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Recently overhauled and repainted Rail Operations Group 37611 'Denise' is seen in immaculate condition today, Wednesday 9 August 2023, stabled on Worcester Shrub Hill Middle siding acting as standby 'Thunderbird' rescue engine for the 'Hydroflex' Hydrogen powered test multiple unit. The 37 ran in from Derby RTC yesterday afternoon Tuesday
8 August 2023. The above mentioned 'Hydroflex' hydrogen powered test multiple unit is seen passing through Worcester Shrub Hill 'Back Road' en route from Long Marston to Barnt Green, which included the long 1 in 37 gradient Lickey Incline climb. These were the only shots I could obtain as a nine car IET was parked on the eastern side of platform 2 blocking the usual photography spots! Finally, HST test train with Colas Rail liveried 43272 and 43251 ran through Shrub Hill platform 2 non-stop this morning from Derby to Bristol Kingsland Road, it is taking a circuitous route via Oxford, Swindon, Westbury, Weymouth, Bath and Bristol Parkway.

If RTT is correct , the Hydroflex unit took four and a half minutes to climb the bank from a standing start.

ANDREW wrote: ↑

20:50 Thursday 10th August 2023

If RTT is correct , the Hydroflex unit took four and a half minutes to climb the bank from a standing start.

I believe it still has a pantograph so could have used this as back-up or assist under the wires. This unit has been booked on a number of occasions for a test run and not turned up despite an ROG Class 37 acting as 'Thunderbird' running down from Derby to park in the middle line stabling point at Shrub Hill for the duration!

Incidentally the Hydroflex had problems upon returning from Barnt Green to Long Marston as 5Q69, it departed Worcester yard on time at 13-44 hours and failed on the single line section at Pershore. The Class 37 wasn't deployed as the technicians on board sorted the fault out after a dead stop. It passed through Evesham at 14-42 hours some 36 minutes late and caused heavy delays to a number of passenger trains to and from Paddington. Hydrogen still seems to be a long way from being a viable form of rail propulsion!

Great to see the old 37s still going!

Today, Tuesday 5 September 2023, saw ROG (Rail Operations Group) Class 37 37884 'Cepheus' run into Worcester Shrub Hill just after 10 AM from Derby RTC to act as a 'Thunderbird' rescue locomotive for Hydroflex unit 799201 which once again ventured out on test running from Long Marston to Kings Norton and from there down the direct main line to Gloucester where it apparently failed once again. Not sure if the onboard technicians have rectified the fault or if 37884 deployed as 799201 is shown as departing Gloucester 96 minutes late heading for Worcester yard and then back to Long Marston as per Realtimes Trains live website!

Thank you for the updates.

I popped to Bromsgrove station earlier hoping to see 799201 , but the path listed in RTT failed to materialise . . . . . . Did see a pair of 37's on the 'test train' though.

ANDREW wrote: ↑

14:01 Wednesday 6th September 2023

I popped to Bromsgrove station earlier hoping to see 799201 , but the path listed in RTT failed to materialise . . . . . . Did see a pair of 37's on the 'test train' though.

I'm not surprised it didn't run after the 'problems with traction equipment' (to quote RTT website) at Gloucester yesterday; Hydroflex 799201 does seem to suffer more than its fair share of teething problems, however, I suppose that is the purpose of a test train to find and rectify any glitches.

Just been down to Shrub Hill station and received confirmation from station staff that 37884 did act as 'Thunderbird' rescue locomotive and it brought 799201 back from Gloucester to Long Marston via Worcester yard on Tuesday afternoon 5 September 2023, so it looks as though the 'Hydroflex' unit possibly needs some more rectification work or modifications to the power cell - at least they have given it a go on the main line!

I finally got to see 799201 this morning as it made steady progress northbound through Bromsgrove just before 11.00.