| News Archive: January 2007 |
31/01/07
Shed on the road...
66245 (WBAI) reportedly with severe wheel flats has been moved up from the
Merehead area to Toton by road being noted traversing the M3 motorway this
morning and on the M1 at Newport Pagnell this afternoon.
Disposal...
Cutting has resumed at Kingsbury and 08449, stored from Toton's ENSN pool back
in March 1996, has been broken up, RIP.
Blue Pullman changes hands...
The operation of the Blue Pullman charter train appears to have been taken over by Cotswold
Rail, an addition to their web site regarding this can be found at this address:
http://cotswoldrail.co.uk/bluepullman/. Rivera Train's 47839 and 47843 had
been / are allocated to work this weekends jaunt from Kings X to Buxton and
return.
30/01/07
47703 (CRRH) has entered traffic with Cotswold Rail making
its way west from East Ham this afternoon.
86217 and 86250 (both SAXL) have been moved from Oxley to Long Marston. Hauled
to Bescot Yard yesterday, as far as can be ascertained, they were forwarded to
Long Marston behind 66055 this morning.
Shunter notes...
08993 (WNTR) is still in residence at Washwood Heath whilst 08994 (WSEM), its
duties at Peak Forest being taken over by 08393 (WSEM), has been deposited at
Doncaster Carr.
Loughborough power cars...
Delivered to Brush Traction late yesterday for re-engineering were 43024 and the
delayed 43169, brought in behind 47828 whilst departing today following
re-engineering were 43129 and 43168, 47828 taking them away to Landore for
re-commissioning. 43168, one of the pair released today, becomes the first HST
power car to have been fitted with four different types of power unit; the
original Valenta, a Mirlees, a VP185 and now the MTU unit.
29/01/07
08994 (WSEM) latterly in use at Peak Forest was noted on
the M1 on the 27th on a low loader whilst it is reported that 08993 (WNTR) has
left Washwood Heath.
47703 has transferred to Cotswold Rail having being reallocated to GL and the
CRRH pool today.
50040 stood in a reasonably rotten state at the Coventry Railway Centre for some
time now is to be / is being put out of its misery. Parts are to be recovered
during its demise.
56018 56087 56105 (all WZGF) and 58046 (WZFF) have been repatriated from France
to Dollands Moor whilst 56069 and 56104 (both WZGF) along with 58009 and 58015
(both WZFF) have been moved up from Dollands Moor to Wembley Yard. These latest
returnees leave just 56078 56106 and 58035 to be returned from France.
66064 (WBEN) has gone over to France.
28/01/07
Sapper saved...?
Unconfirmed reports suggest that 47306 (WMOC) currently languishing at St Blazey
is destined to go into preservation at the nearby Bodmin & Wenford Railway.
Subject to confirmation it would appear that DRS no longer have any interest in
this locomotive thus opening the door for it to be secured for preservation.
GNER additions...
43053 and 43077 (both IMLP), two of the five power cars set to transfer to GNER
from MML, were hauled north from Neville Hill to Craigentinny on the 26th.
CR notes...
The Cotswold Rail Class 47 fleet is set to expand again with the acquisition of
47703 (SDFR) from FM Rail, transfer of which is expected to take place shortly.
47714 (CRRH) has been inspected at Gloucester, 31128 and 31452 recovering it and
47828 from St Philips Marsh a couple of days ago whilst the HST set on transfer
was forwarded to Laira from Bristol behind 43030 and 43181 coupled back to back,
and early indications are that the electronics fault is nothing more serious
than an overheated traction motor cable.
27/01/07
Tug news...
60069 has been stored WNTR at Toton but four other Class 60s; 60013 to WCAM from
store at Immingham along with 60024 60025 and 60083 from store at Toton have
been reinstated, 60024 and 60083 to WCAM whilst 60025 is to WCBI. 60025 is a
direct replacement for 60069 but 60013 60024 and 60025 are reinstated to
displace three Class 66s to the WBEN Euroshed fleet, see below...
Eurosheds...
The Euroshed allocation has been increased by five, it now totals 22, with the
transfer to WBEN of 66011 66123 66234 66241 and 66246, the latter of which is
still in normal service but the other four have already been stopped at Toton
for modifications. 66064 left Toton yesterday for France.
66026 is still stopped at Toton but has not been reallocated to WBEN whilst
66123 which was on special tests early January with 66026 is now part of the
WBEN fleet. 66249, also now stopped at Toton, joins 66026 as a potential future
addition to the fleet.
Eurotug
...!
Peak...
Credit where credit is due, many thought it wouldn't run never mind complete its
itinerary today, but 45112 (SDMS) successfully made it out to Holyhead with its
farewell to mainline running tour.
Power car transfers...
Further to yesterday's report about 43168 and 43169 swapping places at Brush it
transpires that the transfers didn't take place, delayed due to the failure of
47714 on an earlier stock transfer the preceding day, although that was to have
been the plan. 43168 is still at Loughborough awaiting collection whilst 43169
remains at Landore pending transfer to Brush.
26/01/07
43169 (EFPC) has been delivered to Brush Traction,
Loughborough for re-engineering swapping places with 43168 (EFPC) removed today
following its rebuild. 43181 (EFPC) is expected at Loughborough early next week.
45112 (SDMS) being readied for tomorrow's jolly has been out on test today
running from Derby to Derby via Sheffield with 47847 and some stock.
25/01/07
08762 (MOLO) at Wabtec for overhaul and collision damage
attention has been released from repairs and is awaiting transfer back to
Northwich.
31128 (SDPP) has been hauled to Gloucester today from Derby by 47828 prompting
speculation that Cotswold Rail may be adding another Class 31 to their books.
47714 (CRRH) becomes the second Class 47s to run into trouble in the Reading
area this week expiring with smouldering electronics near Reading Yard whilst
hauling an ECS HST set including power cars 43164 and 43170 west from Old Oak
Common this afternoon. 47828, after depositing 31128 at Gloucester, being
despatched to collect 47714.
43176 (EFPC), a recent returnee to traffic following re-engineering, suffered an
exhaust fire in the Neath area this morning whilst heading the 06:00 Swansea to
Paddington service. Although the fire brigade attended damage is not thought to
be too serious.
45112 on the move again...
With its farewell to mainline running tour due to take place in under 48 hours
45112 (SDMS) has been collected from Gloucester and taken up to Derby for
resurrection to working order. After picking up 45112 from Gloucester 47853 took
it to the Severn Valley Railway where Crewe bound 50044 was attached at
Kidderminster for transfer to LNWR at Crewe from where 45112 was forwarded from
to Derby this evening by 47847. 47847 is understood to be the nominated support
engine for the tour with 45112 on the 27th to Holyhead.
24/01/07
09022 (WSWM) noted on the move by road a couple of days ago
has been deposited at Hams Hall.
37515 (XHNC), sidelined for some months now, made a test run out from Kingmoor
this afternoon.
66725 (GBCM) the last of the new GBRf 66s to enter the fray has now been
released into traffic.
Shunter trade...
It has been indicated that, to allow the company to focus on the running of
mainline locomotives, Cotswold Rail are in the process of selling their Class
08s with RMS looking to be the likely recipients of 08699 (CROL) 08809 08847
08871 and 08936 (all CREL).
23/01/07
08834 (XHSH) latterly at DRS Kingmoor has been transported
down to Crewe, noted in the lay by J16 off the M6 this morning, being unloaded
at the DRS outpost at Gresty Lane.
43022 (EFPC) has been admitted for re-engineering at Brush Traction, Loughborough
being hauled north this morning from St Philip's Marsh behind 47714. Re-engineered 43135 (EFPC)
has been released and has been taken away to Landore for re-commissioning.
47840 (SBXL) is on its way to Crewe for tyre turning. Released from repairs at
Eastleigh 'North Star' made its way to Southampton Maritime this morning to get
it into position for transfer north to Crewe. Initially 47840 was due to be
hauled to Crewe in the consist of the 15:00 4S59 Coatbridge service but later it
was turned out as train engine for 4S59 from Southampton. All has not quite gone
to plan though as 47840 ran into difficulties in the Reading area, failing
initially at Southcote Junction before being coaxed round to Reading West Yard
where it was stopped to await assistance forward to Crewe.
66215 (WBEN) is on its way back to France being noted Dollands Moor bound this
afternoon behind 92034.
22/01/07
31452 and 33202 (both CRRH) made their way to Gloucester this morning, running as 0Z68 from Derby.
RVLO...
A new pool coded RVLO (RVE Derby Operational Locomotives) has been set up. 31106
31190 and 31459 have been allocated, all three transferring from SDPP.
Shunters
on the move...21/01/07
08359 (MBDL) has, since being observed leaving Northamptonshire yesterday, been unloaded at the Telford Steam Railway.
20/01/07
08359 (MBDL) recently advertised for sale has left the
Northampton & Lamport Railway being noted heading north on the A14 near
Northampton yesterday.
47298 (XHSS) has been moved across to Barrow Hill from Crewe LNWR presumably for
repairs or assessment.
ELR Quarries...
Materials continue to arrive at Bury for the Metrolink revamp and a virtual
quarry is being formed near Buckley Wells. ELR diesels have been getting in on
the act with 40145 and 47402 being utilised as drag back locomotives for the
incoming ballasts, 60052 being a regular on these, arriving via Heywood. The
need to use low height shunters on the Metrolink rebuild is now confirmed and
the three EWS 08/9s are expected to be heading for the ELR in due course.
19/01/07
31454 (SDPP) is now back on the 'active' list.
43176 (EFPC) has entered traffic with FGW following re-commissioning at Landore
meanwhile 43023 43035 43163 43168 43177 and 43185 (all EFPC) have recently been
reallocated to Landore from either St Philip's Marsh or Plymouth Laira.
47815 and 47853 (both RTLO) were delayed in the North West yesterday with the
return trial freight working from Grangemouth, numerous problems on the network
as a result of yesterday's breezy conditions, continuing south as a duo from
Preston but 47853 solo from Crewe to Purfleet today.
47840 (SBXL) still to visit Crewe EMD for tyre turning has not left Eastleigh
yet and its appointment with the lathe has now been put back to the 22nd.
56303 (SDFL) did make it to Derby yesterday being deposited at the RTC late
afternoon by 56302 which was en route to Tyseley for tyre turning.
Back from France...
Returnees from France in the last week or so are 56069 and 56104 (both WZGF)
along with 58009 and 58015 (both WZFF). These four are located at Dollands Moor
from where 56095 (WZGF) and 58004 (WZFF) have recently been moved up to Wembley
Yard from.
IWCA no more...
The curtain falls again with the reallocation from IWCA to SBXL of 87002 87006
and 87007 languishing at Wembley.
Heaton Power Cars...
43065 43067 43068 43080 43084 and 43123 (all SBXL) currently at DML Devonport
being prepared for a return to mainline use have been reallocated to HT
(Heaton).
Cotswold Rail expansion...
Cotswold Rail have announced the acquirement of 31452 31461 and 33202 from the
former FM Rail operation. Consequently 31452 and 33202, regarded as active, have
been reallocated to the CRRH pool whilst 31461 dumped at Derby has been
reallocated to CREL. No word yet, however, with regards the prospective
attainment of several Class 47s and / or possibly some light blue painted
coaching stock...
18/01/07
45112 (SDMS) has arrived at Gloucester and, as far as can
be ascertained, it is to be evaluated for possible use with Cotswold Rail.
47815 and 47853 (both RTLO) worked the overnight trial Purfleet to Grangemouth
working returning south this morning.
56303 (SDFL) left Doncaster this afternoon in the consist of the Thamesport
bound working behind 56302 but was detached at Rotherham. It is quite possible
that 56303, which hasn't worked for a while, is Derby bound for repairs at RVE.
17/01/07
45112 (SDMS) has been collected from Long Marston today and after being hauled initially to Oxley with a coach destined for Oxley by 47828 the 'peak' is to go to Gloucester.
Oliver said...
EWS have added another 19 locomotives to the current tender list, three Class
31s, two more Class 37s and fourteen further Class 47s. Whilst the full
itinerary can be viewed in the for sale section today's additions are 31420
31427 31466 37351 37678 47635 47727 47732 47733 (listed incorrectly on the
advert as 47773) 47734 47746 47747 47760 47761 47772 47785 47790 47792 and
47793. All the remaining EWS owned Class 31s and Class 47s bar 47799 are now up
for sale on a tender list that now totals 82 locomotives; 28 Class 08s, 3 Class
31s, 14 Class 37 and 37 Class 47s.
Bury trials...
Trial and training runs from Heywood into the East Lancashire Railway have
commenced utilising Class 60s. 60500 featured yesterday light engine whilst
60052 put in an appearance today with a loaded train in tow.
16/01/07
08770 (WNTR) latterly in use in the Cardiff area has been
moved out to Onllwyn displacing 08714 to Margam for attention / exam.
43051 43053 43056 43057 and 43077 (all IMLP), several of
the power cars currently sidelined at Neville Hill, are, along with some stock,
earmarked to transfer over to GNER.
47840 (SBXL) at Eastleigh for attention has been booked for movement to Crewe
EMD for tyre turning.
86229 86231 and 86251 (all SAXL) have completed their transfer, behind 66100
this morning, from Oxley to Long Marston via an overnight stop at Bescot.
FM Update...
47815 and 47853 (both RTLO) have been despatched to Derby and, presumably on
hire to Victa Westlink (nee FM) Rail, look set to be working freight trials, the
first of which is scheduled to run tomorrow; 4Z47 Derby to Purfleet then 4Z48
Purfleet to Grangemouth. 31459 (SDPP) has been released from East Ham and joins
the 'locomotives that can be used' fleet.
Further to the advertising for sale of 47375 and 47715 a few days ago by SHM
Smith Hodgkinson a further list, issued by GVA Grimley
http://www.gvagrimley.co.uk/, has 38 FM locomotives up for sale, including
the aforementioned 47375 and 47715, and some coaches.
Listed as available for sale by GVA Grimley are...
Class 31: 31452 31454 31461 31468 31601 & 31602
Class 33: 33046 & 33202
Class 47: 47053 47145 47186 47201 47219 47226 47228 47280 47293 47307 47313
47314 47335 47355 47360 47375 47488 47703 47709 47710 47712 47715 47717 47780 &
47832
Class 56: 56011 56021 & 56022
Class 73: 73104 & 73139
Stock: 3359 3360 3362 3408 5226 17144 17170 977193 977335 975460 & 975490
Consequently Barrow Hill resident 47488 finds itself back on the storage lists and the report mid December, before FM Rail entered administration, regarding the possible movement of 33046 and 47710 to Thomson's has obviously been overtaken by events. Many other former FM Rail locomotives are not listed but some of these are privately owned, one of which, 31190 has returned to Derby being off-loaded at the RTC following movement from the GCR-N by road a couple of days ago and has today returned to mainline use.
Private ownership...
Class 08: 08631
Class 31: 31106 31128 31190 31289 31422 31423 & 31459
Class 33: 33103
Class 37: 37255
Class 45: 45112
Class 47: 47550 & 47701
33109 is not included in the above as although reported as sold to FM Rail some time ago it transpires that the sale was either never completed or the locomotive was claimed due to finances owed and, by all accounts, is now the property of LNWR. This leaves quite a few unaccounted for and although a number of these may be subject to being embargoed where they stand if monies are deemed to be outstanding with regards to, for example, storage charges or are subject to a special arrangement which is understood to be the case with 56303...
Class 31: 31301 31415 31437 & 31439
Class 33: 33019 & 33021
Class 47: 47363 47368 47489 47525 47526 47640 47707 47716 47744 47767 & 47972
Class 56: 56303
Class 73: 73103 73105 73107 73114 73117 & 73134
20 20 Vision...
With 2007 being the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the D8000 series /
Class 20s into service HNRC in conjunction with Barrow Hill are planning to have
a bit if a do on July 14th & July 15th celebrating 50 years of the Class 20s. It
is hoped to have up to Twenty Class 20s together on site which will include
those on the Barrow Hill shuttles and those on the mainline trips out from
Barrow Hill to Hope and LaFarge Cement Works.
HNRC are hoping to have 20096 20901 20905 and 20906 OTMR fitted by this date as
well as returning 20057 20092 20105 and 20121 to running order, 20057 and 20105
being transported in from Long Marston and the Battlefield Line to Barrow Hill
beforehand. To help out with the resurrection for the event of 20057 20092 20105
and 20121 able bodied competent volunteers are sought at weekends and any help
will be greatly appreciated.
15/01/07
43320 (IECP) has re-entered traffic with GNER.
86229 86231 and 86251 (all SAXL) have been dragged from Oxley to Bescot Yard to
await forwarding to Long Marston.
Disposals...
Two to report. Up at Thomson's, Stockton 31460, stored from Bescot's CEJB pool
as long ago as December 1992, has been consigned into history whilst 47348,
stored from Crewe Diesel's WHDT pool in April 2000, the last 'no heat' Class 47
removed from traffic by EWS, has been disposed of at Hull's, Rotherham. RIP.
14/01/07
66062 (WBEN) left Toton last night bound for France.
87012 and 87019 (both SBXL) are, although despatched through the tunnel before
the New Year, still in France having being observed recently in Frethun Yard.
EWS Metro...
Engineering supplies for this summer's rebuild of the Manchester Metrolink line
to Bury are to be handled by EWS accessing the Metrolink from Heywood via a
reversal at the East Lancashire Railway's Bury Bolton Street station and a
reinstated link into the Metrolink itself to the south of Buckley Wells shed.
It is anticipated that, due to restricted overhead line clearances, the 08/9
fleet will be utilised on the Metrolink lines for moving ballast and track
laying trains. Currently 08993 (still WNTR) is in traffic at Washwood Heath,
08994 (WSEM) is at Peak Forest whilst 08995 (WNTR) is up at Thornaby for
attention.
13/01/07
43017 (EFPC), the latest admission to Brush for
re-engineering, was deposited at yesterday afternoon after haulage up to
Loughborough from South Wales by 47810. It swaps places with 43163 (EFPC) which
has been released following conversion. 47810 was noted near Saltley with 43163
in tow late afternoon.
66229 stopped for modifications at Toton has been reallocated to the WBEN
Euroshed allocation.
12/01/07
43017 (EFPC) was collected by 47810 from Landore this
morning for transfer to Brush Traction and re-engineering. 43163 (EFPC) is ready
for collection.
60047 (WNTR) and 60077 (WNTS) were deposited at Toton last
night as planned.
60075 has been stored WNTR at Thornaby swapping places with 60092 from store at
Toton which is reinstated to WCBI in its place.
66723 66724 66726 and 66727 (all GBCM) have 'gone live' today. 66723 and 66724
have moved the short distance to Willesden whilst 66726 and 66727 have gone to
Old Oak Common via a spin out to Bletchley. 66725 (GBCM) is still undergoing
attention at Wembley.
January sales expanded...
EWS have added a further 24 locomotives, twelve Class 08s and twelve Class 37s,
to the recently issued tender list. The new additions are; 08441 08506 08511
08695 08720 08792 08807 08881 08883 08896 08913 and 08927 along with 37116 37146
37216 37372 37505 37518 37520 37674 37679 37683 37705 and 37803. The full
revised list which now comprises 28 Class 08s, 12 Class 37s and 23 Class 47s,
can be viewed in the 'for sale' section.
11/01/07
43021 (EFPC) has entered traffic following re-commissioning
at Landore.
47375 (SDFL) at Derby and 47715 (SDXL) still residing at the NRM York are being
offered for sale by SHM Smith Hodgkinson, presumably on behalf of FM Rail, or
rather Victa Westlink Rail, who, in tandem with the administrators, appear to
now be running the show. An on
line advert regarding the sale of these two Class 47s can be found at this URL:
http://www.shm-group.com/uploads/ads/SHM07111_1_advert.pdf.
60047 (WNTR) and 60077 (WNTS) left Immingham early evening in the consist of the
6V19 service hauled by 60076. They are scheduled to be deposited at Toton.
66026 and 66123 (both WBAN) have been stopped for 'special tests' at Toton.
Another two for the European venture perhaps?
09/01/07
08451 08887 and 08934, the latter two of which were already
recorded as stored, have been reallocated from the ATLO operational pool to
ATXX. 08451 is understood to be at Longsight. Reallocating the other way from
ATXX to ATLO are 08454 and 08617, both of which were returned to use autumn
2006. 08611 in service at Edge Hill remains allocated to ATXX.
43106 (IECP) has been delivered to Brush Traction for
re-engineering, hauled to Loughborough this morning by 43050. 43320 (IECP) has
been released and left Brush this afternoon to Neville Hill for
re-commissioning.
47810 (CRRH) has returned to traffic venturing west via the GWML towards Bristol
this afternoon.
FM developments...
It would appear that a safety case to run some FM Rail locomotives has been
organised as several members of the fleet have been out and about
today or are showing as available for use. 31106 and 31128 (both SDPP) have been
out on Serco, 31452 (SDPP) also whilst 31602 has been out on a circular from
Derby to Derby. 47703 (SDFR) is available to use and
47832 (SDFR) had an outing today from Derby to Coalville to collect some
coaching stock from Mantle Lane which, after overnight stay at Chaddesden Yard
near Derby, are due to be forwarded to Long Marston.
08/01/07
31452 (SDPP) has been active again today, working a Serco
set in top and tail mode with 31105.
43161 and 43179 (both EFPC) have been delivered to Brush Traction at Loughborough
for re-engineering swapping places with 43130 and 43176 (both EFPC) which have
been released and despatched to Landore for re-commissioning. 47828 was supplied
for today's power car transfers.
January Sales...
EWS have put 39 locomotives up for sale, 16 Class 08s and 23 Class 47s.
Class 08s: 08411 08414 08460 08526 08635 08683 08894 08902
08910 08912 08915 08926 08942 08946 08947 and 08955
Class 47s: 47721 47722 47726 47736 47737 47739 47741 47742 47749 47750 47758
47759 47770 47773 47776 47781 47782 47783 47784 47786 47787 47789 and 47791
Embellished...
The five new GBRf Class 66s, 66723 66724 66725 66726 and 66727, delivered last
month in plain 'First Blue' have had their liveries completed with the addition
of cab side stripes as applied to the two Class 90s repainted into First
ScotRail colours recently.
07/01/07
Disposal...
A little belated but it is now established that 47704 was disposed of at Hull's,
Rotherham during December. 47345 47348 and 47803 are still on site awaiting
demolition. 47704 was put to store from Transrail's Crewe based LWRC pool back
in May 1997, RIP.
06/01/07
43161 and 43179 (both EFPC) are
spending the weekend at Gloucester prior to being despatched to Brush Traction
at Loughborough for re-engineering.
47810 at Norwich Crown Point has been reinstated back to the CRRH pool.
66045 (WBEN) has been released from modifications at Toton and is on its way to
France being hauled to Bescot yesterday afternoon in the consist of 6G45 behind
66207.
More Vossloh...
Euro Cargo Rail have acquired another two Vossloh locomotives, FB1610 (5001610)
and FB1611 (5001611) from the newer G1000 series dating from 2006. If these are
to be registered on the UK system will they become 21610 and 21611 in line with
the earlier quartet; FB1544 to FB1547 inclusive being registered as 21544 to
21547?
05/01/07
60060 (WNTR) has now been retired to store at Immingham.
FM Fleet developments...
BR Green 31190 (SDPP) currently located on the GCR/N and 31422 (SDXL), two of
the privately owned locomotives that had been in use with FM Rail, are reverting
to private ownership, the latter set to see use by Vintage Trains at Tyseley.
Other locomotives being removed from the storage lists as they are also
privately owned and at a secure location, therefore now being regarded as
preserved / private owner, are 37255 (SDXL) on the GCR, 47488 (SDFR) at Barrow
Hill and 47701 (SDFR) at Ludgershall which leaves several locomotives either in
storage at unsecured locations or for which there is some doubt (at this end)
over the current ownership arrangements. Developments are awaited for service
locomotives 31106 (SDPP), 31128 (SDPP), 33103 (SDFR) and 45112 (SDMS) along with
31423 (SDXL) at Meldon, 33019 (SDXL) at Shackerstone, 33021 (SDFR) at Derby and
47550 (SDXL) at Immingham Railfreight Terminal.
04/01/07
31452 (SDPP), authorised to run on Serco's safety case,
has been out on a Serco working but the rest of the FM Rail fleet remains
embargoed.
57313 (ATTB) on freight duties today, training runs most likely, working a rake
of IGA wagons from Bescot to Carlisle, a repeat of last weeks activities which
utilised 57314.
60015 (WNTR) has been stopped for store now at Thornaby but 60060 (WNTR) is
still out and about in normal service.
03/01/07
43123 (SBXL) has made its move from Long Marston to DML Devonport. Both it and 43068 (SBXL), noted en route yesterday, entered DML late this morning.
Class 13 (sort of) revisited...
EWS Euroshunters (Euro Gronks seems to be the favoured terminology for
this variant) 08738 (WNXX) and 08939 (WRWR) coupled and working in multiple
today have been active in the ballast sidings at Toton, no doubt being tested
before heading off abroad.
XHNR disbanded...
DRS have reallocated en bloc the thirteen Class 20s and ten Class 37s that had
been allocated to XHNR for the sandite season to XHNC. 20905 hired in from HNRC
has been reallocated back to HNRL.
FM Break up...
Bearing in mind there are no official announcements, as far as can be
ascertained, FM Rail as was is no more with the news today that the engineering
arm, along with some staff, is being hived off to become a stand alone
operation known as Rail Vehicle Engineering (RVE). The rest of the FM Rail set up along with the locomotive fleet is still in the hands of the administrators. Whether other
sections will be sold off in due course remains to be seen but currently there
is a lot of speculation doing the rounds about who could / would / should take
over the running of the 'Blue Pullman'.
02/01/07
43068 (SBXL) has been transferred from Long Marston to DML Devonport being noted en route traversing the M5 near Worcester early evening on a low loader.
01/01/07
Recent returnees from France...
Not reported as yet is the return from France during the last week of December
of three Class 56s and one Class 58. 56031 (WZGF) was returned to the UK on the
23rd and has moved up to Wembley Yard whilst 56038 56091 (both WZGF) and 58032
(WZFF) returned on the 27th are at Dollands Moor. Still to return from France
are seven Class 56s; 56018 56069 56078 56087 56104 56105 and 56106 along with
four Class 58s; 58009 58015 58035 and 58046.
Cotswold Rail / 47033 notes...
Cotswold Rail have advised that 47033, until recently available for sale, will
now be yielding parts for the repair of 47200 which is to undergo an engine
change.
FM Rail fleet...
It may or may not infer anything, the rumour mill grinds along remorselessly,
but today none of the FM Rail 'operational' fleet were showing as available for
use. Fleet survey taken early afternoon...
31106 SDPP A exam / Derby
31128 SDPP A exam / Derby
31190 SDPP A exam / Great Central Railway
31452 SDPP N SPT / Derby
31454 SDPP N 185 / Mid Hants Railway
31459 SDPP N 185 / East Ham
31468 SDPP N SPT / Derby
31601 SDPP N WTR / Derby
31602 SDPP N SPT / Derby
33103 SDFR A exam / Derby
33202 SDFR N 500 / Derby
45112 SDMS N SPT / Long Marston
47145 SDFL N SPT / Clapham Junction
47355 SDFL N 410 / Derby
47703 SDFR N 655 / Derby
47709 SDFR N 655 / East Ham
47712 SDFR N SPT / Clapham Junction
47832 SDFR N LOP / Derby
56303 SDFL N SPT / Hexthorpe
73107 SDED A exam / Mid Hants Railway
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