So, 100 seconds to switch modes? Are they kidding?

I know for a personal fact that the TGV and Eurostar train sets take something in the vicinity of about 30 seconds to switch internally when switching between electric systems of differing railways in Europe.

So why so slow for a diesel-electric to electric switch? All the 'important' switching should be on the electric side and take only a few seconds to complete - unless they are talking about having the diesel cold and starting only when the panto looses power. Then again, most of the switching here will probably be done at a stop where there is ample time to do the switching so speed of the changeover is not a factor.

And yes, the writers (as most media outlets) need to have their hands slapped when writing about a subject they have no background in. I feel sorry for the FL9's being forgotten to history by articles like this.