News Archive: December 2005
31/12/05
Disposal...
The disposal of 31558 at Hull's, Rotherham has been completed sometime in
the last week or so and the scrapping of 31417 is well underway, only one cab
end its engine block currently remain above frame level. 31558, officially
recorded as 31458 on the system although never physically renumbered as such,
was stored from Toton's ENTN pool in January 1996, RIP.
Anglia 90s...
The deployment of Cotswold Rail's 47714 and 47818 in top and tail mode on three
trips between Norwich and London yesterday, EWS hire ins 90019 and 90036 both
seeing action, along with the recent employment of 37405 on a late night ECS
working from London to Norwich, has prompted a closer look at the Anglia IANA
Class 90 fleet and its current state of play. Lets hope things improve in the
new year.
90001 IANA In traffic, no defects
90002 IANA In traffic, number 1 end leading only
90003 IANA In traffic, 3 traction motors
90004 IANA In traffic, 3 traction motors
90005 IANA In traffic, 3 traction motors
90006 IANA In traffic, no defects
90007 IANA Stopped at NC since 21/12, no details
90008 IANA In traffic, number 1 end leading only
90009 IANA Stopped at NC since 24/12, no details
90010 IANA Stopped at NC since 22/12, no details
90011 IANA Stopped at NC since 30/12, N 400 and 3 traction motors
90012 IANA Stopped at NC since 10/12, no details
90013 IANA In traffic, number 2 end leading only
90014 IANA In traffic, 3 traction motors
90015 IANA In traffic, 3 traction motors
EWS 37s...
Fleet disposition at the end of 2005.
37401 WKBM Motherwell
37405 WKCK Norwich
37406 WKBM Fort William
37411 WKCK Warrington
37416 WKBM Mossend
37417 WKBM Toton
37419 WKCK Old Oak Common
37425 WKCK Old Oak Common
37427 WKBM Inverness
Will there be a similar report at the end of 2006?
Year end
additions...
As usual at the end of the year the database is scrutinised and those
locomotives that should really be listed as stored but haven't been for one
reason or another are added to the lists. This year its five of the Class 87s
recorded as reinstated to the CREL or CRRH pools during the summer but which
haven't since ventured out from Oxley; 87003 87021 87023 87025 and 87033.
30/12/05
37668 37689 37710 and 37712 (all WNTA) have, after a trip to the shed at
Warrington for draining of fuel / coolant etc, been returned to the siding on
the west side of the WCML to the south of Warrington station.
29/12/05
37152 (WNSO) was dragged south from Mossend to Warrington in last night's 6M76
service before being hauled north again late this afternoon to Carnforth, and
into preservation, from
Warrington by 60015.
28/12/05
37152 (WNSO) has been dug out of the scrap lines at Motherwell and moved across
to Mossend ready for transfer south which was scheduled to be via the 6M76
21:34 working from Mossend as far as Warrington.
37668 37689 37710 and 37712 (all WNTA) have been moved back to the servicing
shed at Warrington and were being de-fuelled this afternoon presumably so they
can go directly to Healey Mills from where it is reported that 37688 (WNSO) is
to be extracted from on January 5th. 37688 is to join 37023 and 37051 at Brush,
Loughborough.
87028 (GBAC) has entered traffic today.
Tugs...
Three of the seven Class 60s stopped awaiting transfer to store,
60064 and 60077 (both WCBN) at Immingham along with 60073 (WCAN) sidelined at
Thornaby, have been hired to the WNTR
storage pool whilst 60087 (WNTS) has now been stopped and stored at Immingham.
Five more Class 60s have been identified for storage in the new year with 60020
60028 60031 60035 and 60068 all now having assignments for B ONE in place.
90s
in trouble...
Although 90022 (WEFE) had been stopped at Crewe EMD for store it has since been
reprieved an an exam has been authorised however three other Class 90s are
facing the chop with 90021 (WEFE) stopped at Crewe EMD since the 23rd being
allocated B ONE and hired to WNTR, 90024 (WEFE) stopped today at Crewe EMD
status C ONE and 90030 (WEFE) out of use at Crewe EMD since late November going
N ONE and on hire to WNTR.
25/12/05
47744 (now SDXL) was transferred from Crewe DMD to Barrow Hill on the 23rd
behind 47703.
24/12/05
67006 (WAAK) is now at Temple Mills for repairs following removal from Dollands
Moor by road.
Tugs...
Joining 60055 (WCBN) which was stopped by yesterday
60038 60051 60064 (all WCBN) along with 60073 60076 and 60077 (all WCAN) have
also now been
stopped for store, all are now showing B ONE and are at their respective
intended storage destinations except 60073 which is at Thornaby but still
assigned to Toton.
37152...
The movement south of 37152 from Motherwell has been rescheduled for the 28th
via a southbound service from Mossend as far as Warrington from where it will be tripped
back north to get it to Carnforth.
23/12/05
37152 (WNSO) didn't leave Motherwell last night as had been planned, it was
supposed to have been on the move at the time of putting yesterday's news update
together, but due to the loco being blocked in its transfer to Carnforth has
been deferred for the time being.
60055 (WCBN) has been stopped B ONE for storage at Toton however 60087 (WNTS
hired to WCAN) is still in traffic and is now assigned for N ONE at Immingham by
January 3rd. It has been indicated that its transfer to WNTS a few days ago may
have been slightly premature.
87028 (GBAC) is ready for re-entry into traffic for GBRf. The former DRS machine
has received a few livery embellishments including GBRf orange window surrounds,
First logo's on the cab ends and the seemingly obligatory gold painted buffers.
Although still in the DRS blue colour scheme the DRS logos have been removed.
90022 (WEFE) has been earmarked for storage having being pre-assigned for A ONE
at Crewe EMD by the 28th.
Disposal...
The cutting of 37162, stored in September 2000 from the WKMF pool on its return
from action in France, has been completed at Booths, Rotherham, RIP.
Shunter report...
08587 (WREM) has been removed from Ketton being replaced there by 08909 (WREM).
09105 (WSGW) has been returned to South Wales following repairs at Crewe EMD
displacing 09001 (WSGW) which has been moved up to Toton.
Norwich electrics...
The movement of 73138 84001 and 89001 from Norwich has been put back and now
looks set to go ahead after the Christmas break.
22/12/05
37152 (WNSO) is on the move from Motherwell to Carnforth by rail. The first leg
of its transfer will see it moved south from Scotland to Carlisle to await
onward transfer to Carnforth.
37419 and 37425 (both WKCK) returned to South Wales during the early hours of
this morning with a scrap working from the West Midlands but have left the area
again being despatched to join 37405 in the London area.
43067, another 'yellow peril' power car no longer required, has been stored SBXL
at Derby Etches Park.
47709 and 47712 (both SDFR) have been released from Carnforth repainted in
'Pullman Blue'.
57605 (IWLA) was dropped off at Brush, Loughborough this afternoon by 73206 and
73208 which were en route to Derby from London via the Midland Mainline and Loughborough.
57605 is to be fitted with snowploughs.
66215 (WBEN) has arrived at Dollands Moor where it is to await despatch to
France. This is set to go ahead early January.
67006 (WAAK) sidelined at Dollands Moor with a problematical traction motor,
probably seized, is to be recovered and removed from site by road shortly.
Disposal...
The demolition of 08817, stored from the LWSP pool in April 1999, on site at
Bryn Engineering, Wigan has been completed, RIP.
Booth's...
Please be advised that Booth's, Rotherham will not be open to the public this
coming Saturday or the Saturday after (Christmas eve and New Year's eve). The
site
will next be open to the public on the morning of Saturday January 7th 2006.
21/12/05
47145 (SDFL) has been despatched to Norwich to collect the three electric's,
73138 84001 and 89001, awaiting transfer to Barrow Hill.
60087 (WNTS) continues to see use, it was working to Lindsey this morning,
whilst 60099 (WNTS) has now been stopped for store at Immingham.
66215 (WBEN) at Wembley is assigned for transfer to Dollands Moor and it has
been indicated that 66215 will not be going through to France until early in the
new year.
87026 and 87028 (both recent reinstatements to GBAC) were released from Oxley a
couple of days ago. Whilst 87026 has entered traffic for GBRf 87028, stopped for
attention at Willesden, has yet to make its debut.
Disposal...
The cutting of 08601 on site at an engineering establishment in Wigan has been
completed, 08817 is not expected to last long now either. 08601 was stored from
Eastleigh's EWEH pool in March 1999, RIP.
Wales without EWS tractors...
37419 and 37425 left south Wales this afternoon running light engines to
Washwood Heath leaving the principality without an EWS Class 37 presence for the
first time. 37401 37406 37411 37416 and 37427 are all in Scotland at the moment
whilst 37405 is working in the South East and 37417 is at Toton.
20/12/05
66215 (WBEN) is on its way to France. Having being tripped from Toton to Bescot
overnight it was taken south to Wembley this afternoon in the consist of the
6A42 Bescot to Wembley service.
19/12/05
08921 (WSWM) a recent arrival at Warrington is on the move again being taken
away on a low loader this afternoon. 08921 was moved up from Sheerness to
Castleton last month before being forwarded to Warrington.
57001 has been reinstated to DFTZ from store and more recently repairs at
Southampton Maritime. It worked the 4M55 from Southampton to Lawley St with
57006 this morning.
60004 from store at Toton has been reinstated to the WCBN pool but 60069
sidelined at Toton with collision damage and 60082 stopped at Immingham with
engine problems have been stored WNTS. 60087 and 60099, two of the Class 60s
already earmarked for storage on the 24th and 19th respectively have also been
transferred to storage and WNTS but both of these are still in active traffic.
66215 at Toton has been reinstated of sorts being reallocated from WNTS to WBEN,
a new pool coded EWS European.
87002 sidelined at Wembley for the last few weeks has now been stored SBXL but
returning to traffic from Oxley 87026 has been reallocated to GBAC from CRRH
whilst 87028 is reinstated to GBAC from SBXL.
Work
in progress..
The final demolition of the shells of 08601 and 08817 removed from Wigan CRDC to
a nearby engineering establishment back in February is underway.
North Star...
47840 (GBZZ) eventually made it through to Scotland today but has returned south
again. Having worked north this morning to Shieldmuir with the 1S41 mail service
it has returned with the 1M44 Shieldmuir to Warrington to continue south with
the 1A97 Warrington to Willesden.
Barrow Hill returnees...
Reports indicate that 73138 (ACED) 84001 (MBEL) and 89001 (ACXX) currently at
Norwich are being prepared to be returned to Barrow Hill with movement north on
the 21st being quoted.
ScotRail Sleepers...
EWS have announced that they have secured the ScotRail Sleeper contract through
to 2011 and have outlined their plans for the traction involved with these
workings. The five dedicated Class 90s are to be re-branded in First ScotRail's
livery and the Class 37s currently employed on the Fort William sections are to
be replaced by Class 67s in due course. The Aberdeen / Inverness portions are
already hauled by Class 67s.
Fishguard...
As anticipated loco haulage between Cardiff and Fishguard has ceased and the
operation has returned to units however Arriva have been quoted as stating that
if and when required a loco hauled set will be turned out if necessary.
18/12/05
Disposal...
The cutting of 08932, stored from Cardiff Canton's WSAW pool in December 1999,
has been completed on site at Crewe DMD, RIP.
17/12/05
08775 (WNTR) has been transported to Warrington from Goole. It had been
in use covering for 09106 (WSNE) which has been returned from Doncaster.
43121 and 43158 (both SBXL) have completed their move to Long Marston being
hauled from Gloucester this morning by 20096 and 20905 currently on hire to
Cotswold Rail from HNRC.
Disposals...
At Hull's Rotherham 56066 has been consigned into history and a start has been
made on the demolition of 31558. 56066 was stored from Immingham's WGAI pool in
April 1999, RIP.
Down the road at Booth's all that now remains of 56121 is a frame on bogies.
47241 is still as was, both cabs and frame on bogies whilst the scrapping of
37162 is in progress with little more than one cab and frame remaining when
viewed this morning. 56121 was stored from Immingham's WGAI pool in February
1999, RIP.
Tugs and their assignments...
There has again been several changes to the Class 60s with pre-assignments for
store in place. 60023 has been taken off the list and authorised to receive a B
exam, 60064 60077 and 60087 have been added to the list whilst the others have
all had their respective dates amended. A summary of the changes...
60023 WCBN assignment for store cancelled and a B exam
authorised
60038 WCBN is now assigned B ONE at Toton 24/12, amended from 18/12
60051 WCBN is now assigned B ONE at Thornaby 24/12, amended from 17/12
60055 WCBN is now assigned B ONE at Toton 24/12, amended from 17/12
60064 WCBN has been assigned for B ONE at Immingham 24/12
60073 WCAN is now assigned B ONE at Toton 24/12, amended from 17/12
60076 WCAN is now assigned N ONE at Toton, amended from 18/12
60077 WCBN has been assigned for B ONE at Immingham 24/12
60087 WCAN has been assigned for B ONE at Immingham 24/12
60099 WCAN is now assigned B ONE at Immingham 19/12, amended from 17/12
16/12/05
43121 and 43158 (both SBXL) have been removed from MoD Bicester, Cotswold
Rail providing 20096 and 47316 for traction. Destined ultimately to go to Long
Marston the ensemble has been recessed at Gloucester to await forwarding,
possibly tomorrow.
More vans for GBRf...
Due to an increased workload during the run up to Christmas GBRf are to have two
more Class 87s added to their fleet short term and indications are that 87026
(CRRH) and 87028 (SBXL) from Oxley are to be the two involved.
EWS Class 37s...
37411 (WKCK) has been to Warrington for its exam and is now to go north to
Scotland whilst 37425 (WKCK) handled today's Fishguard job. Today the 4s were...
37401 WKBM Inverness, snowplough standby
37405 WKCK Acton, snowplough standby
37406 WKBM working to / from Fort William
37411 WKCK Warrington, exam
37416 WKBM Motherwell, exam
37417 WKBM Toton, exam
37419 WKCK Cardiff Canton
37425 WKCK working to / from Fishguard
37427 WKBM working in Scotland
15/12/05
47303 (DFLM) has been stopped and stored DHLT at Crewe Basford Hall. It had a final
fling last night on the 4V08 Crewe to Wentloog and the 4M68 return. Meanwhile
47150 (DFLH), reinstated last month is still receiving attention at Crewe whilst
47847 (RTLO) has been on hire to Freightliner for route learning / driver
training duties.
60038 (WCBN) is back on the list of Class 60s to be stored, its B ONE assignment
being reinstated.
Fishguard finale already...
Reports indicate that tomorrow's loco hauled Cardiff to Fishguard and return
working will be the last utilising an EWS Class 37 and stock. At the time of
writing 37425 was allocated whilst 37411, requested to be retained in South
Wales for this service, is booked to go north to Warrington for an A exam.
GBRf
reds...
Due to the late delivery of four new Class 66s for GBRf GM have arranged for two
EWS Class 66s to go on lease to GBRf for the next few months. 66063 and 66175
(both WBAN) have been hired.
Doncaster Gronks...
Carr area shunter report 13/12/05...
Shed (south end): 08925
(WNXX) 09202 (WSNE) 08941 (WREM) 08909 (WREM) 08737 (WREM)
Shed (inside): 08888 (WREM) 08784 (WSNE)
Shed (north end): 08597 (WNTR) 09007 (WNTS) 09021 (WNXX) 08752 (WNXX) 08582
(WNXX) 08799 (WSNE)
Wood Yard: 08514 (WSNE) 08994 (WNTR)
West Coast Mk3 finale...?
VTWC are in the process of phasing out the use of loco hauled sets with hired
Class 90s on the WCML thus implementing a full Pendolino operation. It had been
planned to turn out a 90 and stock is for the 18:10 Euston to Wolverhampton
tomorrow, DVT 82101 has been suitably bulled up at Wembley, but this has now
been shelved and the service is scheduled to be a Pendolino.
13/12/05
43065 (SBXL) has been extracted from Bicester and transferred to Long Marston.
Cotswold Rail's 47316 being employed for the move today, the full consist of
which was 17173, acting as a barrier coach, HST trailers 44091 42321 42320 40402
41169 41148 44088 and 42294 along with power car 43065.
First...
With the news today that First Group have been awarded the new Greater Western
franchise we should shortly start to see developments with the HST fleet,
including the stored power cars owned outright by the group, the main aspect
being the re-equipping of further power cars with MTU power units as at present
fitted inside 43004 and 43009.
12/12/05
92011 has been stopped and stored WNTS at Crewe EMD where it is booked to
undergo a light overhaul. Its replacement is 92041 reinstated to WTAE from store
at Crewe EMD.
Tugs...
The eight Class 60s, 60024 60027 60038 60051 60055 60073 60093 and 60099, that
had been earmarked for storage are still at large whilst 60062 (WCAN) recently
stopped with minor fire damage has been returned to use following attention at
Toton. The sandite season has been extended in some areas however and the relative assignments for store have either been rescinded,
amended or reallocated to other Class 60s...
60023 WCBN has been assigned B ONE at Toton 18/12
60024 WCAN assignment cancelled and a B exam
authorised
60027 WCBN assignment cancelled and a B exam authorised
60038 WCBN assignment cancelled
60051 WCBN assignment amended to B ONE at Toton 18/12
60055 WCBN assignment amended to B ONE at Toton 17/12
60073 WCAN assignment amended to B ONE at Toton 17/12
60076 WCAN has been assigned B ONE at Toton 18/12
60093 WCAN assignment cancelled and a B exam authorised
60099 WCAN assignment amended to B ONE at Immingham 17/12
Freightliner...
Whilst 57004 at Eastleigh has been reinstated to the DFTZ pool 47303 (DFLM) has
been assigned for N DEC, and probable storage, at Crewe by the 14th.
Fishguard...
37411 has been turned out for today's inaugural service from Cardiff to
Fishguard whilst 37425 has been deployed on local South Wales freight workings.
At 09:45 the EWS Class 37/4s were...
37401 WKBM Motherwell
37405 WKCK Cardiff Canton
37406 WKBM 1M41 Edinburgh to Fort William
37411 WKCK 5B96 Cardiff Canton to Cardiff (for 1B96 to Fishguard)
37416 WKBM 6S39 Toton to Millerhill
37417 WKBM Toton
37419 WKCK Cardiff Canton
37425 WKCK Margam
37427 WKBM 6G36 Bescot to Birch
North Wales coast...
57314 is out again on the North Wales coast whilst 57312 has replaced 57302 for
driver training duties off Chester.
10/12/05
56066 has arrived at Hull's Rotherham, this is now confirmed, where since
arrival from Derby its bodyshell has been sliced in two. 31417 and 31558 are
still on site.
57001 (DHLT) has been moved from Eastleigh to Southampton Maritime for its exam.
Rhymney farewell...
37405 37411 and 37419 were turned out for the final fling up the Valley
from Cardiff. Whilst it would have been most appropriate to have 37425 on the
last working it had been taken out of traffic to undergo it B exam at Margam,
the last working from Rhymney being handled by 37419.
60s
reprieved...?
Awaiting further details but it has been indicated that most, if not all, of the
Class 60s that had been pre assigned for storage over the next few days have
been reprieved.
Warrington 4...
37668 37689 37710 and 37712 (all WNTA) awaiting removal from Warrington to
Healey Mills have been dragged across to the sidings to the south of Bank Quay
station but on the west side of the WCML.
ECML
87...
Although they didn't manage to get one on the sleepers, a plan recently floated
but discounted, the ECML has had Class 87 action today with 87012 heading the
diverted southbound Shieldmuir to Willesden postal
which has journeyed south
via Newcastle, York etc.
09/12/05
56118 (WZGF) on hire to Fertis in France has recently suffered what appears to be a bogie
fire.
North Wales...
As anticipated the return of loco and stock on a North Wales coast diagram has
started today with 57314 being utilised. 57302 is still engaged in driver
training off Chester.
Gloucester job...
37405 and 37411 have been turned out on today's, the final, Cardiff to
Gloucester top and tail working.
08/12/05
47812 (RTLO) resplendent in BR Green following its heritage repaint at Old Oak
Common is due to be released tomorrow to return to Crewe, 09:30 off Old Oak,
with stable-mates 47815 and 47839.
57003 and 57004 (both DHLT) recently brought south from storage in Scotland have
joined 57001 (also DHLT) at Eastleigh. All three are booked to receive attention
which indicates that their return to the fold is in hand. 57001 and 57003 are to
receive C exams whilst 57004 is booked for an A exam whilst 57003 and 57004 are to be
OTMR fitted, 57001 is already equipped.
Target Fishguard...
Further details have been received regarding the Arriva service to Fishguard
which starts running on the 12th. Booked for four coaches and an EWS Class 37
the working is the weekday 1B96 10:55 Cardiff to Fishguard returning as the 1B97
13:35 Fishguard to Cardiff. At least two Class 37s are being retained in South
Wales, probably 37411 and 37425, to cover this diagram. With regards to how long
this diagram will run for there are varying reports suggesting that it will end
either late December this year or late January next year or even when spare
units are cascaded during 2006 when the new Trans-Pennine stock starts to come
on stream. Another angle on this is whether EWS are to supply traction beyond
the end of 2005, provided that the service continues to run beyond the end of
2005, and the possibility that another operator (WCRC have been hinted at) may
take over providing traction resources as required.
Back to the present and
37405 partnered 37425 on today's Cardiff to Gloucester workings, the last run of
which will be tomorrow, whilst the last day for the EWS Class 37s on the Rhymney
line is on the 10th with a full Saturday diagram in force. All three sets are
due to be out and there is to be an additional 18:15 return to Cardiff working
to get the stock back from Rhymney. The last Class 37 hauled set is scheduled to
be the 20:20 Rhymney to Cardiff for which it is hoped to diagram 37425 to as it
was 37425 itself which inaugurated the Rhymney loco hauled workings a decade
ago.
07/12/05
56066 was removed by road from Derby RTC on a low loader shortly after lunchtime
today. It is thought to be Hull's Rotherham bound.
Warrington clearout part 2...
The four stored Class 37s at Warrington, 37668 37689 37710 and 37712 (all WNTA),
are being prepared for removal from Warrington. It has been indicated that they
are Healey Mills bound.
Arriva 37s...
37419 and 37425 were back in action with the Cardiff to Gloucester top and tail
working today. This service is to run for two more days then switch to workings
from Cardiff to Fishguard from next week onwards, 09:55 out from Cardiff. The
Rhymney service winds up this weekend but it appears that at least two Class 37s
are being retained for South Wales passenger duties until late December.
06/12/05
37405 (WKCK) has been released from its B exam at Margam and the assignment to
store for 37425 has been rescinded. 37425 is now booked to receive a B exam at
Margam instead.
47358 (DHLT) currently 'stored serviceable' at Southampton Maritime is being
worked on with a view to it being returned to use predominantly for training
duties in the south of England.
47840 (GBZZ) is back in working order being diagrammed to work the 1Z95
19:00 Willesden to Warrington and corresponding 1A93 Warrington to Willesden
postal workings. Scotland will have to wait a little longer.
57004 (DHLT) has left Coatbridge and was, mid afternoon, en route to Southampton
via the 4O27 working from Crewe.
Arriva North Wales...
The loco hauled substitution utilising VT Class 57s is now looking like its
going to commence running
from Friday (16/12/05), it had been scheduled to get underway tomorrow morning
but driver training is still on going. 57302 and 57314 were the two Class 57s despatched
to Chester yesterday. As far as is known the diagram posted a couple of days ago
is what the set will be working but it should be noted that the timetable change
this coming weekend may see this change. As to when the 57s and stock combo will
run until this has been variously reported as December 23rd, January 28th 2006
or until further notice...
05/12/05
Yet
more for the bin...
Two more Class 60s have been identified for storage with 60051 (WCBN) and 60073
(WCAN) being assigned for B ONE at Thornaby on the 11th and Toton on the 16th
respectively.
Freightliner 57s...
57003 (DHLT) was hauled south from Coatbridge on the 2nd to Southampton whilst
57004 (DHLT) at Coatbridge is assigned for movement to Eastleigh and fitment of
OTMR. 57001 (DHLT) at Eastleigh has been fitted with OTMR and is now 'on
decision'.
North Star no show...
47840 (GBZZ) which had been booked to work this morning's 10:40 1S40 from
Willesden to Shieldmuir has been declared a failure at Hoo Junction so isn't
available to work north today as planned.
Gloucester shuttle...
The 09:10 Cardiff to Gloucester today is
formed of stock and two Class 37s in top and tail mode utilising 37419 and 37425.
It had been noted that these two appeared to be powering together on the Rhymney do
yesterday so it is assumed that they have
been set up to work in the same fashion as the 37s used last year on the Arriva
Settle and Carlisle job.
The full diagram is 2G56
09:10 Cardiff to
Gloucester (10:15), 2G61 10:50 Gloucester to Cardiff (11:55), 2G64 13:10 Cardiff to
Gloucester (14:15), 2G67 14:45 Gloucester to Cardiff (15:50) after which the 37s will
return to the Rhymney circuit. It is understood that the stock is booked for
maintenance tomorrow so, this being the case, any further outings will be from the 7th onwards.
North Wales 57s...
Two VT Class 57s have worked to Chester this morning, one light
engine from Liverpool and the other with a coaching set from Crewe. Evidently
preparations for a return to loco hauled vice DMU are underway.
04/12/05
Up
the Valley...
Today's Rhymney Farewell specials have been handled by 37419 and 37425 on the
first set, 37411 and initially 50049 then 50031 on the second set with 33207 and 47854 on the third.
Cryptic tip off...?
Top and tailed Class 37s, 09:10 Cardiff to Gloucester and the 13:10 Cardiff
to Gloucester and the corresponding returns... No further details received but no doubt more will be forthcoming.
North Wales Coast...?
There is an ECS (08:55 Crewe to Chester) booked for tomorrow morning, loco or
locos and stock, for Arriva. This is no doubt coupled to the speculation that
loco hauled workings are to return to the North Wales Coast shortly. Proposed
timings and workings are reported to be the 06:37 Bangor to Manchester P, 10:03
Manchester P to Holyhead, 13:35 Holyhead to Manchester P, 17:41 Manchester P to
Chester. As for traction, if the workings go ahead, there is some disagreement
but Class 47s or VT Class 57s ( possibly in top and tail mode) have been
mentioned. Ongoing...
325017...
Following on from the reports that the consist of 47840's test run on the
2nd included 325017 a few people have commented that this unit dosen't exist
however it transpires that 325017 is a newly formed hybrid set made up from the
trailers of 325009 and the motor coach from 325010.
03/12/05
Disposals...
Another two to report and again one slightly belated. It has been established
that 31411 recently moved up to Hull's Rotherham from Barrow Hill has been
disposed of. The cutting of 31411, stored from Bescot's LBRB pool back in April
1995, was completed during mid to late November, RIP. At Booth's Rotherham the
cutting of 86430 is as good as complete as only its frame and bogies were in
evidence this morning. 86430 was stored from Freightliner's DFNC pool in July
2004 after being on long term hire from EWS with 86426, RIP.
Other scrapper notes...
At Booth's a start has been made on finishing off 37074 which has lingered since
early November as a frame on bogies. For all intents and purposes its disposal
will remain recorded as having taken place last month as this was when it was
rendered unrecognisable and regarded as scrapped. 56121 is down to just to one
cab, some bodywork and frame on bogies whilst 47241 remains as was, cabs and
frame on bogies.
Up the road at Hull's 31417 is still present parked next to 31558, the arrival
of which from Tyseley is thus confirmed, whilst the disposal of 37384 at
Kingsbury a few days ago is also now confirmed.
Oystermouth...
The Class 56 Group are pleased to announce that 56040 (WNSO) currently at
Immingham is now their locomotive will be removed from Humberside to the Mid
Norfolk Railway as soon as is practically possible for restoration.
Farm
subsidies...
No, not this European Union Common Agricultural Policy business that President,
sorry, Prime Minister Blair is getting into all sorts of bother with at the
moment, but the fiasco with 33103 at Sleaford today. Having being turned out for
charter work to Lincoln in lieu of a steamer 33103 promptly ground to a
halt at Sleaford having run short of fuel. Consideration was given to sending
31454 over from Leicester, itself having already been involved in the recovery
of a failed 45112 and its charter earlier in the day, but a local Sleaford
farmer with a small tanker and several hundred gallons of diesel came to the aid
of 33103 which once refuelled continued with its journey. It wasn't just FM Rail
in bother today as EWS came to grief at Bromsgrove with a Swindon to Lincoln
charter when 67017 came to a halt in need of banking up the Lickey Incline. A
banking locomotive had apparently been booked but wasn't where it should have
been when 67017 needed its assistance.
02/12/05
31558 (SDXL) was removed from Tyseley on November 29th and is assumed to be at
Hull's Rotherham for disposal now.
43092 and 43198 (both FGXP) were hauled from Reading to Landore by 66610 today.
More
for the bin...
Three more Class 60s have been identified for storage with 60038 and 60055 being
assigned for B ONE at Toton on the 11th whilst 60099 is assigned for B ONE at
Immingham, again on the 11th.
47840...
After attention to a fused battery isolator switch and a test run last night
47840 went ahead with its test run from Willesden to Bristol and back today as
planned with 325015 325017 and 57602 in tow. 47840 is booked to work the 1S40
Willesden to Shieldmuir on the 5th;
Willesden 10:46, Rugby
11:51, Stafford 12:47, Crewe 13:04-13:17, Warrington 13:42, Preston 14:53,
Carlisle 16:10, Carstairs 17:16, Shieldmuir 17:50.
West Coast 33s...
33025 and 33207 (both still XHSS) are out and about again. Whilst 33025 has run
to Ferme Park with 47826 for charter work tomorrow 33207 has been accompanied by
47854 from Carnforth to Cardiff for this coming Sunday's Rhymney do.
ECML 87s...
What might have been is probably the best description. With the Anglo-Scottish
sleeper workings scheduled to be diverted via the ECML on the 4th it is
understood that a proposal was put forward to use the GBRf pair, 87012 and
87019, for these workings. Alas it is not to be.
Another Grid preserved...?
Apparently the Class 56 Group have secured a Class 56, one of those recently
sold by EWS, for preservation. Pending an announcement to the group members its
identity will be kept under wraps for the time being...
01/12/05
47197 (DHLT) has been resurrected as the Basford Hall shunting engine, a role it
was carrying out prior to being stored in October with 47150. 47150 which was
reportedly to be taking over from 47197 as the Basford Hall shunting locomotive
has since been reinstated.
60062 (WCAN) caught fire, the severity of which is not clear at the moment,
whilst working this mornings 6M58 from Drax.
Disposals...
Two to report, one of which is slightly belated. At Kingsbury, pending absolute
confirmation, the disposal of 37384, a recent arrival there from Loughborough,
has been completed. 37384 was stored from Bescot's WKMS pool back in December
1999, RIP, meanwhile the disposal of 87024 at Caerwent has been carried out with cutting believed to
have been completed by mid November. 87024 was stored from the West Coast IWCA
pool October 2004, RIP.
EWS
Class 37s...
With the news yesterday that recently named (and repainted for that matter)
37425 has been earmarked for storage there has been some discussion as to what
EWS are going to do with the fleet when the Rhymney's end in a couple of weeks
time. To start with here is the current EWS Class 37 disposition and hours
accumulated...
37401 WKBM 10,354
37405 WKCK 9,440
37406 WKBM 3,614
37411 WKCK 10,902
37416 WKBM 10,147
37417 WKBM 2,983
37419 WKCK 11,227
37425 WKCK 10,044
37427 WKBM 11,181
Evidently the old hours limit of 10,800
no longer applies as we have three members of the fleet, 37411 37419 and 37427,
already over the former limit with three others, 37401 37416 and 37425, in the
10,000+ bracket. 37405 is on 9,400+ hours whilst overhauled 37406 and 37417 both
remain below the 4,000 hours mark. The following is largely speculative but it
would appear that the criteria regarding candidates for storage now depends on
the situation with their B exams and what is due, as for example, 37419 with the
highest hours has recently received a B but to date is not pre-assigned for
store.
Then there is a question with regards to what the fleet requirement is after the
end of the Rhymney's in December. Motherwell currently have five Class 37s
allocated to the WKBM pool and this is likely to be increased. It has been
indicated that this winter, as with last winter, there are to be two Class 37s
on snowplough standby duties so that would see at least two of the four Margam
examples gravitating north to bolster the Motherwell allocation. This and the
planned storage of 37425 speculatively accounts for eight of the nine.
However there are the 'Arriva taking on two Class 37s' rumours currently doing
the rounds. Totally unfounded but there has been mutterings about Arriva taking
37411 and 37425 over from EWS. This may stem from the news that Arriva having
requested that two Class 37s be retained in the South Wales area for stand by,
they are short of units at the moment, and snow plough duties if required. As always, time will tell...
Going North Star...
5Z36 Willesden PRDC to Bristol Parkway
Willesden PRDC 09:30, Willesden 09:50, Acton 10:00, Slough 10:21, Reading 10:45,
Didcot 11:02, Swindon 11:21, Bristol Parkway RMT 12:00
5Z37 Bristol Parkway to Willesden PRDC
Bristol Parkway RMT 12:37, Filton Junction 12:42, Bath 13:02, Chippenham 13:15,
Swindon 13:33, Didcot 13:51, Reading 14:06, Slough 14:30, Acton 14:51, Willesden
14:59, Willesden PRDC 15:15
Reading move...
Tomorrow's HST power car transfer from Reading is booked to leave the DMU depot
between 10:30 and 11:00. 66610 has been rostered.
top | November 2005 | news archives | wnxx