. Also that several Connolly drivers had been trained to drive Mark 4s.

So what I had raised as a possibility in the past and which was deemed to be an impossibility by some others seems to be about to happen. I can only speculate that they intend to use Mark 4s instead of ICRs as a substitute for the DD sets during overhaul.

Also, the upcoming works on the Cork line will see reduced frequencies to Cork and more accommodation on the 50% of trains which will run. This points to 9-car ICRs which would mean less availability of these units for the Belfast line.

[Mark Gleeson]

No plans to send Mk4 cross border, no TPWS or AWS fitted and are not suitable for guard operation like the DD stock. No gauge clearance north of Connolly either.

People forget the Mk4 has visited Connolly many times. Current program is to support GAA and concert specials. Mk4 is now cleared for Tralee and Limerick routes. This looks like a simple check to ensure that a train can get to Connolly if required.

No Cork or Limerick driver would be cleared to drive Heuston - Connolly, so a local driver is required

[Jamie2k9]

During the track works the Mark IV will work all bar two Cork services. A fifth set was returned to full service this week however not suee how long it will last.

[Inniskeen]

My sources say they are heading for Belfast. Expect more appearances in Connolly and beyond !

[dowlingm]

Will be interesting to see if the rationale leaks out - 22 fleet overstretched, 22 FC not comfy enough for Norn Iron, DD refit schedule changed so two sets OOS at once...?

[Inniskeen]

A little birdie tells me something quite unexpected may be behind the MK4 clearance trials on the Belfast line.

[Mark Gleeson]

Originally Posted by Inniskeen

A little birdie tells me something quite unexpected may be behind the MK4 clearance trials on the Belfast line.

No talk of it when RUI last met Irish Rail to discuss the Enterprise upgrade program no mention was made of Mk4 sets making an appearance.

Having clearance for once off charter work makes sense. If its once off you don't need to add TPWS/AWS as you can simply couple a locomotive on the DVT end, the MK4 end carriage is a normal carriage with buffers and drawhook unlike the DD sets which have a schafenburg coupling and are not allowed out without a 201 coupled on the end

[Jamie2k9]

Would seem odd especially as they just fitted a fourth 22 with equipment recently. Do we know if they removed from 1-6 or extra?

A little birdie tells me something quite unexpected may be behind the MK4 clearance trials on the Belfast line.

Increased schedule once all DD's return to full service, we know they have being talking about it for a while. CEO seems very focused on Cork and Belfast given statements over the last year or two.

[Mark Gleeson]

Now cleared to Dundalk, not that they did a full gauge test, full line speed dash to Dundalk.

Cleared also Docklands

[berneyarms]

They did a full gauge test at all stations to Drogheda last week, so no need to do it again.