News Archive: October  2007

 

31/10/07

09021...
As a result of track lifting at Immingham depot 09021 (WNXX) has been left isolated on a short section of track.

Reprieve (for a while anyway)...
The N ONE and storage assignments for 37411 and 37425 (both WKBN) have been put back until November 10th.

30/10/07

08807...
Former Motherwell resident, latterly at Thomson's, Stockton has appeared at Thornaby for tyre turning before being forwarded to AV Dawson at Middlesbrough. It is understood to have been sold to AV Dawson and is a source of spares.

Power Car / MTU notes...
43316 (IECP) has been released from re-engineering being hauled north today by 47703 from Loughborough to Neville Hill for re-commissioning. 43159 (EFPC) has been noted out and about following exams and re-commissioning but is reported to have run into trouble at Swindon whilst out on test. The unidentified GC power car noted at Heanor, Langley Mill over the weekend on a low loader was 43084 (GCHP) which has now moved on to Heaton.

HNRC 20s...
20096 (HNRL) has been despatched from Barrow Hill to Corus, Scunthorpe to cover for 20066 / Corus 66 (HNRL) which has been stopped for derailment damage repairs. 20066 had arrived at Barrow Hill by early evening following transfer west by road.

29/10/07

GC Power Car at Heanor...
Noted stopped off over the weekend at Heanor, Langley Mill was an un-numbered Grand Central Power Car on a low loader whilst en route to Heaton from Devonport.

MTU...
43134 (EFPC) has been hauled to Loughborough for re-engineering at Brush Traction. 47703 was provided for traction from Landore.

Tinsley Traction Depot...
47375 (CRRH), Tinsley's former flagship locomotive, is on the move again being transferred from the Wensleydale Railway to Gloucester with 47828.

28/10/07

Eurosheds...
Taking a periodic look at the WBEN Euroshed pool since the last update 66010 66022 and 66231 have been despatched to France / returned to France from Toton meanwhile on the 26th 66179 was at Wembley en route to France following conversion at Crewe EMD. 66241, Dollands Moor on the 26th, and 66246, at Eastleigh, have returned from operations abroad.

MTU...
43152 (EFPC) was noted back in traffic yesterday following re-commissioning at Landore.

26/10/07

EWS Reinstatements...
60031 from store at Immingham and 67024 from store at Toton have been reinstated, 60031 to the WCAK pool and 67024 to the WAAN pool.

Additional Euroshed...
66224 is another addition to the EWS Class 66 Euroshed fleet following its reallocation to the WBEN pool.

MTU / Power car notes...
43025 (EFPC) on the 23rd, 43092 43097 and 43137 (all EFPC) on the 25th have been hauled to Brush Traction at Loughborough, 47703 being utilised for both these movements. Whilst 43025 43092 and 43097 are for repair / load bank tests, there are reports of one or two exhaust fires taking place of late, 43137 is an admission for re-engineering meanwhile 43006 (IECP), another recent arrival at Loughborough for re-engineering, has been renumbered to 43206.
Departing from Loughborough following re-engineering are 43193 (EFPC) by road yesterday to Laira for a G exam whilst 43005 (EFPC) was hauled away today behind 47703 to Landore for re-commissioning. 

25/10/07

47s to go...
47759 (WNSO) looks set to spend a few days at Heanor before continuing its journey to Rotherham, Hull's being its destination is now confirmed, meanwhile 47746 (WNSO) at Crewe EMD is ready for collection and shipment to Long Marston.

Derby developments...
At the RTC the overhaul of 31465 by RVEL for Network Rail is underway whilst 50026 has been out-shopped in BR blue.

MTU...
43031 (EFPC) has been noted in traffic following re-commissioning at Landore.

24/10/07

Disposal...
The demolition of 47783 (WNSO), stored from Crewe WHCD pool in June 2002, has been undertaken at Hull's, Rotherham, RIP.

Back in action...
After a lengthy sojourn at Derby 56301 (RCJA) has been repaired and released back to traffic with Fastline whilst 87022 (GBAC) has been returned to use having being sidelined at Wembley for several weeks including a brief period in store. 47818 (CRRH) has also been returned to use following attention at Norwich.

86101...
Training and preparation continues. Sir William worked south today from Doncaster to Bounds Green with the Cargo D stock.

Cotswold moves...
47828 (CRRH) first took 43006 (IECP) to Loughborough where it has been deposited at Brush Traction for re-engineering before running to Barrow Hill from where it hauled 47375 (CRRH) to the Wensleydale Railway where it is to undergo testing and shake down trials.

86233...
Following changes with the management set up at Swift Rail the decision has been taken to despatch 86233 (SRLO) to Barrow Hill at some point for attention by ECT.

Tugs to return...?
Immingham duo 60031 and 60085 (both WNTS) have been noted up and running which may indicate a possible return to use is in the pipeline.

23/10/07

Disposal...
The scrapping of 47224 (DHLT) on site at Crewe LNWR is as good as complete as only the frame remains to be disposed of. 37383 is next for the chop. 47224 was stored from Freightliner's DFLH pool in October 2003, RIP.

47 on the road...
47759 (WNSO) has been extracted from Crewe EMD by road to Heanor at Langley Mill for forwarding to Hull's, Rotherham, that is, providing the earlier report regarding its sale to Colas being cancelled still stands...

Can 101...
86101 (ACAC) has returned to Doncaster but the start of the Hull Trains diagram looks set to now be sometime in November. DVT issues.

WKBN Tractors...
All four are again working off Warrington after 37411 and 37425 were brought north from Bescot in the early hours. This morning 37410 and 37417 were deployed on the Folly Lane job whilst 37411 and 37425 visited the Buxton area on the Dowlow service.

22/10/07

Work in progress...
The dismantling of 56034 has begun at Booth's, Rotherham.

MTU...
43042 (EFPC) has been despatched to Brush Traction for re-engineering, 47703 being provided for haulage from Landore to Loughborough today.

Van farewell...
Spitfire Railtours are running a farewell tour for the Class 87s on December 29th between Birmingham and Glasgow, details about which are available on this web page.

21/10/07

EWS 37s...
Recently reinstated 37411 and 37425 (both WKBN), currently plying their trade in the West midlands after a week based on workings off Warrington, have been assigned for N ONE at Toton, not returning to Margam it seems, by the end of the month. 37405 and 37406 (both WFMU) currently still sidelined at Toton are showing as 'Toton Paint Shop' on the system, the location used for long term non runners, stored stuff, the Eurosheds and the shell of 66031 at Toton whilst 37422 (also WFMU) out of use for a few weeks now is still languishing at Wigan CRDC. The prospective return of 37203 (WNXX) at Bescot has proved to be a non starter whilst there hasn't been any developments with 37669 or 37670 (both WNXX) at Margam.

20/10/07

More 87s for Bulgaria...?
Although it has always been a possibility that further redundant Class 87s may eventually be headed off to Bulgaria to join 87012 and 87019 already in service over there, recent indications suggest that this is becoming more of a probability than possibility.

MTU...
43162 (EFPC) and 43208 (IECP) have been noted back in service following re-commissioning at Landore and Neville Hill respectively.

19/10/07

47790...
Released from repairs at Crewe LNWR 47790 (XHHP) has been hauled north to Carlisle Kingmoor by 66418.

MTU...
43196 (EFPC) has been released from re-engineering at Brush Traction being hauled from Loughborough to Landore today by 47703. 43138 (EFPC) was noted back in traffic this morning following re-commissioning at Landore whilst 43132 (EFPC) returned to service yesterday after a naming ceremony at London Paddington.

86101...
Not yet required with Hull Trains, the London Doncaster workings currently looking set to commence in a weeks time, 86101 (ACAC) ran light engine from Doncaster to Crewe via London today so should be available for tomorrow's railtour duties as had originally been planned.

The Railway Census...
Notebooks and cameras out for the 7 day long Railway Census being undertaken next week for the Railway Herald. Further details about this project can be found on this web page.

18/10/07

DRS notes...
Former Crewe resident 08892 (XHSH) has been despatched south by road to North Pole meanwhile 37610 (XHMW) at Brush Traction, Loughborough has been out shopped with the DRS 'Compass' style decals affixed, the first Class 37 to be so treated. The second should be 37423 (XHHP) whose overhaul is nearing completion and which is now painted in DRS blue at Brush Traction.

FCC 86s...?
Further to the *hint* the other day about possible other Class 86 activity on the ECML this was in reference to the indications that First Capital Connect (FCC) are lending consideration to the possibility of running of stock and Class 86s between Kings Cross, Peterborough and / or Cambridge via Hitchin to help tackle overcrowding at peak times on these routes. Potentially a most interesting development if this gets off the drawing board...

43170...
Further to yesterday's report 43170 (EFPC) was delivered to Brush Traction today having spent the night at Derby with 47703.

17/10/07

Thunderbird on fire...
57310 (ATTB) caught fire this afternoon near Southwaite, north of Penrith, whilst heading south with the Chirk bound 6J37 log train. Rescue and recovery was facilitated by 57311 after the fire brigade had attended.

Work in progress...
At Crewe the dismantling of 47224 on site is nearly complete as only one cab and its frame remain to be dealt with whilst over at Rotherham 56034 has been placed in the cutting area at Booth's.

Tug on the M6...
Noted in the Tebay area heading south on the back of a low loader early afternoon was 60096 (WFMU).

Back to Barrow Hill...
47488 (SRLS) as been hauled from Carnforth back to Barrow Hill, transport being provided by 47245 and 33025.

MTU...
Hauled up by 47703 from Bristol today 43170 (EFPC) has been deposited at Brush Traction for re-engineering.

16/10/07

MTU...
43020 and 43028 (both EFPC) were hauled away from Loughborough to Landore today for re-commissioning, traction being provided by 47703. Not previously recorded was the return to use of 43086 (EFPC) which re-entered traffic on the 12th. Of the 117 power cars allocated to the FGW EFPC pool 85 have been through Brush Traction for MTU re-engineering leaving just 32 power cars, several of which are currently at Loughborough, to be done.

15/10/07

WNXX duo 37669 and 37670 at Margam possibly additional candidates for a return to use...?
Apparently so.

MTU...
43172 (EFPC) has been delivered to Brush Traction, Loughborough where 43020 and 43028 (EFPC) are ready for collection. 43142 (EFPC) has been noted back in service following re-commissioning at Landore.

14/10/07

WBEN update...
Since the last review of the WBEN Euroshed pool and its allocation 66010 has returned from France to Toton swapping places with 66022 which is back abroad having being back at Toton. 66190 66229 and 66239 have been despatched abroad whilst 66231 was at Wembley yesterday morning en route to France. Stopped at Toton being prepared for European operations are 66203 66222 66234 and 66247 whilst 66179 66202 66216 66223 and 66233 are stopped and being prepared at Crewe EMD.

MTU...
43041 (EFPC) has been admitted to Brush for re-engineering swapping places with 43152 (EFPC) which has been taken away to Landore for re-commissioning. It is thought these transfers took place on the 12th.

12/10/07

47309...
Diverted from going to Thomson's at Stockton at the 11th hour 47309 (now CRRH) has been acquired by Cotswold Rail and, having set off north by road from Heanor at Langley Mill late yesterday afternoon, was unloaded at the Wensleydale Railway this morning. 47358 is understood to have also been a target for possible purchase but component recovery has been underway at Stockton.

47759...
When extraction from Crewe EMD takes place 47759 (WNSO) looks set to be going to Hull's, Rotherham as it's sale to Colas appears to have been cancelled.

Heritage 47...
BR green 47773 (MBDL) went out on test yesterday, running between Tyseley and Oxford with 47245 along for insurance.

47224...
The breaking up of the derelict shell of 47224 (DHLT) on site at Crewe LNWR has begun.

86101...
Ran Crewe to Doncaster today via all points north with the Cargo-D Mk3 stock for use with Hull Trains in tow.

11/10/07

Returnees...
37411 and 37425 (both WKBN) have entered traffic from Margam with the afternoon 6B48 Margam to Trostre service, they were ready to go yesterday after minor electrical repairs had been completed on 37425.
43070 (EFPC) has been noted in traffic following re-commissioning at Landore and 47375 (CRRH) has ventured out from Barrow Hill, running on test at least as far as Swinton, headed for Doncaster with 47703.
Fresh from installation of OTMR equipment at Crewe LNWR 86101 (ACAC) undertook its test / GBRf & Hull Trains staff training run between Crewe and Carlisle today so tomorrow's trip to Doncaster via Scotland should now go ahead as planned. Finally a main line test run for 47773 (MBDL) from Tyseley should be taking place soon.

10/10/07

47309...
Having being noted heading north this morning on the M1 47309 (DHLT) has stopped off at Heanor, Langley Mill en route to Stockton, still, providing the rumours currently doing the rounds that it is being diverted elsewhere.

Disposal...
At Stockton the demolition by Thomson's of 37520 (WNSO) has been completed and 47197 should be in next for cutting. 37520 was put to store from Crewe's WKAD pool during June 2002, RIP.

86101...
A loaded test / training run from Crewe (departure scheduled for 09:45 approximate) to Carlisle and back has been scheduled to run tomorrow morning. If all goes to plan then 86101 and stock is set to head off to Doncaster on the 12th from Crewe via Carlisle, Carstairs, Edinburgh, Newcastle and York.

SRLO 86...
Swift Rail have had 86233 reallocated to the SRLO pool.

09/10/07

EWS fleet changes...
37411 and 37425, still awaiting release from Margam, have been reinstated to the WKBN pool whilst 60089 from store at Toton has been reinstated to the WFMU pool swapping places with 60036 which is now stored WNTS at Toton.

47s on the road...
After completing its transfer to MoD Marchwood where 47739 has been unloaded the transport went to Southampton Maritime from where 47309 (DHLT) has been extracted for transfer north to Thomson's, Stockton.

Hull Trains 86...
With regards to the earlier posted diagrams and times it now appears that these can be disregarded as the situation has changed. Things are still fluid at the moment but it appears that due to there being insufficient time at Doncaster and Hull for coupling, uncoupling and run round operations with the diesel locomotive the use of a Class 47 to drag the Class 86 and coaching set between these two points has been discounted in favour of a Class 222 unit being provided to shuttle between Doncaster and Hull and the Class 86 with Mk3s performing on the electric section between Doncaster and London.
A DVT has been sourced and is being prepared whilst at LNWR Crewe the rest of the coaching set is formed and static training is understood to be underway with a view to a mainline test being undertaken in the near future. It is unclear whether the originally proposed start date of October 19th still stands, hopefully more information with regards to this and the revised running arrangements will become available as that date approaches.
Lastly, and a taster for the future, the use of 86101 on the Hull Trains job *may* turn to be just one of several Class 86s in action on ECML duties...

Power car notes...
43088 (EFPC) has been returned to service following re-commissioning at Landore whilst 43080 (GCHP), the second power car released for Grand Central, has been transported north from DML Devonport being noted en route to Heaton on the 6th by road.

QSTR...
Network Rail have created a new pool coded QSTR for stored locomotives. 31107 and 86424 have been reallocated to it.

08/10/07

On the road again...
47739 is again on the move today being noted traversing the M40 on a low loader mid morning. After an overnight stop over at Rownhams Services on the M27 47739 is due to be unloaded at MoD Marchwood tomorrow for forwarding to Eastleigh at a later date.

EWS Class 37s...
In addition to 37411 and 37425 (both WNTS) being given exams at Margam, a test run for these two had been scheduled to take place today but they are not ready yet, 37203 (WNXX) has been dug out from the scrap line at Bescot and is being examined to see if it is suitable for a short term return to use. An upcoming engineering blockade on the Bathgate line and the need for several Class 66s for this is understood to be why some Class 37s are being reactivated, albeit for a short period only.

MTU...
43145 (EFPC) has been hauled to Brush Traction, Loughborough for re-engineering, 33103 being provided for traction.

07/10/07

Margam resurrections...
37411 and 37425 (both WNTS) are being given exams and repairs at Margam with a view to being returned to use, potentially for service in Scotland.

Disposal...
The demolition of 47365 at Booth's, Rotherham is now pretty much complete as only its frame and bogies were in evidence yesterday afternoon. 47365 was stored from Bescot and the DAET pool back in August 1998, RIP.

Half cut...
After a lull since its disposal began at Stockton attention has returned to 37520 which is half cut with one cab, half its bodywork remaining. The power unit is still in situ.

DRS 57s...
57009 (now XHNC) has entered traffic. It and 57011, which are now MU equipped, have made their way to Stowmarket for RHTT operations.

05/10/07

57s to Long Marston part 2...
A path has been booked on the 8th for the transfer of 57002 57003 and 57005 (all DFTZ) from Crewe Basford Hall (departure shortly after 08:00) to Long Marston.

08613...
Having being repaired at RMS Locotec 08613 has been transported by road from Wakefield to Barrow Hill for testing.

Work in progress...
Not long now, 47365 is little more than one cab and frame at Booth's, Rotherham.

MTU...
43031 (EFPC) has been released from re-engineering at Brush Traction being hauled away west today by 47828 whilst 43140 (EFPC) has been noted back in service following re-commissioning at Landore.

04/10/07

On he road...
47739 which had reached Rownhams Services on the M27 near Southampton yesterday en route to Eastleigh by road from Kingsbury was, it transpires, to go to Marchwood for unloading and forwarding to Eastleigh but due to problems with the transport en route its access slot has been missed. To be returned for unloading next week 47739 has been despatched back north to Goodman's at Sutton Coldfield for the weekend.
Following the return from Pullman at Cardiff Canton of 08701 (WSXX) to Ford, Bridgend 73104 (MRLS), originally MoD Trecwn bound, was loaded up and taken away to Allely's at Studley. 08936 (MBDL) latterly located at Gloucester has been transported up to RMS Locotec, Wakefield for attention whilst 43181 (EFPC) has been deposited at Brush Traction, Loughborough for re-engineering.

03/10/07

Work in progress...
At Booth's, Rotherham the demolition of 47365 has begun.

North Wales Coast 67 trainer...
Selected timings for the Class 67 and stock along the North Wales Coast Line this week.

5D67 Crewe to Holyhead
Crewe 10:14, Chester 10:40, Rhyl 11:16, Colwyn Bay 11:26, Llandudno Junction 11:33, Bangor 11:51, Menai Bridge 11:55, Valley 12:14, Holyhead 12:22

5K67 Holyhead to Crewe
Holyhead 14:48, Valley 14:54, Menai Bridge 15:18, Bangor 15:21, Llandudno Junction 15:58, Colwyn Bay 15:43, Rhyl 15:53, Chester 16:38, Crewe 17:03

02/10/07

47739 delayed...
Transporter problems mean that the road transfer of 47739 from Kingsbury has been delayed in the Newbury area.

Power Car / MTU notes...
Thanks to all who responded about 43113 and its admission to Brush Traction for re-engineering. 43113 / 43313 was deposited at Loughborough yesterday being escorted in by 43050 which left behind 43208 (IECP) on its release from re-engineering. Re-engineered 43087 and 43142 (both EFPC) have been released from Brush Traction today, being collected by 31601, whilst 43181 (EFPC) has been noted on the move north by road en route to Loughborough from Plymouth and 43238 (IECP) has been noted back in traffic.

Cotswold 47s...
Restored to working order 47813 headed 47828 47818 (all CRRH) and stock south from York to East Ham today whilst 47703 (also CRRH) saw thunderbird action today being utilised to rescue 66709 after it failed at Bentley with today's 4E33 service.

North Wales trainer...
With the return of a loco and stock diagram in the pipeline on the North Wales Coast circuit out to Holyhead training commenced today utilising 67014 (WAAN) and four Mk2 coaches.

01/10/07

47739 on its way...
Headed for Eastleigh and Colas Rail 47739 has left Kingsbury being noted en route on a low loader traversing the M40 and the A34 today.

MTU...
43191 (EFPC) has re-entered traffic following re-commissioning at Landore meanwhile 43113 (IECP) (can anyone supply its date of arrival at Brush?) has been renumbered to 43313.

QETS 37s...
ETRMS Class 37s; 37100 37170 37178 and 37217 have been reallocated en bloc from QADD to the QETS pool.

47813...
En route to York to collect 47818 and the stock from the weekend's failure at Northallerton 47813 (CRRH) ran into trouble in the Lickey area and 47828 had to be summoned from Gloucester to pick it up. 47813 has been taken to Barrow Hill for remedial attention, its problems described as minor, and it is anticipated that 47828 will be recovering 47818 and stock tomorrow.
To be fair, considering there were reports of another Cotswold Rail Class 47 on fire this afternoon when 47813 came to a stand, it has been pointed out that other operators suffer set backs with their traction from time to time with, for example; DRS and the rather high profile failure of 47501 when on the Grand Central trainer, West Coast's 47854 and Riviera's 47843, both stopped with generator problems, and Freightliner's 57004 being filled with foam by the fire brigade after suffering an exhaust fire a few days ago...

37604...
Now a DRS machine 37604 (recently reallocated to XHNC) was taken north today by 37609 from Wembley where it has been undergoing repairs at the HRD.

37518...
At Wansford, Nene Valley Railway 37518 is, after several weeks attention, on course to run at next weekend's Diesel Gala having been successfully started as well as taking power.

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