Description
CLASS 769 HISTORY
The Class 769 is a type of bi-mode or tri-mode multiple unit train capable of operating on electrified lines via 25kV overhead wires and/or 750V DC third rail, or on non-electrified lines via a diesel engine. They have been converted from surplus dual-voltage Class 319 units by Brush Traction and are to be used by Transport for Wales, Northern and Great Western Railway. The Class 769 units have primarily been designed to run on routes with multiple power supplies, such as the Rhymney Valley line in Wales which has overhead wires and non-electrified stretches and the units can change between EMU and DMU model whilst the train is in motion.
Rolling stock company Porterbrook first conceptualised the Class 769 in 2016 when, in partnership with Northern, they began work on converting Class 319/4 units to provide a solution to a shortage of diesel units and deferrals of electrification projects on the network. These units were chosen for the conversion as they had recently undergone upgrades to install new passenger information systems and accessible toilets, as well as having suitable space for a new diesel power pack and alternator to power the existing electric traction systems. The first conversions were completed in 2018 and testing was undertaken at the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire, with the first unit delivered to Northern in 2018, although the first to enter service was a Transport for Wales unit in November 2020.
MODEL FEATURES:
Graham Farish N Scale
Era 9
Pristine Transport for Wales livery
Running No. 769008
Comprises Car Nos. 77304, 62898, 71779 and 77305
Powerful coreless motor and flywheel fitted to the MSO vehicle
Electrical pickup from all axles
Unobstructed interior including seat and table detail
Integral conductive couplings between vehicles
Functional multiple unit couplings at the outer ends
Directional lighting – switchable on/off via DCC or the chassis-mounted switches
Internal lighting
Speaker Fitted
Easy Access DCC decoder socket – located behind an underframe panel on the TSO vehicle
Equipped with a Next18 Decoder Socket (one decoder required) – recommended Decoder item No. 36-567A
Length 560mm (over couplings)
