News Archive: March 2008

 

30/03/08

37704 to Long Marston...?
A path, which could include the delayed transfer of 37704 (HNRS) from Gloucester to Long Marston, has been scheduled for Friday, April 4th. 0Z50; Gloucester 13:03, Cheltenham 13:16, Norton 13:38, Worcester Yard 13:47 - 14:50, Norton 15:00, Evesham 15:21 - 15:48, Long Marston 16:09.

28/03/08

43123...
Grand Central's final power car to enter service has been noted in traffic, 43123 (GCHP) has been out today partnering 43068.

57602...
57602 (EFOO), the second FGW Class 57 for repainting at Brush Barclay, has made its way north running light engine from Old Oak Common to Kilmarnock.

DRS...
It has been confirmed that DRS are releasing ten Class 66s and that there are four additional Class 66s (thus 66431 to 66434) on order with delivery anticipated this autumn. As for the redeployment of 66401 to 66410 whilst it looks pretty certain that 66406 to 66410 may go to Freightliner it would appear that Advenza may have some competition on their hands for 66401 to 66405. That is, of course, if they wanted all five...

27/03/08

WSMR 67s...
Further to the report about 67013 being the second Class 67 out shopped in WSMR silver it transpires that this was the third Class 67 to be treated as 67014 (WFMU) has also been painted and is hidden away inside the main shed at Toton. 67012 (WFMU), the fourth Class 67 for modifying for push pull work ala 67029 and painting into WSMR colours, has arrived at Toton for attention.

Swift Rail 31s...
Following on from the earlier item about 31166 and 31188 being surveyed for a possible return to the mainline Swift Rail have advised that these have been deemed unsuitable for a return to front line service.

26/03/08

37689...
Following its sojourn in the yards at Doncaster 37689 (WNXX) has been tripped across to Doncaster Carr depot.

BRE Liquidated...
Following the liquidation of BRE (Bedale Railway Engineering) it is anticipated that 37403 and 37414, along with possibly 37702 and 37888, will have to be made available for sale at some point.

DRS Shedding Sheds...
It has been indicated that DRS are to release 66401 to 66410 inclusive back to the leaser at the end of April for re leasing to other operators. Understood to be waiting in the wings for these are, subject to the usual disclaimers, Cotswold Rail / Advenza for 66401 to 66405 and Freightliner for 66406 to 66410. It has also been indicated that DRS are to have five more low emission Class 66s with 66431 to 66435 being ordered.

25/03/08

MTU...
43002 (EFPC), the last power car into fleet service for FGW after re-engineering at Brush Traction, has been noted in traffic following re-commissioning at Landore. It was returned to service on the 21st.

22/03/08

Another WSMR Skip...
A second Class 67 has been repainted into WSMR silver with 67013 (WNTS) recently re-liveried into this colour scheme joining 67015 (WNTS) hidden out of view inside at Toton.

20/03/08

Disposal...
The scrapping of 37708 at CF Booth, Rotherham has been undertaken, only part of the frame and a cab were visible early this morning. 37708 was stored from Crewe DMD and the WKAD pool October 2002, RIP.

Shunter News...
08912, visible at Thornaby yesterday for the first time since arriving there from Thomson's a few weeks ago, was transported by road from Thornaby to AV Dawson at Middlesbrough today meanwhile 08994 and 08995 at Doncaster Carr have been stored WNTR. Both had been allocated to the WSSN pool.

19/03/08

Disposal...
The demolition of 47033, stored from Bescot and the WHBF pool back in April 1999, has been completed at Thomson's, Stockton, RIP.

Chopper 312...
From store at Gresty Bridge 20312 (XHSS) accompanied 57009 from Crewe to Stowmarket this afternoon.

WCRC Notes...
Recent observations at Carnforth see both 37676 (restarted shortly after arrival from Healey Mills some weeks ago) and 37712 (recently restarted) up and running whilst 47786 has recently been repainted into WCRC maroon from EWS. 47760, repainted some time ago, should be the next Class 47 to return to the mainline.

18/03/08

Stobart 47...
47832 (XHHP) is in the process of having 'Stobart' vinyls fitted at Kingmoor.

31113...
Although 37219 has been delivered to the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway 31113 has not been removed, its transfer to Kingsbury being deferred for the time being as recently laid concrete areas at Kingsbury are not ready for use yet.

HNRC Notes...
Probably a good job it didn't get taken to Stockton when it was supposed to have been as 47703 (CREL) now has a future with a trip to Barrow Hill for overhaul and a return to mainline use with an as yet unspecified operator. HNRC have also advised the successful procurement of 47714 (CREL) from Cotswold Rail but that 37079 is to be raided for spares and the body shell weighed in for scrap.

Swift Rail Notes...
Swift Rail have advised that 86233 (SRLO) currently at Oxley is to be going up to Crewe EMD in the near future for OTMR fitment and transformer attention. Swift Rail have also hinted that Class 31s may also feature in their plans as a deal to return 31166 and 31188 to mainline use is being investigated.

MTU...
43312 (IECP) has been released from re-engineering at Brush Traction, Loughborough.

17/03/08

31113...
Being weighed in for scrap with EMR 31113 is set to be collected from the Chinnor & Princes Railway for transfer to Kingsbury tomorrow after 37219 arrives at Chinnor from the Chasewater Railway.

37683...
Following its weekend stop over at Heanor, Langley Mill 37683 completed its transfer by road to Long Marston this afternoon.

47832...
Still in unbranded DRS blue 47832 (XHHP) has been released from Brush Traction being hauled back to Kingmoor by 66419 from Loughborough this morning.

16/03/08

Disposal...
The scrapping of 47475 (HNRS) at Thomson's, Stockton was completed in the last few days and 47033 is now in the cutting area. 47475 was stored from Bescot and the WHBF pool back in February 1999, RIP.

Riviera Tat...
47575 (RTLS) has been moved up from Crewe DMD to Crewe Heritage Centre. It was deposited there on the 13th with 45108 from LNWR which is awaiting forwarding by road to the Midland Railway Centre.

MTU...
43003 (EHPC) has been returned to traffic following re-commissioning at Landore.

15/03/08

37683...
As anticipated 37683 has been deposited at Heanor, Langley Mill for the weekend. It is scheduled to complete its transfer to Long Marston on the 17th.

14/03/08

37683...
Noted atop a low loader on the M18 heading towards the M1 mid afternoon was 37683 en route from Thornaby to Long Marston. The transfer of 37683 is likely include a weekend stop over at Heanor, Langley Mill.

67025...
From store at Toton 67025 has been reinstated to the WFMU pool.

De-registered...
37683 currently en route to Long Marston by road and 37695 recently deposited at Hulls, Rotherham have been de-registered from the system. Both had been allocated to the WNSO pool.

HNRC Notes...
At Barrow Hill 37178 (97302?) undergoing overhaul for Network Rail has been started up and testing is underway meanwhile 20901 and 20905 are out again tonight with the LaFarge ballast job and are due to make a daytime trip to Crewe on Monday to return the wagons to Basford Hall.

31452 31454 31601...
These three are being hired in by RVE as required which has evidently fuelled the speculation surrounding their use by RVE.

13/03/08

37s on the Road...
37695 (WNSO) has been transported by road from Doncaster to Ron Hulls at Rotherham, it was noted leaving the Doncaster area mid morning. The next Class 37 to move will be 37683 (WNSO) which is being collected from Thornaby for transfer to Long Marston.

47145...
Sandwiched between 66401 and 66403 which had been at Springburn for attention 47145 (XHHP) has been brought south from Glasgow to Carlisle Kingmoor. It has not been worked on.

AXC Power Cars...
Probably for training exercises in advance of this summer's HST cross country action 43104 and 43166 (both EHPC) have been returned to traffic from Craigentinny.

12/03/08

Long Marston Arrival...
86242 (SAXL), the second of the three Class 86s being transferred from Shoeburyness to Long Marston, has made the move being noted traversing the M40 near Oxford early this afternoon.

37411...
Sidelined at Warrington for the last few days with suspect oil samples 37411 (WFMU) has been placed on decision.

WBEN...
The Euroshed fleet has been increased to 58 examples with the addition to the WBEN pool of 66211 66217 and 66228.

RVE Additions...?
It has been indicated, although unconfirmed, that RVE at Derby are to take / have taken 31452 31454 and 31601 (all MRLO) into their fleet from Mainline Rail.

11/03/08

BRC 87s...
87007 87008 and 87026 (all SBXL) at Long Marston being prepared for shipment out to Bulgaria are nearing readiness. 87008 has been adorned with the logo for the Bulgarian Railway Company (BRC), a private independent operator who is investing in the surplus Class 87s. Due to the still good quality of the paintwork 87007 and 87008 are to retain their obsolete Cotswold Rail grey / silver base colour with BRC vinyls whilst 87026 will shortly be the first to be adorned with the companies green and yellow colour scheme.

Immingham Clearout...
As part of the continuing run down at Immingham depot 08509 and the remaining twelve stored Class 56s have been moved out to the nearby C&W yard slightly to the north of the Immingham depot perimeter. Lined up in the C&W yard are 56086 56052 56089 56027 56114 56101 56076 (all WNXX) 08509 (WNYX) 56082 56043 56025 56084 and 56064 (all WNXX).

10/03/08

47s...
47813 (CRRH) is returned to operational status following fitment of OTMR at Norwich whilst 47790 and 47832 (both XHHP) have been admitted to Brush Traction at Loughborough for attention.

43107...
Stopped after suffering fire damage on the ECML a few days ago 43107 (IECP) was hauled by 57005 from Neville Hill to Brush Traction, Loughborough today for repairs and re-engineering.

09/03/08

Tug Swap...
60028 sidelined at Toton has been stored WNTS swapping places with 60005 - this one having being out of circulation for a little over two years, it was stored in January 2006 - which is reinstated to WFMU pending a return to action.

Farewell...
47703 (CREL) undertook its farewell runs on the Wensleydale Railway as planned today.

WBEN...
66191 has been released from Toton for transfer to France, it was at Bescot this afternoon en route. 66210 66214 66235 and 66240 are still at Crewe EMD being prepared for Europe whilst 66225 has gone abroad.

08/03/08

Disposal...
At Booths, Rotherham the scrapping of 37519, stored from Bescot and WKMS back in November 1999, is at an advanced stage. Only its frame on bogies with power unit remained this morning, RIP.

Ready to go...
At Tyne Yard Kingsbury bound 37894 (WNSO) has been shunted into position for collection.

HNRC Choppers...
Back on the ballast turns for LaFarge 20901 and 20905 (both HNRL) have taken 20168 (HNRL) from Hope to Barrow Hill for scheduled maintenance including work to the equivalent of an intermediate overhaul.

XHSS on Tour...
37667 and 37688 (both XHSS) handled a Birmingham to Carlisle and return tour today.

07/03/08

Deliveries...
37430 has completed its transfer by road to Kingsbury from Motherwell whilst 86215 (SAXL) which left Shoeburyness yesterday on a lorry has arrived at Long Marston.

DRS Notes...
37667 (XHSS) has been returned to action and is set to partner 37688 (still XHSS even though it's been back in use for 2 months) on railtour duties this weekend. Meanwhile 37423 (XHNC) has been released from rectification work at Brush Traction being hauled to from Loughborough to Crewe this morning by 66416.

Corrections & Clarifications...
37689 (WNXX) hasn't been returned to Healey Mills from Doncaster it transpires as it and 37695 (WNSO) were noted in Doncaster Decoy this morning.
With regards to the recent report regarding 47309 or 47810 going to Stockton Cotswold Rail have advised that neither are heading for scrap and that attention will shortly be turning to 47810 at Norwich now that 47813 has been equipped with OTMR there.

MTU...
Notwithstanding their light loco move from Loughborough yesterday 43002 and 43003 (both EFPC) have been hauled to Landore today, 47237 being utilised, for re-commissioning work to be carried out.

06/03/08

Today's Movers...
37695 (WNSO) has been transferred to Doncaster for road transfer onwards to Hulls, Rotherham, 37689 (WNXX) is understood to have been returned to Healey Mills during the night. 37689 was hauled east in the consist of an engineers working headed by 37401 and 37405 this afternoon.
47528 (CRUR) has been collected from Wabtec and transported by road to Hulls, Rotherham whilst 37430 (now de-registered) is on its way south by road from Motherwell to Kingsbury being noted traversing the M74 near Beattock early afternoon later to be seen on the M6 south of Lancaster early evening en route.

Work in Progress...
At Thompsons, Stockton the demolition of 47475 (HNRS) has commenced.

MTU...
43002 and 43003 (EFPC) have been released from re-engineering at Brush Traction, the final pair to be done for FGW, and ran light engine from Loughborough to Old Oak Common this afternoon.

05/03/08

37409 / 37887...
Following movement by road both have arrived at their respective destinations today. 37409 to Bo' Ness and preservation from Motherwell whilst 37887 has arrived at Booths, Rotherham from Immingham.

37689 / 37695...
Reports indicate that paths are in the system for the return of 37689 (WNXX) to Healey Mills from Doncaster Decoy to swap with 37695 (WNSO) which is waiting a tow to Doncaster for collection and forwarding to the scrap yard by road.

Advenza / Cotswold Rail Notes...
57005 (CRRH), fresh from its repaint at Brush-Barclay, Kilmarnock teamed up with 57006 at Leeming Bar this afternoon reportedly to take 47309 (CREL) from the Wensleydale Railway to Thomson's, Stockton. In the event the removal of 47309 to Stockton was not possible but this development gives a clear pointer as to the future of 47309 which had been 'on assessment'. 57005 and 57006 did go through to Stockton as they had been booked to work south with a loaded scrap train from Thomson's.
As an aside but connected is the news that 47810 (CRRH), still languishing at Norwich, *could* be heading for Stockton in the next week or so...

De-registrations...
37409 and 37887,both on the move today along with 37673 and 37708, recent deliveries to Kingsbury at Booths, have been de-registered. All four had been allocated to the WNSO pool.

MTU...
43193 (EFPC) has (at last) been noted in traffic following re-commissioning amongst other things.

04/03/08

37 to Long Marston (singular)...
Only 37898 (HNRS) was hauled from Gloucester to Long Marston this morning, 47237 being provided for traction. Troublesome 37704 (HNRS) was left behind at Gloucester.

37673...
Although reported as being delivered to Kingsbury on the 29th it transpires that 37673 (WNSO) has spent the weekend at Heanor, Langley Mill and was only off loaded at Kingsbury yesterday.

On the Road...?
Awaiting confirmation if either of these road transfers took place or have got under way today but 37409 (WNSO) should have been collected from Motherwell for transfer to Bo' Ness whilst 37887 (WNSO) was due to be shipped in from Immingham to Booths, Rotherham today. Several other road transfers pending include 37430 (WNSO) from Motherwell to Kingsbury (sale fallen through?), 47528 (CRUR) from Wabtec to Hulls, Rotherham whist 86215 86230 and 86242 (all SAXL) are to be moved up from Shoeburyness to Long Marston.

03/03/08

37s to Long Marston...
Today's planned transfer of 37704 and 37898 (both HNRS) from Gloucester to Long Marston has been cancelled, problems with the brakes on one of the Class 37s. The convoy is now set to run tomorrow.

67s...
67020 which had been undergoing attention at Crewe EMD and 67021 at Old Oak Common have been reinstated to WAAN and WFMU respectively whilst 67022 sidelined at Toton has been stored WNTS.

MTU...
43015 (EFPC) has been noted in traffic following re-commissioning at Landore. 43002 and 43003 (both EFPC), the final pair upgraded for FGW at Brush Traction, are ready to go and are set to run to Old Oak Common from Loughborough (departing around 10:15) via Derby, Oxford, Reading on the 6th. GBRf are crewing the transfer.

02/03/08

47528...
Although originally planned to be cut on site at Wabtec, this is not now possible, 47528 (CRUR) is shortly to be extracted by road to Hulls, Rotherham for component recovery then breaking up.

47703...
HNRC have authorised a farewell run on the Wensleydale Railway for 47703 (CREL) before it leaves for Thomson's, Stockton for component recovery then breaking up, a move that should have taken place several weeks ago. 47703 is scheduled to be at the head of the 14:50 from Leeming Bar and corresponding return on Sunday March 9th.

37s to Long Marston...
The transfer of 37704 and 37898 (both HNRS) from Gloucester to Long Marston is booked to take place tomorrow. 6Z45 Gloucester to Long Marston; Gloucester 09:15, Cheltenham 09:25, Ashchurch 09:34, Worcester Yard 10:03 - 12:11, Evesham 12:34, Long Marston 12:55.

01/03/08

60074...
Unveiled at an event at the NRM York today 60074 (WFMU) in light blue has been named 'Teenage Spirit' and carries the logo and slogan of the Teenage Cancer Trust. The blue colour scheme has been chosen to match the house colours of the trust but the DB Schenker logo vice EWS looks set to spread.

Booths, Rotherham...
The cutting of 37519 has begun but 37677, rumoured to have been set aside, has been moved away from the cutting area into the gantry yard. 37708 was also present this morning.

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