Barrow Hill convoy...
47237 has hauled 31415 and 47716 (both NRLS) from Gloucester to Barrow Hill.

DRS returnees...
37218 and 37602 (both XHSS) have returned to service from Crewe Gresty Bridge being noted at the head of today's 6V73 Crewe to Berkeley working.

Old Oak clearance continues...
56070 (WNXX) has been transported up to Crewe EMD from Old Oak Common.

47854...
Recovered from Westbury fire damaged 47854 (MBDL) has been taken north to Carnforth in the consist of an ECS hauled by 47786.

Bones on their way...
58033 and 58034 (both WZFF) have been released for export and have been hauled in the consist of today's 6M44 working from Eastleigh to Wembley Yard. 66078 was at the helm. 58009 (WZFF) remains at Dollands Moor.

Disposals...
At Booths, Rotherham the scrapping of 56011 has been completed and the demolition of 37058 is at an advanced stage, only its frame, bogies and power unit remain. 37196 looks set to be next for disposal. 56011 was stored from WGAI at Immingham back in February 2001 whilst 37058 was stored from WKMF on return from duties in France in October 2000, RIP.

T406...
37406 (WFMU) at Wigan has been placed on decision.

DBS 08s...
08921 at Wigan, 08993 08994 and 08995 at Doncaster Carr have been reallocated / added to the WNTR pool. 08995 was WSSN whilst the other three were allocated to WNTS.

86233...
The financial situation surrounding 86233 (SRLO), currently residing at Crewe EMD, has been resolved and the locomotive is now owned by Europhoenix. 86233 will be removed from Crewe to Long Marston for storage in due course.

Grid 118...
56118 (WZGF) has been deposited at Crewe EMD.

T419...
66167 hauled 37419 (WNTS) from Warrington to Wigan late afternoon today. With just 37419 in tow the working was amended from 6F50 to 0F50.

Old Oak clearance...
56118 (WZGF) and 08879 (WSSA) have been removed from Old Oak Common by road. 56118 should, pending confirmation, be at Crewe by now having being noted traversing the M1 on its low loader during the night whilst it has been indicated that 08879 was to go to Eastleigh.

Euro Gronks away...
It looks like both 08738 and 08939 (both WSEN) are now in France as their locations on the system is now showing as 'Amiens' in France.

T419...
Booked to complete its transfer to Wigan tomorrow, 16:52 off Warrington via 6F50, 37419 (WNTS) has been receiving attention whilst stabled at Warrington.

Still 10...
60049 has been stored WNTR at Toton swapping places with 60096 which has been reinstated to the WCBI pool. 60059 is back in traffic following repair at Toton, transferring back to WCBK from WFMU. The Class 60 fleet still stands at ten strong, nine currently in the service pools whilst 60024 is currently allocated to WFMU.

WCAI: 60011 60065 60074
WCAK: 60018
WCAM: 60040 60063
WCBI: 60091 60096
WCBK: 60059
WFMU: 60024

43086...
Released today from collision damage repairs at Brush Traction 43086 (EFPC) has been transported back to the Western from Loughborough on a low loader.

Next out...
56118 (WZGF) has been loaded for removal by road from Old Oak Common.

Road transfers and the two Euro Gronks...
58048 (WZTS) has completed its transfer from Old Oak Common to Crewe EMD whilst former Bodmin resident 20166 (HNRL) has been transported north from the Battlefield Line to the Wensleydale Railway. 08738 and 08939 (both WSEN) have been collected from Toton, they were loaded at Sandiacre, and are on their way abroad. Whilst their ultimate destination remains unclear it has been indicated that they are exiting the UK via Portsmouth.

MTU...
43056 (EFPC) has been collected from Brush Traction. Haulage to Landore today being provided by 47818.

37419...
Noted on Warrington today following overnight transfer north via Bescot 37419 (WNTS) is awaiting forwarding to Wigan.

On the road...
Having run into difficulties in the London area a couple of days ago 37510 (XHNC) has been observed traversing the M20 today on the back of a low loader whilst 58048 (WZTS) from Old Oak Common has left Old Oak Common for Crewe being noted parked near the M1 in Leicestershire this morning.

DBS shunter swap...
Undergoing an exam at Eastleigh 09019 has been stored WNTR whilst 08804 recently resurrected to use as cover has been reinstated to the WSSN pool from WNTS.

DRS Chopper swap...
20307 has been reinstated to the XHNC pool from Crewe Gresty Bridge swapping places in the active fleet with 20308 which has been stored XHSS at Carlisle Kingmoor.

43053 is back...
The renumbering of 43053 to 43253 didn't last long as it has since been renumbered back to 43053.

Brush departures pending...
Two power cars ready to leave Loughborough are 43056 (EFPC) which is due out tomorrow whilst 43086 (EFPC) to go out by road is due to be collected on the 27th.

Euro Gronks...
Europe bound 08738 and 08939 (both WSEN) are ready for collection at Toton for transfer abroad by road. 

Despatch...
The first Class 58 released from Eastleigh for despatch to France is 58009 (WZFF) which, after being hauled from Eastleigh to Wembley yesterday, has arrived at Dollands Moor to await transfer through the tunnel.

Tractor on the move...
37419 (WNTS) has left Old Oak Common. En route to Wigan 37419 was taken initially to Eastleigh Yard then before heading north in to Hinksey from where it will be forwarded to Bescot and beyond.

Bones on the move...
58001 (WZFF) has been hauled from Barrow Hill to Eastleigh, 66017 being provided to take it south today, whilst the clearance of Old Oak Common is getting under way following the transfer north to Crewe EMD on a low loader of 58016 (WZTS). Several Class 56s and Class 58s at Old Oak Common deemed unfit to travel by rail will be going out by road, the rest will be taken out by rail. 

Disposal...
At Booths the scrapping of 37717 (MBDL) has been completed and attention is focussed on taking 56011 apart. 37717 was stored from Toton and WKSN in December 2004, RIP.

66502...
Released from Glasgow Works yesterday 66502 (DFGM) was noted on Basford Hall this morning sporting a rather pristine cab at one end.

HNRC Gala Machine...
20107 has been out-shopped in period BR Blue livery at Barrow Hill.

Heritage Shunter Trust appeal...
The Heritage Shunter Trust are after a new motor for D9500...

"The Heritage Shunters Trust are seeking a replacement Paxman Ventura 6YJXL engine for D9500, the pioneer class 14. The locomotive has an engine in situ but it has been in a stripped condition for over twenty years and some parts are missing as well as some of the existing components no longer being in a useable condition. The Heritage Shunter Trust are appealing to anyone who knows of an available Paxman Ventura 6YJXL engine so that D9500 can be made operational again."

"The Heritage Shunter Trust can be contacted via email at h.pashley@btopenworld.com or by calling 07772501574. The Trust is negotiable on any value placed on engines that are offered to them. If you can help then thank you very much because these engines are not easy to find parts for. The Heritage Shunter Trust need to get as much support as they can get for this engine hunt."

47854 update...
Further to yesterday's mention about 47854 catching fire at Westbury yesterday...

The train, the 1Z48 16:12 Kingswear to Norwich Charter was stopped near Westbury with 47854, the leading loco, on fire. After the train crew had dealt with the fire 47804, the rear locomotive, the set was being worked in top and tail mode, propelled the train into Westbury where 47804 was run round to detach 47854 from the train before continuing forward with the charter. As 47804 did not at this point have enough fuel to get all the way through to Norwich, it worked the morning outward journey, 47245 was sent from Southall to join the train. The tour with 47245 and 47804 at the sharp end was finally terminated at Ely some 136 minutes late, as engineering works on the Norwich line had commenced. 47854 remains dumped at Westbury.

DBS 37s...
Below is what is understood to be the *current* plan...

37401 (WKBN) remain in traffic
37405 (WNTS) to surrender its power unit to 37422 (WNTS)
37406 (WFMU) to surrender parts for the resurrection of 37419 (WNTS) when it arrives at Wigan from Old Oak Common
37419 (WNTS) transfer from Old Oak Common to Wigan for attention
37669 (WNXX) to be repaired and returned to traffic
37670 (WKBN) remain in traffic

...which will probably be changed as soon as is practicably possible!

47854...
West Coast's 47854 (MBDL) is in trouble having caught fire, initial reports suggest a bogie fire, at Westbury today whilst on charter duties.

Work in progress...
At Booths, Rotherham 37717 (MBDL) is almost scrapped, one cab, its frame and very little else was left of it this morning.

DBS 37s...
Its assignment amended, it had been earmarked for transfer to Toton, 37406 (now back to WFMU) has been tripped up from Warrington to Wigan. Another Class 37 now due for movement to Wigan is 37419 (WNTS) currently at Old Oak Common. With regards to possibly increasing the Class 37 fleet there's not been any developments on the 37410 / 37425 front, both would need OTMR fitting, whilst 37521 (WNXX) at Doncaster and 37669 (WNXX) at Margam have cropped up on the radar of speculation...

Euro-Gronks...
It has been indicated that 08738 and 08939 (both WSEN), the two ECR Class 08s at Toton, are to go abroad shortly.

97303...
Stripped down at Barrow Hill 97303 (QETS) is the first of the Network Rail quartet to be fitted with ERTMS equipment. A bit of a guinea pig for the project the insertion of the equipment into the body of 97303, the ballast weight which replaced the boiler is being removed to allow for the fitment of the ERTMS gubbins, it will be a template for the other three locomotives.

Tug 13...
Stopped at Toton 60013 has now been stored WNTR.

GBWM...
A new pool code has been created for 73207; GBWM - GB Railfreight Class 73 Whitemoor.

DBS 92s...
Another swap round, 92001 has been stored WNTR swapping with recently stored 92041 which is now reinstated to the WTAE pool.

DBS 37s...
37401 WKBN In traffic, working on the Cambrian
37406 WKBN Out of service, Warrington. Assigned to go to Toton.
37670 WKBN In traffic, working off Fort William.

87031...
It has been confirmed that 87031 (MBEL) has been taken to Long Marston, it was delivered on the 11th. 87031 has been purchased by ETS.

37406...
Assigned for transfer south from Mossend 37406 (WKBN) is booked to go to Warrington to investigate what has gone amiss with its power unit.

31289 & 37418...
A couple of request bits on behalf of the preservationists. Have been asked to advise that 31289 will be working all the trains on the Northampton & Lamport Railway on April 19th, the N&LR line does not currently hold diesel galas or have regular diagrams for diesels so all support for this rare opportunity will be greatly appreciated, meanwhile 37418 became the first of the sub class to move under its own power in preservation when on March 23rd it had its first test run from Bury to Summerseat followed by a second outing to Heywood on April 4th.

Tugs...
60074 has been released into traffic from Toton, it has been drafted on to the Peak Forest circuit, and has been reinstated to WCAK. 60013 and 60059, both at Toton, have been reallocated to WFMU.

87031...
Possibly to Long Marston, its intended destination, or possibly to Allely's for the Easter break 87031 (MBEL) was removed from Tyseley on a low loader on the 10th.

Booths update...
37717 and 56011 have been positioned into the cutting area for processing. All that remains of 56082 is its bogies and some underframe equipment along with part of one cab. 08775 which has been sold is being prepared for removal from site.

The West Highlander...
37401 and 37670 have been handling the West Highlander tour without any further problems. 37406 remains dumped at Mossend awaiting developments.

60074...
Following repairs at Toton 60074 (WNTS) has been out on test today running from Toton to Toton via Nottingham.

The West Highlander...
Things haven't gone too well with the Class 37s allocated to the West Highlander land cruise. As booked 37406 and 37670 took over the north bound tour at Preston but ensuing problems with 37406 saw the tour being recessed in the loop near Greyrigg. Unable to resurrect 37406 dispensation was given for 37670 to proceed up and over Shap and on to Carlisle with 37406 and the tour (11 coaches) in tow. At Carlisle 66067 was bolted on the front to take the tour through to Mossend from where RETB fitted 66104 was attached to go through to the West Highlands. 37406 has been left at Mossend and 37670 went through to Fort William with the tour to join up with 37401.

Tugs...
60085 (WNTR) from Warrington, yesterday, and 60068 (WNTS) from Immingham, today, have arrived at Toton. 60059 (WCBK) is still parked up at rugby whilst 60074 (WNTS) has been undergoing load bank testing at Toton.

DBS 37s...
No flap this time around, in fact quite the opposite. 37406 (now WKBN) was released from Eastleigh yesterday evening running north, initially to Bescot, then on to Wigan this afternoon to be paired up with 37670 (WFMU). It is planned to use the pair north from Preston on the Scotland bound charter tomorrow swapping 37670 for 37401 in Scotland.

DBS 90s...
90018 has been stored WNTS at Crewe swapping places with 90026 which has been reinstated to WEFE from store at Crewe EMD.

Disposal...
The cutting of 56082, stored from Immingham and WGAN in April 1999, has been completed at Booths, Rotherham, RIP.

Fastline 56s...
Although there is a path in the system for a Fastline Class 56 to traverse the S&C on the 11th it has been advised that both 56301 and 56302 (both RCJA) have been stopped and stored, drained of fuel and liquids at Doncaster.

87031...
Tyseley resident 87031 has been prepared for removal from site by road.

Tugs...
60085 (WNTR) has been stood down from traffic at Warrington and is booked to go to Toton. Also awaiting movement to Toton is 60068 (WNTS) still at Immingham after being brought north from Westerleigh on the 6th.

Disposal...
The scrapping of 08509 at Booths, Rotherham was at an advanced stage yesterday and the demolition of 56082 is also now underway. 08509 was stored from Doncaster and the FDSD pool a decade ago in April 1999, RIP.

MTU...
First Great Western's first (and to date the only) renumbered power car was released from re-engineering at Brush Traction yesterday, 43253 (the former 43053) being hauled away to Landore by 47818.

47714...
Recently moved across to the GCR from Brush Traction 47714 has been returned to running order by HNRC and should feature in the forthcoming Great Central Railway's Diesel Gala scheduled to take place on April 25th / 26th.

Flap 2...?
DBS have a requirement for two Class 37s to be at Preston this Friday lunchtime (10/04/09) for the weekend's West Highlander land cruise around Scotland...

37401 WKBN In traffic, currently in Scotland
37406 WFMU Eastleigh, undergoing maintenance, expected ok 10/04/09
37670 WFMU Wigan, undergoing maintenance, expected ok 14/04/09

Toton aerial photographs...
The recent photo of Toton taken from the air has proved quite popular so two more have been loaded to the server. These can be viewed by clicking here and here

Ketton shunter swap...
08613 has been brought in by road from Shotton swapping with 08445 at Ketton which has been taken away to Shotton.

Lack of Fastline Grid activity...
The three Fastline operated Class 56s are becoming conspicuous by their absence...

56301 RCJA Doncaster Roberts Road since 23/03/09
56302 RCJA Doncaster Roberts Road since 27/03/09
56303 RCJA RVE Derby since 27/03/09

Advenza newbie's...
Advenza have advised the current ok dates (these are subject to change as maintenance dictates)for the three locomotives being prepared for them...

57001 DFTZ Brush Traction, 04/05/09
66841 ADFL Glasgow Works, 30/04/09
66842 ADFL Glasgow Works, 18/05/09

Grid 27...
56027 (HTLX) has been removed from Immingham, it was the last mainline locomotive stored on site, and has been transported to Allely's at Studley for further storage.

Tug 68...
Brought north 'dead in tow' 60068 (WNTS) was conveyed through to Immingham in the consist of today's 6E41 from Westerleigh behind 60011.

09004...
Spa Valley resident 09004 is being offered for sale, details on the for sale page.

10 to go...?
Five Class 60s have been stored bringing the active fleet down to just 10 examples although one of these is allocated to the WFMU pool and undergoing maintenance whilst one of the five stored is still in traffic. Removed from service are 60054 60061 60068 60085 and 60087. Three of these, 60054 60061 and 60087, are at Toton and had been stopped WFMU. These have been transferred to WNTR. 60085 has also been stored WNTR but is still in traffic, it is assigned to go to Toton, whilst 60068 has been stored WNTS at Westerleigh, having failed there. These changes leave the Class 60 fleet with 60011 60013 60018 60024 60040 60049 60059 60065 and 60091 allocated to the WC** pools and 60063 allocated to WFMU. Next to go could be 60059 which has been failed with traction motor problems.

DBS 37s...
Rumours persist that DBS would like to have five operational Class 37s which, if so, would see two more reinstated to join 37401 37406 and 37670 in the active (active with regards to the allocations) fleet. Consequently one or both 37410 at Eastleigh and 37425 recently returned to Toton (both WNTS) *could* be in line for fitment of OTMR equipment.

66582 / 66583...
Hired to the DHLT storage pool 66582 and 66583 (both DFHG) have been stopped at Leeds Midland Road.

58012 / 58014...
Toton residents 58012 and 58014 (both WZTS) have been returned to the compound area.

Whitemoor ED...
73207 (GBZZ) completed its transfer to Whitemoor on the 2nd.

DBS Shunters...
08737 recently released from repairs at Warrington has been returned to Trafford Park and is now reinstated to the WSSN pool from WNTR. 08802 (WSSN) in turn has been moved down from Trafford Park to Hoo Junction where it has displaced 08995 (WSSN) which has been moved up to Doncaster. Following tyre turning at Crewe EMD 08922 (WNTR) has been moved up to Carlisle where it is available for a return to traffic. 08993 has been transported from Carlisle to Doncaster Carr where it has been stored WNTS. The three 08/9s have been gathered together at Doncaster, 08994 is already stored there, to be prepared for a project.

DBS 92s...
92016 from store at Crewe EMD has been reinstated to the WTAE pool swapping over with 92041 which has been stored WNTS at Crewe.

DRS Notes...
37608 (XHSS) has been hauled south from Carlisle Kingmoor to Crewe Gresty Bridge meanwhile Kingmoor resident 20310 and Crewe Gresty Bridge incumbent 20315 (both XHSS) have been raided for spares which indicates that there are now no plans to return these two to service. The nameplates from 20310, or to be more precise the engine room doors to which the plates are attached, have been transferred to 20305.

HT 56s...
56027 still at Immingham and 56114 transferred by road from Immingham to Wansford today have been reallocated from WNSO to the HTLX pool.

Disposal...
At Booths, Rotherham the scrapping of 56052, stored from Immingham and WGAN in April 1999, has been completed, RIP.

Tug 44...
60044 (WNTR) has now been stopped at Toton.

ED 207...
Destined to go to Whitemoor 73207 (GBZZ), repainted in large logo blue but without the double arrow logos, has been dragged up from St Leonards to Tonbridge.

Foolery...
Although usually something it concocted for April 1st, this year it wasn't possible, there were a number of efforts posted on various forums and subscription lists, some of which are listed below...

60070 delivered to EMR Kingsbury for scrap, 60018 to follow...
37425 to be repainted into DB Schenker colours at Toton then presented at various functions as an ambassador locomotive...
37401 working the WSMR passenger to Marylebone this morning...
DB Schenker to authorise the overhaul 72 Class 60s whilst 25 Class 66s are to be scrapped to provide spares...
56311 scrambled this morning to rescue and drag a failed Pendolino in the Wolverhampton area...
66841 and 66842 ran south from Glasgow to Gloucester this morning...
55016 has been repainted in two tone green...
DELTIC to be repaired and returned to mainline running...

;)

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