Have the 22ks entered service
 

Have just passed a 22k train at 18.45 at Drumcondra on route to connolly the full dmds were working didnt get a chance to see if passengers were on board. Unusual time to have training are they in service?

Thats the normal training run

Not in service yet but very very soon. While we haven't the actual date yet we have some specifics in the members forum

Are they in service yet? I've been out of the loop for a few weeks.

-Shortly-
 

Its now October and no sign of the new 22000's.. The Rosslare line was promised these trains in December but now its April 2008.

Havent even started in Sligo yet and we think you're not getting them till Easter.

They will start Sligo this month, one of the hold ups was the new railcar facility in Connolly on platform 1, they just finished the resurfacing late last week.

There are three different types on order, the 3 car regional of which at least 14 of the 41 sets have arrived.
We are waiting on the first 6 coach as in the proper intercity railcar to arrive (due November for service Spring 08) and also the long distance suburban 6 car version (late 2008 for 2009 service)

why can't they use the other platforms in Connolly?
platform 1 isn't exactly convenient for anyone wishing to connec to the Dart.

whats the significance of platform 1 being ready for this use. does this mean that sligo passengers will use the new entrance that enterprise passengers are using?

also does it mean that we might see an additional commuter service around the 5 o'clock mark depart platform 4, possibly maynooth/longford?

Platform 1 has the fueling and toilet tank empting kit, the carraige shed has also been fitted

That may well be the reason, but I'm getting news that there is a problem with the fuel enroute from tank to engine and its causing the train to brake suddenly and without warning. Engine manufacturer (Mercedes apparently) are blaming the Koreans and vice versa. Electric problems have also been mentioned and its not known if the two are related.

This story has not been totally verified, so please don't hold me to it.

Everyone Mark didint say that platform 1 is going to be used just the new facility to keep the trains in good order, or am i picking this up wrong....................!!!! The Rosslare line is getting the new 22000's in Easter next year but here is the question that i need to ask. In this Decembers timetable will it be the same or will the Rosslare service be valid until Easter and then there will be a new timetable from there on with the new InterCity's in service?

P1 is where the Sligo trains will terminate, nothing new there, just that they had to put in the retention tanks so the toilets on the trains can be emptied.

This is off-topic but gives you another example of how IE never think things through: They had to do it in Heuston for the Cork Trains, but only for half the platforms. When the 22000's hit Heuston they'll have to do the other half. They should have done them all at the same time, now it'll cost more.

As for the timetable, the timetable you will see may not mention any changes for Easter (they did for Adamstown last year btw) and it is possible that the 22000 will be a straight swap for the existing stock with no timetable alterations. However, if they plan to bring new paths and/or times we will know.

hopefully then, they will use the new entrance that enterprise passengers use for sligo as well because from what i remember at the best of times the walk up from platform 1 was torture. it would be worst with luggage. also i personally think that those validation turnstiles at connolly don't suit intercity passengers.

What's wrong with validation gates?

absolutely nothing commuter wise but for the intercity passenger who has a bike or luggage it might be a bit tight, in my own opinion

The gates won't close as long as there's something in between them, I have taken rolling suitcases (among other things) through them with far less problem than the old turnstiles. I'm sure the guy at the manual gate (furthest on the right as you exit) would hold the gate open if needed.

The doors are too close to the turnstiles and all the culchies.... eh, Sligo train passengers try to get out the one turnstile.

Also the other disadvantage of using the validators is that without ticket inspections someone could get on the sligo train with a ticket for lets say clonsilla the validator wouldnt pick that up

TODAY'S RAILWAYS UK claims introduction of the 22000 has been delayed until 2008

There has been a deafening silence from IE on any possible service entry.

If they are delayed until next year, will the timetable change be postponed?

Wouldn't pay attention to that publication

The 2008 timetable won't have many changes regardless