Great Western Coffee Shop

The first of the new Thameslink class 700 arrived at Three Bridges Depot in the early hours of Friday 31st July.  Hauled from Germany to the UK via the Chunnel and the a in a long loop via the old Eurostar routing to South London and then down the BBML to Three Bridges http://www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk/a-glimpse-of-the-commuting-future-as-new-thameslink-train-arrives/ (http://www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk/a-glimpse-of-the-commuting-future-as-new-thameslink-train-arrives/)

I have been involved for the last 3 years in the delivery of the substation to power the Depot DC traction and 25kV test facility.  Next weekend the very first 25kV power up testing of the train at the Depot to check the immunity of the ac track circuits on the adjacent BBML when the Depots 25kV test track is used .................. exciting stuff  ;D

Does anyone know how often the old connection between HS1 and Fawkham Jn is used?  I didn't think anything used it on a regular basis.

When I say the old Eurostar route I mean the via Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Swanley then the diesel hauled class 700 was routed around the myriad of lines is south London from Shortlands Denmark Hill Voltaire Rd Jcn then Clapham, Selhurst etc http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O15070/2015/07/30/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O15070/2015/07/30/advanced)

The Class 700 at Three Bridges last night being used to test the 25kV test facility and the signalling immunisation on the Brighton Main Line.