Readers cannot fail to have heard about the major disruption caused by issues with Hitachi trains.
Today the train manufacturer issued a statement explaining what had gone wrong.
đŹđ§ An update from our team – we thank passengers for their ongoing patience pic.twitter.com/noVnoHBxQQ
— Hitachi Rail (ENG) (@HitachiRailENG) May 10, 2021
Rail engineer Gareth Dennis explained on LBC 97.3 last night that the issue was with the jacking points and the minute cracks which had appeared.
Mr Dennis said any repair would not be as easy as it was not a simple matter of welding. It would also involve dismantling the trainâs electronics which then would have to be refitted.
Modern trains like these Hitachi units are complex compared to the 40-year old diesel trains they replace.
The big question is why GWR is affected more than LNER.
Cancellations to GWR services – Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 May.
â ď¸ Customers are advised not to travel â ď¸
For essential travel only please check your journey on the day at https://t.co/nWtsIoe1eP
Full refunds will be provided. pic.twitter.com/lqt62C77f4
— Great Western Railway (@GWRHelp) May 10, 2021
Itâs because GWR relies solely on these Hitachi 800 trainsets for mainline operation.
By contrast LNER still retains a number of conventional electric loco-hauled trains which can operate over much of its network.
RAILâs Richard Clinnick reports that today GWR has a mere three sets running out of London and these are five-car sets so would not have the passenger capacity of the longer units.
This morning LNERâs MD David Horne provided an update on todayâs cancellations.
There will be some cancellations to @LNER services today whilst we continue to work through the safety check issues with our partners at Hitachi đ
Weâre working round the clock on this situation and once again I apologise for the disruption if your journey with LNER is affected https://t.co/xSp21DLIWi
— David Horne (@DavidHorne) May 10, 2021
LNER still had some of its older loco-hauled sets which can replace its Azumas (these are similar to GWRâs 800s) but the former are electrically powered hence they cannot run north of Edinburgh.
Yesterday it was reported that the issue had spread to Scotland where some Hitachi trains (a different model to those operated by GWR/LNER) have been removed from service for checks.
Today the railway press reports that inspection revealed cracks in a number of Scotrailâs trains.
However a normal Scotrail service is operating today albeit by deploying shorter trains.
Two other operators, TransPennine and Hull Trains, have checked their Hitachi fleets. Their services continue as normal.
This is clearly a fluid situation. Readers planning to travel with any of the above operators in the coming days must check with the train company for the latest news before setting off.
