Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2022 i Railways Illustrated

FURTHER WIDESPREAD rail strikes were due to take place after this issue of Railways Illustrated went to print, as the RMT announced another three days of strike action, with the ASLEF and TSSA unions also instructing their members to go out on strike. The industrial dispute between the RMT union, Network Rail and 13 train operating companies – Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Cross-Country, c2c, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and West Midlands Railway – saw three days of strike action on June 21, 23 and 25 (Railways Illustrated 234), causing a significant reduction in services on the strike days and disruptions and cancellations to timetables on the non-strike days of the same week. Despite ongoing discussions, agreement…

STADLER HAS supplied Nexus with a full-sized driving cab simulator for the new train fleet currently being built for Tyne and Wear Metro. It will assist with driver training, ahead of the fleet’s introduction into service. The simulator uses CGI to give a realistic feel for drivers of the new train cabs, as well as providing an interactive driving experience for staff who will be trained on the fleet. Metro’s 60-station network has been recreated, and changing weather conditions and potential situations can be created by trainers at the touch of a button to provide realistic scenarios. Additionally, drivers are able to learn how to use the features of the new trains, the controls, and fault-finding and safety functions so they will be familiar with them when they are delivered…

LONDON NORTH Eastern Railway have reapplied a slightly modified version of the special commemorative livery applied to 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. This is part of the operator’s essential maintenance programme currently underway at Wabtec Doncaster on its InterCity 225 fleet of Class 91s and Mk.4 coaches. The newly-applied vinyl wrap features the unique design created for the locomotive a decade ago which pays tribute to those who served their country and gave their lives. The three iconic aircraft designs involved in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – the Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane – all feature prominently. 91110 currently holds the British railway speed record, reaching 162mph during a test run of the locomotive in 1989, although the Class 91 fleet and other trains operating in passenger service…

FIVE CLASS 66/3s currently operated by Direct Rail Services are to be transferred to GB Railfreight in the coming weeks as the company continues its quest to expand its locomotive fleet. The five locomotives (66301-66305) will be leased from Beacon Rail and their arrival with the operator will increase the size of GBRf’s Class 66 fleet to 105 locomotives. Railways Illustrated sources understand that while DRS was interested in retaining them, the length of the lease on offer was unattractive. They date from 2008, when they were delivered to the UK for the now-defunct Fastline Freight. They transferred to DRS in 2010 after Fastline Freight’s parent company, Jarvis PLC, collapsed into administration and was subsequently wound up. It is understood that more locomotives are being sought by GBRf, which will…

ANOTHER BRITISH Rail-built electric multiple unit fleet is disappearing from our rail network, with the final planned Class 317-operated trains running on July 16. Greater Anglia’s 317343 and 317508 were used all day on a London Liverpool Street to Hertford East diagram, with the operator stating that this would be the last day the EMUs would be scheduled to operate on passenger services. By that date only four Class 317s remained active in the GA fleet (317337/338/343 and 317508) as increasing numbers of five-car Alstom-built Class 720s have been introduced on suburban services. The Class 317s in use on July 16 operated the London Liverpool Street to Hertford East departures at 06.12, 08.12, 10.12, 12.12, 14.12, 16.12, 18.12, 20.12 and 22.12, returning from Hertford East at 07.09, 09.09, 11.09, 13.09,…

THE LATEST round of Direct Rail Services sales has been concluded, with Locomotive Services Group and Harry Needle Railroad Company acquiring the six locomotives on offer, as expected. LSG has bought 37059, 37259, 37409 and 57003, while HNRC has acquired 37038 and 57007. Already the LSG locomotives have moved to Crewe Diesel Depot. They join 20302/305, 57302/311, which were bought in previous DRS sales over the past nine months. DRS withdrew 37059 in February this year after using it on last year’s railhead treatment trains, while 37259 was stored in July 2020. The Class 37/4 was also stored in July 2020. 37409 was bought from preservation a decade earlier and overhauled by HNRC in 2010 before returning to the main line. It had been expected to return to traffic with…

New look LNER Mk.4s return to traffic LNER’s first Mk.4 set to carry its new InterCity-derived livery was released from Wabtec on July 1, matching 91127 returning NL17 to Neville Hill. Four days later, the formation ran to Peterborough and back on test, DVT 82225 leading 11417, 11317, 11288, 10324, 12303, 12432, 12427, 12444 and 12223. A return to passenger action came on July 14 with 91127 powering 1A09 07.15 Leeds-King’s Cross and 1D09 10.03 return. Next for repainting will be 91105 and NL15 which were delivered to Doncaster West Yard from Neville Hill by 67028 on July 8. TfW Mk.4s on the move The latest Mk.4s acquired by Transport for Wales were retrieved from Worksop on June 20, 37608 hauling 10307, 11316, 12229, 12308, 12526 and 82204 to Doncaster…

THE HEATWAVE that hit the UK in mid-July saw the majority of our heritage railways taking the decision to operate their services using diesel locomotives or diesel multiple units rather than the usual steam traction that makes up the mainstay of services during the peak summer season. The long dry spell has left much of the ground around the country tinder-dry and the operation of steam locomotives on services can lead to lineside fires, no matter how carefully crews operate. Therefore, from early July, announcements started to be made by a growing number of railways advising that steam was being replaced with either diesel locomotives or DMUs to reduce the potential for lineside fires and also due to the hot conditions on steam footplates for crews. Most of those railways…

TWO PRESERVED Class 47s have moved to new homes in late June, as previously reported in Railways Illustrated. First to move was 47292, which left the Nottingham Heritage Railway on June 22 for a new base on the Churnet Valley Railway at Cheddleton. The Class 47 is understood to be in good condition but has not worked a train for some time, with its bodywork in need of a good clean after being stored out of use. 47292 is expected to enter service on the CVR in the near future, joining the line’s two Class 33s – 33021 Eastleigh and 33201 Sophie – as the railway looks to increase its timetabled diesel locomotive operations. Two days later on June 24, secondbuilt Class 47 ‘Generator’ D1501 left its base of the…

THE EAST Lancashire Railway made a significant and successful change to its operations during its recent summer diesel event, which took place from June 30-July 2. The railway has traditionally operated a passenger shuttle service on the four-mile section of line between Bury Bolton Street and Ramsbottom during its special events to provide additional interest and enhance timetables. However, for the summer diesel event this year the railway replaced its usual passenger shuttle train between the two towns for a lengthy freight train, with brake vans at each end available to a limited number of passengers paying an additional supplement. Passengers were carried on the brake vans between the two stations but had to alight upon arrival at Ramsbottom station, as the sidings there are not passed for passenger operation.…

THE RECENTLY revived Class 142 ‘Pacer’ 142011, based on the Midland Railway – Butterley, has been returned to service on its home railway. The second-generation DMU was originally bought as a source of spares for classmate 142013 (which is also based on the MRB) and has undergone a programme of works to return it to service, along with a repaint into original Provincial light blue livery, which was never carried by 142011 but is authentic for some of the Class 142 fleet when originally delivered to British Rail. The Class 142 made its preservation debut on the MRB during the railway’s DMU weekend on June 18/19, where it was in use alongside the line’s Class 108 and Class 141 DMUs. Following the end of the event, 142011 has continued to…

Railways Illustrated editor Andy Coward and I know have worked together in numerous ways since working on another title back in 2007. Very quickly we decided that any features we did should be about taking the reader where they would love to go but were unable to do so. The premise was devised from what we thought we would want to see as a reader of the magazine. After all, the writer is the eyes and ears of the reader, taking them to places they wouldn’t usually be able to visit. Andy and I are acutely aware of this honoured position and make sure never to brag about some of the things we get to do as part of our jobs. What has this got to do with social media?…

Nearly 25 years since the first example emerged from Falcon Works in Loughborough, the Class 57s have led a far more interesting career than perhaps first thought. Their future is potentially just as fascinating, with ownership changes taking place, along with changes to leases and sub-leases for various members of the fleet in recent times. The locomotives, which were rebuilt from redundant Class 47s between 1998 and 2004, were originally ordered by two operators, and yet one of them dispensed with them within a decade, while the other is now planning to order replacements. While the traction policies of Freightliner and First Great Western (now Great Western Railway) changed, the needs of other companies meant that these useful and versatile locomotives remained in demand. The Class 57 project was originally…

With one of my layouts requiring motive power of a Southern variety, the obvious solution for the Class 33s was the Heljan model. However, with the existing Class 33/0 ruled out due to its flawed roof, this currently limits options to just the push-pull Class 33/1s and the narrow-bodied Class 33/2 ‘Slim Jims’, both of which have a more accurate appearance. Fortunately, this was not too much of an issue as a ‘Bagpipe’ was required to work with the Southern Region General Manager’s Saloon, while the use of a Class 33/2 on cement traffic from Northfleet is entirely justifiable. A further Class 33/1 was also required for engineers’ duties, this again not being too much of a stretch as, with their Weymouth push-pull duties coming to an end, the sub-class…

THE UK rail network was extensively disrupted by the heatwave which hit the country in mid-July, with scores of services cancelled and Network Rail staff working hard to keep the railway open, as track and overhead electrification infrastructure struggled to cope with the record-breaking temperatures. With weather forecasters predicting the extreme temperatures well in advance, train operators and Network Rail were able to offer guidance to passengers well in advance of the two days when temperatures were expected to peak on July 18-19, just before this issue of Railways Illustrated closed for press. In the UK we are more used to weather disruption on the railway related to storm damage, usually in the winter, but with temperatures recorded at over 40°C on July 19, Network Rail and train operators were…

THE ONGOING partnership between the Branch Line Society and Network Rail staff has seen at least £18,000 raised from the operation of another ambitious charity fundraising charter, with the proceeds donated towards Martin House Hospice in Wetherby. ‘The Lackenby Looper’ – which took place on July 9 – is the fifth train to be organised by York-based Network Rail controller Jerry Dickinson, working alongside Kev Adlam from the Branch Line Society and route freight manager Mark Bridel. The operation of the five charters run to date has raised just under £200,000 for the children’s hospice, with the organising team aiming to exceed a target of £250,000 for the charity. The charters began in 2018 following the death of 11 year old Luca Pezzolu, the son of one of the York…

CROSSCOUNTRY HAS unveiled Class 43 high speed train power car 43384 in InterCity Executive livery following repainting at Plymouth Laira. CrossCountry operates a fleet of 12 Class 43s on its services and the repainting of 43384, which has regained its original fleet number of 43184, is the first time the operator has deviated from its corporate identity on repainted rolling stock since taking over the franchise in November 2007. This has been done to celebrate the 40th anniversary of HST operations beginning on CrossCountry services in 1982. 43184 emerged following repainting on a test run on July 5, operating back-to-back with 43303 from Plymouth Laira. The following day the pair were charged with the 12.27 Plymouth to Edinburgh CrossCountry service, marking their return to service. As 43384, the power car…

NETWORK RAIL, GB Railfreight and Swiss wagon manufacturer and leasing company Wascosa came together at London Victoria station on June 28 to celebrate the delivery of new wagon fleets by Wascosa for use by Network Rail on infrastructure and engineering trains. Introducing the event was GB Railfreight chief executive officer John Smith, who outlined the vital work done by the rail freight sector in keeping the UK economy moving, the green credentials of rail as opposed to alternative road transport, and as the important work done by the sector in helping Network Rail in maintaining and upgrading the rail network. The Wascosa wagons being delivered to the UK for Network Rail are being supplied to allow the widespread renewal of the NR wagon fleet. They have been designed with many improvements…

JULY 17 saw the opening of the new extension to the West Midlands Metro tram system from Birmingham Library to Edgbaston Village, bringing three new tram stops into use. CAF Urbos 100 tram 42 was the first to operate in passenger service along the route, which opened ahead of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games taking place between July 28 and August 8. Trams in service on the opening day were Urbos 3 trams 18 and 34, along with Urbos 100 trams 38-45. Trams will initially operate at a 12-15 minute service frequency, with additional trams provided during peak periods. The opening is the second phase of WMM’s Westside extension which has been led by Transport for West Midlands, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, with construction and design carried out…

THERE ARE no plans to fit new in-cab signalling equipment into the fleet of East Coast Main Line Class 91s and Mk.4 Driving Van Trailers, suggesting that they will have been withdrawn by LNER by 2027 when the system is due to go live on the route. A small fleet of the electric locomotives and Mk.4 coaching stock has been retained by the operator to work alongside the Hitachi Azuma fleets, with the older stock currently used mainly on LNER London King’s Cross to Leeds or London to York services, although there are plans in place to extend their operation once again to Newcastle However, Network Rail is introducing European Train Control System (ETCS) on the southern section of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) between London King’s Cross and…

Class 387/3 for Great Northern The former c2c Class 387/3s are set to join the Great Northern fleet this year in an arrangement that allows most of the loaned Class 387/2s to return to Southern to strengthen Gatwick Express services. Great Northern has red-liveried 387201-08 in use on services out of King’s Cross with all but one due to be returned south of the Thames. The six Class 387/3s have already finished with their previous operators, 387303/04/05 running from Shoeburyness to Peterborough Nene carriage sidings on July 1 for storage, 387303 then heading to Hornsey three days later for inspection. The departure of 387301/02/06 from their use with Great Western Railway proved less straightforward as the initial transfer behind 37510 on June 28 was curtailed at Acton Main Line by…

ANOTHER BUSY period for locomotives repaints was headlined by the return of CrossCountry HST power car 43384 into 1980s InterCity Executive colours, it also being officially renumbered back to 43184 at Laira. Another Class 43 power car receiving a repaint at Eastleigh Works during July was 43059, this losing its now-redundant Rail Charter Services green to become another blue Midland Pullman example, joining 43046/047/055 already carrying the distinctive colours. A surprise for visitors to the Direct Rail Services Crewe Gresty Bridge open day on July 16 was the return of 37218 into original DRS blue livery, the Type 3 being released from Crewe Heritage Centre the day before the event. At Toton, 60062 has become the latest canvas for DB’s ongoing promotion of the benefits of rail freight, receiving vinyls…

THE PRIVATELY-OWNED Class 50 based on the Mid-Hants Railway, 50027 Lion, has suffered a main generator failure, and the locomotive is now out of service until the engine can be removed and the necessary repairs carried out. A post on the owner’s Facebook page on June 27 read: “Unfortunately Lion has suffered a power to earth fault that has been traced to the main generator so [the locomotive] has been removed from service. “The railway is confident that we can remove the power unit in house and enquiries have been made to send the generator away for specialist inspection once the engine has been removed. “This will be both a time-consuming and expensive job as it is something both the railway and ourselves have never undertaken.” The failure of 50027…

THE LONG-PLANNED use of the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group’s 47077 North Star on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway finally began on July 18, when the locomotive entered service on the railway between Grosmont and Pickering. The locomotive has been undergoing repairs following its delivery to Grosmont in January, which has delayed its entry into service. However, with repairs completed and with the NYMR having a need for diesel locomotives on its services due to the high lineside fire risk caused by the hot mid-July weather conditions, the immaculate BR blue Class 47 made its debut hauling the 10.30 Grosmont to Pickering service. It joins resident 37264 and visiting 37403 Isle of Mull as the NYMR’s current operational diesel fleet, with the line’s fleet of Sulzer Type 2s – Class…

WITH THE diesel event calendar back in full swing after a near two-year hiatus, the major events held during the 2022 season appear to have been more popular than ever before, with railways such as the Swanage Railway, Severn Valley, Keighley and Worth Valley, and East Lancashire Railway all reporting well-attended and profitable events surpassing those held prior to the pandemic in spring 2020. One subject that is always open to much discussion among enthusiasts is the use of more ‘modern’ traction supplied to events by main line operating companies. Some enthusiasts welcome the use of main line locomotives not usually seen at heritage events, such as Class 60s, 66s, 68s, 69s and 70s, while others believe that heritage events should solely make use of locomotives from the preservation sector,…

FOLLOWING A successful three-month working visit to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, the Deltic Preservation Society’s Class 55 Deltic 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier departed Wirksworth on July 18 for its first working appearance on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, where it is due to spend the next few months. However, the space vacated by the Deltic will not be empty for long, for the EVR is due to host Locomotive Services Group 73001, which is making its first working visit to a heritage railway since it was acquired by the main line operator in May 2019, with the locomotive expected to have been delivered to Wirksworth before this issue of Railways Illustrated is published. The Class 73 was one of a number of the type purchased by preservationist David Hird on the…

03179 – Rushden: Some front-end progress has been made on the former WAGN Class 03 shunter and it now has a first coat of yellow. It will be sanded down again and given a second cost until the bonnet is on and then will receive a final third coat before the wasp stripes are added. The footplate has been painted on the track side of the locomotive, so now all the tread plate is black bar a small amount on the rear of the Class 03. It is hoped to soon get gloss blue paint on the front bulkhead, before starting on the cabsides. 09026 – Tunbridge Wells West: The radiator was refitted on June 24 and the Class 09 is progressing steadily towards a return to service. D9525 –…

On the outskirts of Bury town centre, in an area surrounded by terraced housing, lies the main restoration and engineering facilities of the East Lancashire Railway. The site comprises of a four-road carriage and wagon workshop and sidings on the north side of Baron Street, with the larger Locomotive Works complex and its extensive sidings on the south side. A crossing over the unadopted road links the two sites. The Locomotive Works building – which dates from the 1850s – is what was previously Bury Traction Maintenance Depot, which was used for the stabling and maintenance of the electric trains that once ran on the Bury to Manchester line, which is adjacent to the site and now operated by the Metrolink tram system. Alongside the five-road building is an area…

The Ormskirk to Preston section of the West Lancashire Line runs for just over 15 miles from the market town of Ormskirk through a mainly agricultural and rural landscape via the town of Burscough and the villages of Rufford and Croston, before joining the West Coast Main Line at Farington Curve Junction, some one-and-a-half miles south of Preston station. At Burscough, the route passes over the Wigan Wallgate to Southport line, although there is no physical connection between the two lines at the present time. The route was once part of the original East Lancashire Railway (which merged with the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway from 1859) double-track route from Preston and East Lancashire to Liverpool Great Howard Street (later Liverpool Exchange) that opened for business in 1849. Until 1972…

AUTHORS: Dave Brennand & Richard Furness PUBLISHER: Crecy Publishing ISBN: 978-1-80035-141-7 PRICE: £30.00 WEBSITE: www.crecy.co.uk THE DISTINCTIVELY-SHAPED British Railways station totem signs have survived in great numbers, despite many being removed from stations well over 50 years ago. As with many other recognisable items of railwayana, numerous totem signs have been sold for more than four figures in recent years, many originally snapped up for modest sums directly from British Rail. The BR totem signs are highly sought-after among railwayana collectors, especially those considered to be rare, not least because of how attractive they look when displayed, with each region of BR having a different colour for their totems. The colours were: maroon for the Midland Region; tangerine for the North Eastern, light blue for Scottish, dark blue for Eastern;…

THE FINAL two refurbished Transport for Wales Class 153s have entered traffic with the operator. 153318 and 153382 were refurbished by Chrysalis Rail at Landore and have been fitted with accessible toilets, re-covered seats, and renewed fittings. They have also been rebranded into TfW red and grey livery and renumbered from 153918/982. The two Class 153s were previously with East Midlands Railway before moving to TfW. The TfW Class 153 fleet was expanded from 18 to 26 units units in 2018 as it sought to boost capacity in its fleet. TfW Class 153/9s are not fully disability compliant with their toilets locked out of use and they should be operated with a compliant train. Often the Class 153/9s are operated coupled to a refurbished and compliant Class 153/3 unit. TfW…

THE FIRST of 220 Hitachi Class 80x trains to visit Arlington Fleet Services’ Eastleigh Works for repairs related to cracks discovered on the trains in 2021 arrived on June 27, in preparation for the start of an extensive repair project. Great Western Railway 802003 ran under its own power from North Pole to Eastleigh and will be used for preparatory works ahead of the project beginning later this year. The five-car Class 802/0 was selected as it was one of the trains found to be in most need of repairs to the cracks, which caused the widespread withdrawal of the trains in May 2021. Although most were returned to traffic within a few days, a lengthy investigation found that repairs were needed, and that this could take up to six…

RETURNING AFTER an enforced two-year absence, Direct Rail Services held one of its popular open day events at Crewe Gresty Bridge Depot on July 16, with the operator stating that more than 3000 people had purchased tickets in the lead-up. The sun shone brightly as 17 locomotives from the DRS fleet – from Classes 37, 57, 66, 68 and 88 – were displayed within the depot building and yard, along with a range of sales stands and traders. The undoubted stars of the show were five members of the operator’s remaining Class 37 fleet, with 37218, 37401 Mary Queen of Scots, 37419 Carl Haviland, 37425 Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob all on display in the depot yard. 37424/558 Avro Vulcan XH558 was on display inside the depot building. While DRS is seeking…

DIRECT RAIL Services has put its remaining 12 Class 37s up for sale, although 10 will continue to be used by the operator even after they are sold. The company has offered 37218, 37401/402/407/419/422-425 and 37716 on a sale and leaseback arrangement, where the locomotives will be sold but then hired back by DRS to honour its autumn railhead treatment train duties, but otherwise the operator plans to only use modern locomotives on its services. Maintenance of the locomotives would also pass to the new owner of the fleet as part of the arrangement. The last Class 37s to be overhauled for DRS were 37425 Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob and 37419 Carl Haviland 1954-2012 by Loram UK at Derby. This completed a number of overhauls carried out by Harry Needle…

CLASS 153 w/c 13/6–153379 Long Marston to Millenium Site Services, Derby, by road. CLASS 197 29/6–197018 delivered from CAF Newport to Donnington RFT by road. 30/6–66501 + 197013 6G68 13.11 Donnington RFT-Crewe Carriage Sidings. CLASS 313 27/6–313121 5Z14 12.34 Hornsey-Eastleigh Works via Redhill and Chichester. CLASS 317 At Eastleigh Works, Raxstar scrapped 71608, 77031 and 77079 from 317732 between April 26 and May 9 and then cut 71605, 77028 and 77076 from 317729 between May 11-17. The motor coaches from both sets have still to be scrapped. 29/6–37884 + 317502 + 317504 5G46 14.10 Cambridge-Ely Papworth. 30/6–37884 + 317501 + 317506 5G46 14.11 Cambridge-Ely Papworth. 5/7–37884 + 317339 + 317340 5G46 14.11 Cambridge-Ely Papworth. 7/7–37884 + 317507 + 317510 5G46 14.11 Cambridge-Ely Papworth. CLASS 318 27/6–37884 + 318259 5Q06 06.33…

BARROW HILL Roundhouse is celebrating its 150th anniversary two years later than originally planned, with an event that aims to recreate the British Rail Open Days that took place at the Roundhouse during the 1970s and 1980s. The 150+2 Celebration Gala event, which takes place from August 26-28, was originally due to have happened in 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic. Organisers are promising a special line-up of locomotives in the Roundhouse building and the depot yard will be opened up to allow cab visits to visiting and resident locomotives on display. The Deltic Preservation Society Depot will also be open throughout the event. Train rides from the Roundhouse Halt platform up the Springwell branch line will be available, along with trade and railway society stalls, food and…

PROPOSALS BY Rossendale Borough Council to introduce regular commuter services on the East Lancashire Railway is once again leading to concerns over the future of the heritage railway. The council has appointed consultancy Systra Group to produce a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) as it seeks Government approval for the scheme. The latest study follows previous reports which have found that the reinstatement of commuter services on the route would not be economically viable. A survey recently conducted by Systra as part of the SOBC has shown that 86% of 1607 residents responding from the Rossendale and Bury area were supportive of the initiative, with 11% against. Of 36 businesses surveyed, 75% were in favour and 22% against. The three local authorities over whose land the ELR route operates –…

AUGUST IS shaping up to be another great month for heritage modern traction enthusiasts, with a number of diesel events taking place across the country as the summer event season starts to draw to a close. The month begins with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s home fleet gala from August 5-7, which is expected to feature Class 14 D9537 Eric, 31601 Devon Diesel Society, Class 47 D1842 and the line’s DMUs. Locomotive Services Group’s 73001 is also due to take part (see page 31). From August 12-14 Peak Rail is holding a Mixed Traffic Gala, featuring an intensive timetable of passenger and freight workings using the line’s three operational main line diesel locomotives – Class 25 D7659, Class 44 D8 Penyghent and Class 47 D1501 – along with GWR 2-6-2T steam locomotive…

FOLLOWING THE announcement earlier this year that the owners of 56097 on the Nottingham Heritage Railway had been asked to relocate the locomotive to a new home by the railway (Railways Illustrated issue 232), it has now been offered for sale. The Railfreight triple grey coal sector liveried Class 56 is in serviceable condition but has not worked a train for more than two years, as the NHR is currently unable to operate passenger services on its line. The locomotive has remained at Ruddington, where it has been undergoing maintenance to keep it operational. The owners state that its engine has run for fewer than 500 hours since it was overhauled during its restoration, which was carried out between 2002 and 2008. A number of other improvements have been made…

DIRECT RAIL Services stored 37423 Spirit of the Lakes has been loaned to Crewe Heritage Centre, going on display in late June. The Class 37/4 was stored by DRS in February this year and is one of 12 Class 37s currently being offered for sale by the Cumbrian freight company. It has been listed as one of 10 from the 12 which DRS intends to sell on a leaseback basis (see page 18). Once a new owner has been identified, the locomotive will need to undergo attention to reactivate it for further use; it is expected that the 10 will be used on RHTT duties. It is also expected that the locomotive will remain on display at CHC until the end of the summer season, or until it is sold.…

When you take out a subscription to Railways Illustrated That’s a 26% saving when you pay by Direct Debit GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE >> Free UK delivery to your door or instant download to your digital device >> Save money on shop prices >> Never miss an issue >> Receive your issue before it goes on sale in the shops 12 print issues for £44 Direct Debit (26% saving) 1 year credit/debit card for £48 2 year credit/debit card for £91 6 digital issues for £17.99 credit/debit card 12 issues credit/debit card for £33.99 Call our customer services team on: 01507 529529 Lines open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm Offer expires: September 8, 2022 TERMS & CONDITIONS: Rates are based on UK orders only – for overseas, please visit www.classicmagazines.co.uk. Subscriptions will start…

AUTHOR: Roger Rounce PUBLISHER: Silver Link Books ISBN: 978-1-85794-608-6 PRICE: £30.00 WEBSITE: www.nostalgiacollection.com FOR MANY years Stratford Traction Maintenance Depot was one of the UKs leading modern traction depots and this pictorial memorial to the much-missed depot, featuring the images of Roger Rounce, is a fitting tribute. This book takes us on a pictorial journey around the depot, featuring many of the locomotive designs that were so closely associated with it, from those stabled in the depot yard through to locomotives undergoing repairs, maintenance, and repaints. It is illustrated with a wide range of colour photographs that are accompanied by welldetailed captions and memories from the author of visits to the depot. The Silver Link Books are always attractively presented, and this book represents reasonable value for money. The blue and…

➔ Many older designs of electric multiple units on our rail network are due to disappear over the next few months, in addition to those that have already succumbed recently, such as the Class 317s, Southern Class 455s and the SWR Class 456s. Richard Clinnick takes a look at what the future holds for those EMUs that can be considered as being under threat. ➔ The Class 31s have proven to be of a versatile and flexible design over the years. Although now largely absent from main line running, they are ideal for heritage line operations and the type is well represented in preservation. Andy Coward takes a look at the survivors of this popular fleet. ➔ September marks the 60th anniversary of the emergence of the first-built Brush Type…