Northern has started driver training on the Class 769 Flex bi-mode units that will operate on the Southport to Alderley Edge services.
The Class 769 flex units are a conversion from existing Class 319 electric multiple units that will allow them to operate using diesel engines when not under the overhead wires. The diesel engines are designed to give the unit similar, or better, performance then the Class 150 Sprinter diesel units.
See below for two short film showing one of the Class 769 units working through Gathurst & Bescar Lane stations.