News Archive: April 2005

30/04/05
56032 (WZGF) was removed from Bescot during the night in the consist of the southbound 6A74 service but although probably heading for Wembley 56032 had to be detached from the consist and dumped at Rugby due to dragging brakes on the locomotive. 66002 was later noted heading south with 6A74 but no 56032 some 555 minutes behind schedule.

29/04/05
33116 (WNZX) part of the national collection has been removed by road from Old Oak Common and transported to the Great Central Railway and secure preservation.
37422 (WNTS) was hired briefly to the WKBM pool today and hauled the 6G45 Toton to Bescot working this afternoon. Although allocated for further storage on arrival at Bescot there is speculation that it will be turned out with 37427 for Railtour duties, between Bescot and Cumbria, on the 1st, a tour for which it has also been rumoured that DRS would be turning out a pair of Class 37s for.
47826 and 47851 (both ATSP) ran to Carnforth this afternoon to take up duties with WCRC. Evidently WCRC have been busy of late noting that several locomotives have been hired in from Fragonset recently.
56032 (WZGF) is on its way to France being hauled from Toton to Bescot this afternoon. 56018 and 56106 (both WZGF) remain at Wembley.

Disposal…
86240 has, well had, been located since being sighted heading north by road on the M1 on the 26th but its demise has already taken place. Stored from the ICCA pool in October 2002 86240 was demolished shortly after delivery to Hull’s Rotherham, RIP.

20035...
CFD 2001 (ex BR 20035) has left Autun but due to technical difficulties its repatriation to the UK has been delayed.

28/04/05
60075 (WNTR) has made its move, on or around the 24th, from Immingham to Toton for attention.

Class 60 fleet further reduced…
The EWS Class 60 fleet has been reduced again, to 70 examples, with the transfer to store today of 60008 60018 60073 and 60081, all to WNTR. 60008 60018 and 60081 are on Toton whilst 60073 is at Thornaby.

Welcome back…
Stored almost eleven years ago from the EWRB pool based at Stewarts Lane 33029 is back, reinstated to the DRS XHSD pool. It was collected and taken north today from Derby by 33207.

33056…
The North Staffordshire Diesel Group have advised that 33056 located on the Churnet Valley Railway is to be broken shortly. Parts and cuts are to be made available and all proceeds raised will be going towards the restoration of 25322 and 33102. Contact details are in the ‘for sale’ section.

VT 47s…
Although the four VT Class 47s are still technically on lease with VT till the end of the year this arrangement is being terminated early. 47840 has transferred to FGW for Old Oak Common / Paddington ECS duties, thunderbird work etc., it was tripped over from Willesden to Old Oak Common yesterday, and 47810 is expected to be going to Cotswold Rail in due course. 47826 and 47851 are to / have been sub leased to WCRC at Carnforth.

Shunter moves…
Two long distance shunter relocations to report. RT Rail’s 08788 has been displaced from Inverness by 08573 and can now be found in the Manchester area moving containers for World Wide Containers on the Manchester Ship Canal whilst Riviera’s 08780, following completion of extensive repairs at the ELR Bury, has been relocated to West Ruslip LT depot.

27/04/05

Auvoir...
56096 and 56105 (both WZGF) went through the tunnel to France this morning, these being the first exports since 58049 and 58050 went abroad mid November last year. 56018 and 56106 (both WZGF) are still at Wembley awaiting transfer.

VT 47s, endgame...
The dispersion of the remaining VT Class 47 fleet has begun with the transfer of 47840 from ATSP to Great Western’s IWLA pool. Although quite why FGW, who only recently gave up using Class 47s in favour of Class 57s, have taken 47840 on board is not confirmed there has been some speculation that ’North Star’ would be finding use as a pseudo heritage locomotive for light duties and charter work. The remaining three locomotives are also likely to be snapped up shortly with Cotswold Rail, Riviera and WCRC all said to be waiting in the wings for 47810 47826 and 47851 when they become available.

Caerwent 87s…
The movement of four Class 87s from Willesden to Caerwent planned to run tomorrow has again been cancelled.

87002…
The AC Locomotive Group have confirmed via their web site that 87002 has been named ‘The AC Locomotive Group’.

26/04/05 20:25
86240 (SAXL) located at Shoeburyness since being brought south from Glasgow Works last December is on the move again by road being noted heading north on the M1 near Rotherham late this afternoon. Its destination is currently unknown.

Cotswold Rail 87s…
The CR quintet 87007 87008 87021 87025 and 87026, all now CREL as 87007 and 87008 have been reinstated this afternoon, ran north from Willesden as far as Crewe today before running south to Oxley. The planned Warrington leg of the journey being abandoned.

5814 / 58038…
It has been established that the livery applied to 5814 / 58038 at Toton is that of Vos Logistics, a major customer for ACTS in the Netherlands.

87002…
Further to the speculation that 87002 is one of the Class 87s earmarked for a place in preservation it transpires that a group involved in the field of electric locomotive preservation have got their name on it, literally.

26/04/05 10:25
56018 and 56106 (both WZGF) have been moved overnight from Doncaster Belmont to Wembley where they join 56096 and 56105 awaiting forwarding to Dollands Moor then France.

Cotswold Rail 87s…
Today’s run from Willesden to Oxley via Warrington now consists of five Class 87s. The CREL trio of 87021 87025 and 87026 have been joined by 87007 and 87008 (both still SBXL)

25/04/05

WZGF Grids…
56091 has been moved to Toton from Bescot where it is to be prepared for France, its assignment to Bristol Barton Hill being cancelled. Two more 56s, 56018 and 56106, are on their way having have left Toton this afternoon being hauled in convoy with 66076 and 66192 to Doncaster Belmont from where they are to be forwarded to Wembley. The other pair on the move towards the continent, 56096 and 56105, have been taken south from Bescot to Wembley this afternoon.

Caerwent 87s…
It is understood that 87015 is to make the trip from Willesden to Caerwent on the 28th instead of 87029. This being the case then the convoy’s consist should be 87005 87015 87024 and 87035.

Cotswold Rail 87s…
The CREL trio, 87021 87025 and 87026, are due to run from Willesden to Oxley via Warrington tomorrow. This is for driver training purposes. Selected times for the trip north are: Willesden (d) 10:00, Milton Keynes 11:00, Rugby 11:54, Nuneaton 12:17, Stafford 13:05, Crewe (a) 13:52 (d) 14:32, Warrington (a) 15:40 (d) 15:50, Crewe 16:32, Stafford 17:49, Bescot (a) 18:21 (d) 18:30, Wolverhampton 18:40, Oxley (a) 18:50.

24/04/05

5814…
No idea what has happened to 5813 but 58038 at Toton has been painted in revised version of ACTS livery and renumbered 5814. Although a similar livery scheme to the earlier two it is distinctly darker in shade, a sort of blackberry black, and it carries four small ACTS logos, one on each cab side.

23/04/05
33029 (XHSS) is due to be collected from Derby and taken to Kingmoor on the 28th. 33030 and 33207 are currently in the frame for this.
56091 (WZGF) still assigned to Bristol Barton Hill was moved north from Didcot to Bescot last night whilst 56096 and 56105 (both WZGF) also at Bescot following transfer over from Toton yesterday afternoon are booked for forwarding to Wembley.

22/04/05
37197 (MBDL) which is out and about in Scotland today with 47854 has also been painted in Royal Scotsman maroon colours at Carnforth. To distinguish the WCRC pair from the EWS machines 37197 and 37261 have small yellow warning panels as opposed to full yellow front ends.
37411 (WKCK) at Toton has been rubbed down and de-named ready for repainting green.
56091 (WZGF) has been shunted in the yard at Didcot indicating that it may be on its way shortly.
56096 and 56105 (both WZGF) have left Toton being conveyed to Bescot this afternoon for onward movement to Wembley, Dollands Moor then France.

VT 47s…
47810 47826 47840 and 47851, the four ATSP allocated Class 47s currently employed by VT, are set to come off lease from the end of the month.

Caerwent 87s…
The movement of 87005 87024 87029 and 87035 from Willesden to Caerwent has been rescheduled to run on the 28th but via Bristol Parkway this time.

21/04/05
43067 latterly languishing off lease at Neville Hill but at some point relocated to Edinburgh Craigentinny has been added to the QCAR NMT power car pool.
43069 and 43070 still at the NRM York where they were exhibits at last year’s ‘cab it’ event have been reinstated to the IMLP pool.
67011 (WAAK) has been earmarked for RETB fitment. This will probably be the replacement for recently stored 67010 which was allocated to the WABK RETB pool.
87021 87025 and 87026 at Willesden have been reinstated to Cotswold Rail’s CREL pool.

Autun 20s…
Repatriation of the four CFD Class 20s should, if all goes to plan, be taking place between April 29th and May 13th. Although their final UK destination is still to be decided the current plan is to collect 2001 (20035) from Autun on April 27th, 2004 (20228) on May 2nd, 2002 (20063) on the 5th followed by 2003 (20139) on the 11th.

20/04/05

Cotswold Rail 87s…
87021 87025 and 87026 had been scheduled to be released from store at Willesden to Oxley today but their fitness to run (FTR) exams have not been completed in time. These three 87s, the first of up to ten examples being taken on by CR, are now expected to make their way to Oxley, where they are to be based, on the 26th.

87010…
A suitably spruced up 87010 was renamed ‘Driver Tommy Farr’ at Euston this afternoon to commemorate the forthcoming retirement of a senior railway employee.

HST power cars…
Information has been received regarding this summer’s redeployment of HST power cars to cover the VT Cross Country requirements. Six power cars are to be leased, these being 43069 and 43070 currently in store at the NRM York, 43086 currently in use with MML, 43087 currently in store at Crewe Works, 43159 being repaired at Neville Hill along with 43196 also currently in store at Crewe Works. 43157 which was to be replaced by 43159 in the MML fleet when repaired is now to stay with MML. These six power cars are, after the summer season with VTXC, then expected to be transferring to GNER to facilitate the release of the Eurostar’s currently hired in.

19/04/05
33029 (XHSS) released from tyre turning at Tyseley has been hauled back to Derby by 31106.
37411 (WKCK) was hauled south from Thornaby in the consist of the 6J68 Tees to Aldwarke service this morning. It then worked a trip to Stocksbridge and back, the first time in a long time for a Class 37 on this working, before running light engine to Toton for repainting.

WZGF Grids…
The five Class 56s, 56071 56094 56095 56113 and 56133, from Wembley were tripped round to Old Oak Common in two batches during the night. They join 56007 56031 (now in unbranded Fertis grey) and 56074 at Old Oak Common being prepared for export to France.

18/04/05
20905 (HNRL) having spent the weekend parked in the lay-by off the M6 near Crewe has completed its move by road to Barrow Hill.
33029 (now re-registered to XHSS) has been moved to Tyseley from Derby for tyre turning.
37235 (MBDL) latterly in store at the ELR Bury has been transferred by road to Carnforth.
37411 (WKCK) due at Toton tomorrow for repainting BR green has left South Wales making its way north on today’s 6E09 Margam to Lackenby working. It is booked to undergo an A exam at Thornaby then light engine to Toton.
58038 (WZFH) has been admitted to the paint shop at Toton presumably for ACTS treatment.

QETS…
Network Rail have set up a new pool coded QETS and reallocated the three Class 31s at Throckmorton, 31102 31200 and 31319, to it from QADD.

16/04/05

HNRC round up...
20905 (HNRL) was removed from Carlisle Kingmoor yesterday by road. Barrow Hill bound for TPWS fitment 20905 was last noted parked up just off the M6 near Crewe. HNRC have advised that 20901 also from Kingmoor and 20906 currently at Crewe are also to be making their way to Barrow Hill in due course for TPWS fitting and that they will be arriving after 37087 and 37515, the first of which is due to leave in the coming week, have been despatched to DRS following their repaints at Barrow Hill.
An indication that returns to mainline action are in the offing, it has been decided to fit TPWS equipment to 37510 currently at Barrow Hill and 37898 awaiting extraction from Margam.

37261…
The former BR green 37261 has been repainted in Royal Scotsman maroon at Carnforth.

15/04/05
37425 (WKCK) has returned to the Rhymney circuit working today’s 16:50 off Cardiff this afternoon.
56124 (WNSO) the last ‘grid’ on Knottingley since they first appeared there back in 1977 has been removed from the depot to Healey Mills.
60075 (WNTR) currently at Immingham has been assigned for movement to Toton for attention.
86615 stopped at Crewe EMD since catching fire near Colchester a month ago has now been stored DHLT.

Returning 20s, more details…
Further to the earlier report about the repatriation of 20035 20063 20139 and 20228 from France it has been established that it is a quantity of spares and associated equipment that is being returned to the UK next week with the locomotives following at a later date. It is currently anticipated that the 20s will be returning from the last week of April onwards.

Outgoing 56s…
It has been indicated that there should be some movements of Fertis 56s to France in the next week or so.

14/04/05
37425 (WKCK) now with proper style number applied, is due off Toton this evening to South Wales via the 6V19 Immingham to Newport working.

Caerwent 87s…
Today’s planned movement of 87005 87024 87029 and 87035 from Willesden to Caerwent has not taken place, cancelled due to clearance issues in the Bath area.

Class 60s, differing fortunes…
60001 (WCAN) recently noted at Millerhill with an oil spattered bodyside has arrived at Thornaby for assessment / attention.
60008 (WCAN) has arrived at Toton from Warrington via Immingham. It is showing status S (store) at the moment.
60018 (WCAN) at Toton which had been earmarked for storage is now showing ‘maintenance’ so a reprieve appears to be on the cards.
60025 (WCBN) latterly out of use at Thornaby and a one time candidate for storage has been repaired and returned to normal traffic.
60081 (WCBN) remains sidelined at Toton awaiting developments.

13/04/05
56071 (WZGF) latterly in store at Healey Mills has been noted at Wembley with 56094 56095 56113 and 56133 (all WZGF) which are still located there awaiting onward transfer.
90033 has been stopped and stored WNTS at Crewe EMD whilst 92019 has been reinstated to WTAE from store and light overhaul at Crewe EMD.

Wembley Vans…
The six remaining IWCA Class 87s, 87001 87002 87004 87010 87012 and 87019, have had their home depot allocation changed from Willesden to Wembley.

XHMW additions…
20314 and 37194, both at Glasgow Works for attention, have been reallocated to the DRS XHMW pool. 20314 was extracted from Southminster by road yesterday for movement to Glasgow for repairs whilst 37194 was deposited there yesterday.

Autun 20s...
It has been indicated that the repatriation of the four CFD Class 20s, 20035 20063 20139 and 20228, is to take place next week through Southampton.

12/04/05
37425 (WKCK) has been out-shopped in large logo blue at Toton albeit with incorrect style numbers.
60008 (WCAN) was hauled, with 60004 (WCBN), from Warrington to Immingham today via the 6E33 Knowsley to Immingham working with 66197 at the helm. 60008 is N ONE awaiting transfer to store. Meanwhile at Millerhill, 60001 has been noted sidelined with an oil spattered bodyside, not a good sign.

Class 87s, further details…
The Willesden to Caerwent move with 87005 87024 87029 and 87035 scheduled to run on the 14th is on however only 87005 and 87029 are earmarked for component recovery and breaking up. For the time being 87024 and 87035 are for further storage albeit at a less than ideal location. Further Class 87s may be removed from Willesden in due course and these might be moved to Oxley, as might the remaining VT employed examples when they come off lease. Oxley will be an ideal location as stored electric locomotives can be powered up as required. Times for the Willesden to Caerwent run are: Willesden (d) 11:00, Swindon 13:03, Bath 13:37, Bristol Parkway 14:03–14:11, Gloucester 14:49, East Usk 15:44–16:29, Caerwent (a) 17:00.

Following on from yesterday’s notes it seems that the Bosnian venture is still on going, very much more than on the back burner at any rate. Besides this there is plenty of speculation as to who may be after having what at some point however if all the operators reportedly interested in Class 87s take on what they are, again I’ll use the phrase reportedly, to take then there will simply not be enough Class 87s to go round. Cotswold Rail are set to acquire 87003 87007 87008 and 87023 and there is a fair likelihood that they may take on another two or possibly more locomotives. DRS have 87006 87022 87028 and 87032 on their books and despite officially stating that they are not having any more there is continuing industry speculation that as many as six more may be heading their way at some point. The SRA are understood to be involved so this may become a quite protracted matter. GBRf have two to date, 87013 and 87014, but depending on developments with mail / Intermodal / sleeper traffic their fleet may be increased. Speculation some months ago suggested that GBRf could be interested in up to twelve examples but there has not been anything on this recently. As for Bosnia, if the deal is finalised, we are looking at *possibly* as many as about fifteen Class 87s being involved whilst there are continuing suggestions that there is a fair amount of interest in obtaining Class 87s for ‘preservation’, 87001 87002 87009 87018 and 87034 have been mentioned, and there have been enquiries from other charter / spot hire operators. Potentially interesting times ahead...

11/04/05

Scrap 87s…?
Whilst sources have been suggesting that no more Class 87s are to go for scrap reports indicate that there is a movement from Willesden to Caerwent booked to run at 11:00 on the 14th with 87005 87024 87029 and 87035 as the consist.

Bosnian 87s…
Although it would be unfair to suggest that the deal to despatch a number of Class 87s to Bosnia is dead in the water it has been established that one or two issues could not be resolved and things have been moved to the back burner for the time being.

Toton Training Compound…
Further to the earlier mention that it was looking like the Training Compound, or the ‘Play Pen’ as it is sometimes referred to locally, was to be cleared of stored locomotives it has been established that this is the case and is being done to make way for the building of a new spares and parts distribution centre. It is quite likely the locomotives that are to be removed will be moved away from Toton altogether with Healey Mills being the most likely destination for these.

MTU power cars…
There are indications that the two re-engineered power cars, 43004 and 43009, currently at Brush Loughborough, will be available for mainline testing sometime during May.

09/04/05
47358 (DHLT) has made its move from Crewe to Southampton Maritime.

Toton…
The latest Class 56 to receive Fertis grey at Toton is 56058 which means there are now six Fertis ‘grids’ on shed, three of which have yet to receive the branding. 56018 56032 and 56058 are as yet unbranded whilst 56096 56105 and 56106 are fully liveried.
58028, latterly located inside the main shed donating parts for the repair of 58038, has been despatched to the Training Compound exchanging places with 58014 which was removed from the Compound about a week ago but has since been moved inside for spares recovery as required.
Four stored locomotives, 37429 47726 47758 and 58023, have been extracted from the Training Compound being repositioned near the paintshop facility at the rear of the main depot buildings. There have been suggestions that the Compound area is to be redeveloped and put to further use which, if so, may explain why these have been moved out.

Healey Mills grids…
The four most recent arrivals from Immingham have been parked behind the first batch to arrive. For the record the eight Class 56s are lined up: 56104 56103 56110 56068 56112 56041 56037 and 56116.

08/04/05
37425 (WKCK) currently undergoing its cosmetic transformation in the paint shop at Toton is due to be unveiled in its new guise on the 12th.
56071 (WZGF) at Healey Mills has been assigned for transfer to Old Oak Common by the 19th.

Disposal…
The demolition of 37902, stored from Canton’s WKHN pool in December 1998, has been completed at Sims Beeston, RIP.

Willesden 87s…
There was a fairly extensive shunt around with the stored Class 87s, many now in graffiti livery following a recent attack, at Willesden yesterday which, apart from tidying things up, has resulted in 87005 being admitted to the shed again. Although to date there have been several reports that 87005 along with possibly another or other Class 87s are to have been despatched west for disposal or further storage without any transfers actually taking place could it finally be on its way this time?

07/04/05 17:05
37610 (XHMW) has been released from Brush Loughborough being escorted north to Kingmoor today sandwiched between 33207 and 33030.
56037 56041 56112 and 56116 (all WNXX) have been moved from Immingham to Healey Mills. The next batch of four Class 56s for transfer out from Immingham are being prepared for movement.
90016 (DFLC) the replacement for fire damaged 90050 nearly caught fire itself yesterday when on arrival at Ipswich at the head of the 4L89 service early signs of combustion where noticed. Fortunately a quick reaction by the train crew averted a more serious situation developing.

07/04/05 08:05

WNZX…
It’s been a while, about a year, but EWS have identified a number of redundant Class 08s and a handful of surplus Class 37s to be offered for sale. Recently transferred to WNZX are 08492 08529 08758 08813 08815 08825 08827 08882 08893 08901 08914 and 08931 along with 37152 37178 37672 37680 and 37704.

Doncaster Carr: 08529
Eastleigh: 37178
Ferrybridge: 08758 08882 08893 08901 08914 and 08931
Margam: 37704
Motherwell: 08492 08827 and 37152
Thornaby: 08813 37672 and 37680
Wigan CRDC: 08815 and 08825

It should be noted that the Class 08s at Ferrybridge include all three flatbed conversions plus one or two other shunters in varying states of incompleteness.

Work (back) in progress…
The disposal of 37902, work on which abruptly stopped for Easter, is underway again at Beeston. The power unit has been removed and its frame with one remaining cab and a small section of bodywork has been dumped on the ground for final cutting.

06/04/05

Healey Mills…
Correction and current displacement. Firstly the correction, 56124 has yet to make the move to Healey Mills from Knottingley contrary to yesterday’s report whilst the four recent arrivals from Immingham, 56068 56103 56104 and 56110, have yet to be shunted into the yard storage sidings with the other occupants. As viewed from the staff car park area the locomotives stored at Healey Mills are positioned as follows...

Row 1: 37688 37695 47773 47790 47787 47776 47786 47732 47750 47792 47733 47734 47737 and 47793
Row 2: 47475 56115 56093 37708 08665 56053 56055 56072 56119 56070 and 56056
Row 3: 56104 56103 56110 and 56068

56071 has been parked on its own to the north of the complex.

05/04/05
47358 (DHLT) has been assigned for movement from Crewe to Southampton Maritime for attention. Quite conveniently this gets it into the south of England ready for its scheduled appearance at the forthcoming Mid Hants Railway Diesel Gala.
60081 (WCBN) was hauled to Toton last night, in convoy with 60072 and 60060, for assessment and no doubt an investigation into what caused its recent serious engine malfunction.

Grid news…
56068 (WNXX) 56103 (WNSS) 56104 (WNTR) and 56110 (WNXX) made their move from Immingham to Healey Mills as planned last night. 56124 (WNSO) from Knottingley has also been moved to Healey Mills. At Immingham 56037 56041 56112 and 56116 (all WNXX) also awaiting movement to Healey Mills are ready for the off.

04/04/05
37418 (WNTR) has been transferred from Inverness to Motherwell being hauled south via today’s 4D05 service behind 66099.

Disposal…
The cutting of 86102, only recently delivered to MoD Caerwent, has been completed. 86102 was stored from hire to the Freightliner DFNC pool in April 2002, RIP.

Tug notes…
At one point today the assignments for store for both 60018 and 60060 had been cancelled but the assignment for N ONE for 60018 has been put back in place. It is now due N ONE at Toton on the 13th. 60008, still languishing at Warrington, is still assigned for N ONE at Toton but its due date has been amended to the 4th, today.
60025, stopped at Thornaby, with wheelset problems may also be a candidate for storage as it currently has an ok date of 25/12, very ominous. 60081 meanwhile, is due to be hauled from Crewe to Toton via the 20:00 6D51 service this evening for assessment.

Grid news…
56068 56103 56104 and 56110 are due to be hauled from Immingham to Healey Mills tonight by 66209 whilst 56037 56041 56112 and 56116 have also been identified for removal from Immingham having being booked for transfer to Healey Mills by the 8th. 56091 is still at Didcot whilst 56094 56095 56113 and 56133 are still located at Wembley.

03/04/05
20314 (XHSD) has been sidelined at Southminster with a broken spring which may require a recovery by road.
60081 (WCBN) went bang, literally, this morning whilst heading the 6L55 Llandudno Junction to Crewe engineers working with 60072 on the rear. Between Chester and Crewe 60081 suffered what has been described as a crankcase explosion, dents in its bodyside support this, and the service had to return to Chester where 60072 ran round to take over.

VT West Coast 87s, endgame…
It is planned that the six IWCA Class 87s will stay as they are until the end of May when 87004 and 87010 along with coaching set VW82 are to be stood down. The then four remaining Class 87s, 87001 87002 87012 and 87019, along with coaching sets VW80 and VW81 are set to last a further month being released at the end of June.

02/04/05 23:10
37421 (WNTR) has been moved south from Inverness to Motherwell. 37418 (WNTR) remains at Inverness.

02/04/05 10:15

Bits and pieces revisited…
No news yet today but a quick note about yesterday’s ‘bits and pieces’ article. Firstly for those who didn’t notice the date, you know who you are, it was April the 1st which means we have the traditional April Fools wind up. This year is different though as although some of the items listed were complete and absolute twaddle some of the items do have an element of truth, of varying degree, to them. Only time will tell which ones these are… :~)

01/04/05 20:05
08798 has been stored WNTR at Old Oak Common.
37418 and 37421 still at Inverness awaiting transfer to Motherwell have been stored WNTR whilst 37427 has been reallocated to Motherwell’s WKBM pool from WKAD. These changes render the WKAD and WKSN pools obsolete and also leaves EWS with no Class 37s based in England.
56032 (WZGF) at Toton has been out-shopped in Fertis grey albeit unbranded as yet.
60008 60018 and 60060 have not been stored today but have gained a temporary reprieve. Whilst 60008 sidelined at Warrington is still assigned for N ONE at Toton today it remains allocated to the WCAN pool as do 60018 and 60060 which are now assigned for N ONE at Toton on the 4th.
67001 and 67030 from store at Toton along with 67018 from store at Doncaster Carr have been reinstated to WAAK from WNTR. It’s only a net fleet increase of two though as 67010 sidelined at Toton with engine trouble has been stored WNTS.
87003 (SBXL) is reported to have been rubbed down for a repaint at Willesden. Silver perhaps…?

01/04/05 10:45
37087 (XHCK) has been repainted in DRS livery at Barrow Hill.
37418 and 37421 (both WKSN) at Inverness are now on ‘transfer’ status awaiting movement to Motherwell.
56091 (WZGF) was removed south from Warrington as far as Didcot last night in the consist of the 6O12 Eastleigh working behind 92028.
56094 56095 56113 and 56133 (all WZGF) were taken south from Doncaster Belmont to Wembley overnight in the consist of the 6M97 working hauled by 92011.
60008 (WCAN) is still at Warrington whilst 60018 (WCAN) has been stopped at Peak Forest to await transfer to Toton and store. 60060 (WCAN) is still out and about working in the North East this morning.

Bits and pieces...
A few items that may or may not be of interest, today…

At Toton recently an as yet unidentified Class 60 has had its Mirlees power unit removed to facilitate the insertion of a spare GM unit. This is being done to evaluate space constraints within the Class 60 superstructure.
The body shell of 33203 to be mounted on a plinth as part of a railway theme restaurant venture.
GBRf are looking to add to their Class 87 fleet which currently totals just two examples. Expansion into the Intermodal market and the expansion of the current mail traffic portfolio along with the possible taking in house of the West Coast sleeper service from the end of 2005 being cited as reasons for this.
The seven stored ex EPS Class 92s at Crewe EMD look set to be sold to Network Rail who are to provide an electric shuttle north of Preston for topping diesel hauled freight services over the Cumbrian fells as per the SRA directive relating to speeding up non passenger services over this part of the WCML.
Due to a new round of Pendolino software modifications that need introducing the WCML Class 87 fleet is to be temporarily increased to around ten examples to cover. The most recent Class 87 storage's are expected to be returned to use first.
When the EWS open access arrangement in France gets off the ground it is most likely that Class 56s and Class 58s will be chosen for use in France as opposed to utilising Class 66s over there or sending half the Class 67 fleet over as has been suggested.
Chiltern Railways are looking into the feasibility of running full sized Inter-City style trains between Snow Hill and Marylebone utilising Mk 3 coaches and DVT sets with TDM fitted Class 67s hired in from EWS for traction.
Due to on-going reliability issues with the Anglia Class 90s consideration is now been given to resurrecting some more Class 86s to traffic to work alongside 86232 86234 and 86235. Some of the Class 86s despatched to Shoeburyness late last year may feature.
EWS to store a number of Class 60s each week from next week onwards until the active fleet is down to between 10 and 25 operational examples.
50008, once touted for export to Peru, has been sold to WCRC Carnforth.
It is likely that the DRS Class 87 fleet will be increased to ten examples in the fullness of time. They will then be able to release the Class 66/4 fleet for hire to other operators.
With 86102 recently moved to Caerwent for breaking up and 86103 already scrapped it is quite likely that 86101 will be saved for preservation.
First Group in Scotland are looking into what to do about the overcrowding problems on the Glasgow / Edinburgh / Aberdeen services. Deploying HST sets or having a batch of Class 57s converted to haul Mk 3 sets are viable options.
The use of Class 37s on the West Highland line is to end sometime this summer. EWS are keen to further reduce their fleet and Class 67s are to be deployed in their place for the remainder of 2005 until the current contract expires.
Midland Mainline, who have decided that the HST2 option is a non starter due to the time scale of the project, are trying to resurrect the old BR plan, floated in the 1980s, of electrifying through from Bedford to Sheffield or even through to Leeds. The latter apparently a favourable option now that GNER are having the Leeds to York section wired.
At least a couple of Class 86/2s are to be returned to use for spot hire and charter use as required with 86213 and 86259 being the current favourites.
VT are to run a Class 87 farewell tour north from Kings X to Edinburgh via the ECML, across to Glasgow then south to Euston via the WCML.

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