Innehållsförteckning för February 2024 från Rail Express

LITTLE more than four years after their high-profile launch, Mk.5A coaches have been removed from passenger traffic by TransPennine Express. The 13 rakes of five coaches, hauled by Class 68s, have been removed from traffic as TPE seeks to improve the reliability of its services (RE331). December 9, was the final day of locomotive-hauled services, with No. 68030 Black Douglas rostered to haul set TP06 (Nos. 11506, 12716-718, 12806) on the final duties (see panel). As has been the case throughout their TPE career, more sets should have been in traffic that day, but instead their duties were covered by Class 185s. The coaches will remain leased by TPE until May, at a cost of £19 million (RE331). Fourteen Class 68s were sub-leased from Direct Rail Services (Nos. 68019-032) with…

THE Class 50 Alliance has won the Heritage Railway Association Mortons Media Rail Express Modern Traction Award. The C50A has been chosen by this magazine in recognition of the 100 main line tours the organisation has supplied locomotives for. Editor Richard Clinnick said: “This award recognises the sheer scale of the achievement of a small number of volunteers who have consistently made Class 50s available for main line duties for more than 20 years. For any preservation group to achieve 100 tours is worth celebrating.” The award will be presented at an HRA awards dinner in Brighton on February 10. Pathfinder Tours’ ‘The Pilgrim Centurion’, which ran from Swindon to Edinburgh Waverley on September 16 was the 100th tour. The train was powered by Nos. 50007 Hercules (carrying No. 50034…

NORTHERN has continued to run down its Class 319 fleet with all but two sets being stopped during December. Although there were no booked diagrams for the fleet after the timetable change on December 10, several units continued to see use beyond this date as the transfer of the four-car ‘331/1’ sets from Yorkshire to the North West had not been completed; the last set was moved on December 28. During the week leading up to Christmas (December 18-22), Nos. 319368/369/372/381/385 all saw use. No. 319369 subsequently reappeared in traffic on January 1, with No. 319368 doing so on January 2. With London Northwestern Railway having retired its fleet in November (RE332), it means this pair were the last ‘319s’ in passenger service, although Northern still operates its eight Class…

THE Great Central Railway has become the first line to take delivery of a complete Class 153 diesel multiple unit with the arrival of No. 153371 from Long Marston on December 11. The former West Midlands Trains single-car unit, which was handed back to Porterbrook in October 2020, is due to be joined by No. 153308, a former Angel Trains unit which last saw use with East Midlands Railway in December 2021. Since then, it has been stored at Ely Papworth. The GCR is keen to emphasise that the pair of ‘153s’ have not been acquired for preservation but are for use by its training and testing department. In the past, the line has provided facilities for main line operators to undertake crew training, using its fleet of first generation…

LOCOMOTIVE-HAULED TRAINS THE December 2023 timetable change saw the withdrawal of the Nova 3 fleet, made up of Class 68s and Mk.5A coaches, from active operation on trans-Pennine routes after just four years of service (see Headline News). The somewhat controversial decision, announced in summer 2023 (RE330), demonstrates the change in direction of the trans-Pennine operation in recent years; it was brought back into full government control in May 2023 having previously been operated by FirstGroup since 2016. Services between Leeds and Manchester, which ran five times an hour back in 2017 and were described as ‘walk on’, have been reduced, and since the latest timetable change there are now gaps of up to 30 minutes between trains. When No. 68027 Splendid hauled the 06.54 Liverpool Lime Street-Scarborough on August…

N GAUGE 2mm:1ft 1989 to present ERA Review model THE OBSOLETE Graham Farish Pooledesigned Class 158 model with its flat clear sided bodyshells has finally been retired in favour of a new contemporary design with solid bodyshells, separately applied glazing and more advanced technical features. It has been some time in development, so has it been worth the wait? Bachmann kindly supplied Central Trains No. 158856 for review, dressed in the company’s attractive green, yellow and blue livery which sat well with modellers and enthusiasts at the time. The model is not fitted with the gangway door covers which were usually painted yellow, dating it to the earlier years of the Central Trains franchise which commenced in March 1997. A little time would have passed before the first units were outshopped…

00 GAUGE 4mm:1ft 2014 - present ERA Wagons for the modern DRS layout MODELLERS of the contemporary Direct Rail Services scene are pretty spoiled when it comes to rolling stock. The range of nuclear flask-carrying wagons suitable for short trains using the available range of quality traction models continues to grow, with Revolution Trains contributing with a fine model of the 2014 FNA-D nuclear flask carrier. It represents the 40 new wagons built in three batches by WH Davis, which replaced the classic FNA design from the BR Railfreight era. They operate in trains of varying length, with PFA barrier wagons over the Far North Line, usually with two locomotives in either top and tail formation, or double-headed for reliability. The new model is highly detailed with a sliding flask cover…

ALTHOUGH a ‘OO’ gauge ready-to-run model of the ZCO and ZCV ‘Grampus’ ballast and spoil wagons is released by Dapol from time to time, the current Parkside kit remains popular with modellers because of its versatility. Two basic types of ‘Grampus’ were constructed by various builders from the mid-1950s following a design built by the GWR. Diagram 1/572 was an unfitted wagon with long link brakes, spindle buffers and a variety of oil axle boxes. Records indicate that around 3800 wagons of this basic design were built. One of the very first Parkside Dundas kits was for the unfitted wagon type which were coded as ZBO in the TOPS system. The second type is Diagram 1/574, with vacuum eight-shoe clasp brakes and roller bearings from new. Over 700 wagons of…

WEST Coast Railways has said it will now work with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) on finding a long-term solution regarding the use of hinged doors on its trains, after the High Court decided that the ORR’s decision to revoke a certificate allowing WCR to use such stock was lawful. WCR had challenged the ORR via the High Court on five grounds: the ORR misinterpreted the Railway Safety Regulations, the ORR unlawfully fettered its discretion, the ORR failed to take relevant considerations into account, the ORR’s decision was a disproportionate interference with WCR’s right to the protection of property under Article 1, Protocol 1, of the European Convention on Human Rights and that the ORR’s decision was irrational at common law given its disproportionate and draconian effect. However,…

DB CARGO UK has put 22 locomotives up for sale, with nine stored Class 67s, Nos. 67001/003/004/009/011/01 8/019/026/030, and one currently active locomotive, No. 67028, as well as 12 Class 90s, Nos. 90019-021/024/026/028/029/034-037/039, and a large quantity of spares. The decision to sell these locomotives follows a tender during 2023 which saw 12 long-stored Class 90s put up for sale, Nos. 90017/018/022/023/025/027/030-033/038/040, although their sales have not been confirmed. The 12 Class 90s put up for sale at the end of December formed the entire previously operational fleet that was switched off between February and July 2023. All 21 stored locomotives have now been reallocated from WQBA to the lowest ‘Group 4’ WQDA pool. No. 67019 is the longest stored Class 67, having been stopped at Toton in March 2015.…

DB CARGO UK’s Stoke-on-Trent workshop has completed the second round of ‘Stegosaurus’ coil conversions from Thrall Europa-built ‘Nissan hut’ wagons. The additional 40 vehicles brings the total fleet strength to 70 wagons, or just under a quarter of the original build of 50 BRA and 260 BYA steel carriers. Of the final 12 to be returned to service, Nos. 966029/44/6/160 were the first on December 4. The next to depart on the Arpley ‘tripper’ were Nos. 966125/54/76 on December 14, and they were followed by Nos. 966043/138/158/239 on December 18. The final wagon to be converted at the former Marcroft Engineering site was No. 966082, and this headed back into traffic on December 21. DEVELOPMENTS ■ FREIGHTLINER: Overhauled KTA ‘pocket’ wagons Nos. GERS 97708/25/30 were the load for Freightliner’s sole…

THE Irish government has approved the reinstatement of the Athenry to Claremorris and Waterford (Belview) to Rosslare Strand lines, which were mothballed in 2001 and 2010 respectively. The decision was announced on December 5. These reinstatements had been identified in the Draft All Island Strategic Rail Review as potentially being important passenger and freight links in the cross-country route between Rosslare Europort and Ballina. The decision to reopen the lines was made before a formal adoption of recommendations contained in the review. Previously, on November 27, transport minister Eamon Ryan, Iarnród Éireann CEO Jim Meade and other VIPs attended a ceremony at Woodbrook, between Shankill and Bray in south Dublin, to mark the start of construction of a new DART station. Planned to be opened during 2025, this will feature…

MORE than £3000 was raised for Martin House Children’s Hospice during a photoshoot held at York Holgate Works on December 16, 2023, featuring five Direct Rail Services Class 37s. The locomotives had been employed on railhead treatment train duties in the area during the autumn, however their work finished the previous day. Network Rail programme director Chris Gee arranged for the event to take place, although this was on the proviso that the five Type 3s expected to take part in the event, Nos. 37407 Blackpool Tower, 37419 Driver Tony Kay 1974-2019, 37422 Victorious, 37425 Sir Robert McAlpine/ Concrete Bob and 37716 were tidied up ahead of the event and not covered in the usual grime associated with locomotives employed on RHTT jobs. There were more than 70 photographers in…

STATIONS THE opening of the Elizabeth Line has transformed not only travel across London, but judging by the latest station usage statistics, the way in which people travel too. Published by the rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) on December 14, the latest figures revealed that London Liverpool Street is now the busiest station in Britain for the period covered (April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023), but that the top 10 stations are now all in the capital, with five served by the new railway (Liverpool Street, Paddington, Stratford, Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon). The ORR states that 2578 stations were served during that period, including eight new stations. It said that some 1385 million passenger journeys were made during that period, which was a 40%…

The January announcement A HIGHLIGHT of the New Year is the annual Hornby announcement, where the company reveals its ‘OO’ gauge model plans for the coming year, and sometimes beyond. 2024 is little different, except there are no completely brand-new models for D&E modellers this time round. If anything, the range shows signs of consolidation and a more cautious approach as finances tighten further in households around the country. Several wagons make a welcome return to the range, some after a long absence from the catalogue and in several different liveries too. The budget end of the market is carefully considered in the range with a number of ‘Railroad’ and ‘Railroad Plus’ models providing budget models below the £100 mark for low-cost modelling, except when one of the new TXS…

0 GAUGE 7mm:1ft 1979 to present ERA FIRST INTRODUCED in 1973 for Blue Circle Cement following the success of an early 1960s depressed centre cement tank wagon, the Diagram PC009 ‘Presflo’ was built in large numbers for Blue Circle. A single chamber depressed centre tank was fitted to a 16ft underframe with Gloucester floating-axle suspension and disc air brakes. The first wagons were allocated Diagram numbers PC009A, PC009C and PC009G and numbered as Nos. APCM 9100-9399 and Nos. APCM 9425-9434, constructed at BR Shildon. Some carried advertising boards whilst others were painted bright yellow instead of the usual grey livery. An equally common type and one which remains in use today is Diagram PC009E built by BR Shildon, BR Ashford and Procor between 1979 and 1981. This is the design represented…

THE first of the major set-piece events on the modelling calendar is now only a few weeks away, with enthusiasts from across the UK preparing for a feast of layouts and inspiration at Model Rail Scotland. The show is once more at the SEC (Scottish Event Campus) in the heart of Glasgow from Friday, February 23 to Sunday the 25th, and there will be scores of layouts and a host of societies and exhibitors for visitors to see. Among the layouts this year are Glen Farist, Levenbank and Eyemouth in N gauge, OO scale models of Dalziel North, Griffen Road, Depot 254 and Fountainhall TMD to name just a few, as well as the O gauge Eastfield, Harviestoun and much more, in these and other scales, including N, P4, table…

DB Cargo UK is no longer the biggest freight operator in Britain, according to figures released by the Office of Rail and Road on December 12. DBC was previously English, Welsh & Scottish Railways, which acquired five of the six trainload freight companies when the railways were privatised. However, the figures show that between July 1, 2023, and September 30 last year, DBC moved 2.25 million freight train kilometres, compared with GB Railfreight’s 2.38m during the same period. This is the actual kilometres (which is how the series is measured) travelled by freight operators on all mainline infrastructure, terminals and yards. The ORR said that DBC now has the second largest share and saw the biggest decrease compared with the previous year – 12%. Meanwhile, GBRf and Colas Railfreight recorded…

EARLY-DECEMBER saw a flurry of shunter movements take place in Cornwall, these being centred on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway and linked to the transfer of the newly preserved CDA clay hoppers to the line from St Blazey. Of the five relocations undertaken, the most notable was the departure of Sentinel No. 10150, otherwise known as No. P406D Isaac, from the Imerys works at Rocks, or Goonbarrow, in railway parlance. Dating from 1963, the 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic was initially taken to Bodmin on December 12 before moving on to the Railway Support Services (RSS) yard at Wishaw soon afterwards. Here it was reunited with Thomas Hill No. 261V, or No. P405D Alex, which made the same journey north back in June 2023. The removal of the two shunters from Goonbarrow…

LOCOMOTIVE Services has acquired five maroon Mk.2f vehicles from DB Cargo UK. The coaches, Tourist Standard Open (TSO) Nos. 5922/924/959, 6036 and 6152, were hauled from Worksop to Crewe by another recent LS acquisition, No. 37409, on November 29. Also in the consist, dead in tow, were GB Railfreight No. 57303 and LS Nos. D8096, D8107 (20096, 20107). Two of the coaches, Nos. 5922 and 6036, are expected to be used as spares donors for the growing LS fleet, while the other three are to undergo assessment. All five were taken from Crewe to Arlington, Eastleigh by Nos. 37409 and D6817 (37521) on December 6. The five coaches, together with Brake Standard Open (BSO) Nos. 9529/531, last saw regular use with ScotRail between 2008 and 2010 on peak-hour Fife circle…

CLASS 20 Resplendent in a new coat of red stripe Railfreight livery, Locomotive Services’ No. 20118 Saltburn-by-the-Sea returned to action on December 12, heading the 5Z20 10.07 Crewe-Eastleigh Arlington along with Type 3 No. D6851 (37667). Sandwiching a pair of Mk.2 coaches, a stop was made at Reading Traincare to detach Mk.2f Open First (FO) No. 3330 for tyre turning. The coach was collected by the same locomotives the next day and returned to Crewe. Also, on December 13, Nos. 20007 and 20205 ran light from Peak Forest to the Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster, where they were joined by Nos. 20142 Sir John Betjeman and 20189 on December 21, the duo having arrived from Tyseley Steam Centre. No. 20189 had previously been involved in several ‘Polar Express’ trips between…

TRANSPORT For London (TfL) has negotiated an additional £250 million of capital funding with the Government. Announcing the money on December 18, London transport commissioner Andy Lord said: “Through a huge effort to reduce costs and rebuild our ridership and revenue following the pandemic, TfL is now on track to be financially sustainable in terms of its day-to-day operations. We are also able to cover the cost of the majority of our capital investment.” The agreement comes with terms and conditions including a commitment that TfL will become financially sustainable by the end of March 2024. It will also need to provide a plan how it will “maintain and strengthen its financial sustainability from FY24/25.” Additionally, TfL is unable to request or assume any further contribution from central government until…

RAILTOURS THE Deltic Preservation Society No. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier could return to the national network, hauling railtours, before the end of this year. Following a repaint and other attention, at Barrow Hill, the locomotive is set to go to the Great Central Railway (GCR) to participate in special events and, possibly, to make use of the GCR’s facility for higher speed test running. For certification purposes, the DPS is using Technical Construction, based at Eastleigh, which was instrumental in returning the DPS’ No. 55009 Alycidon to the main line in 2023. Should the testing be successful and considering the lead time for planning tours, No. 55019 could be back on Network Rail metals later this year. Following the disastrous, and expensive, failure of No. 55009 Alycidon in March 2019,…

00 GAUGE 4mm:1ft 1960-1976 ERA Completing Run 1 of the Accurascale Class 37 THE FINAL instalment of Accurascale’s complex Class 37 project, which has seen a diverse selection of different models produced with locomotive-specific details, concludes with the early Class 37/0s and specifically, the first five. Nos. D6700-D6704 has been produced in various early liveries such as BR green as delivered, with full yellow ends and also BR blue with TOPS numbers. The review sample is No. 37001 in BR blue and sporting train reporting codes in split boxes. Locomotive-specific detail This small group of Class 37s is another mini fleet not modelled in the past by a mainstream manufacturer. They are characterised by unique cantrail grilles and double-riveted roof panels over the steam heating generator compartment, making them different in…

00 GAUGE 4mm:1ft 1994 to 1999 ERA HM7000 DCC so far A BARRIER to entry to Digital Command Control can be the initial outlay on a digital system. Digital sound is a particularly expensive feature to adopt for anything other than a small fleet of models. Hornby’s new Bluetooth DCC system changes all that, whilst retaining compatibility with existing DCC systems. It uses Bluetooth short-range wireless technology for communication between mobile and fixed devices to create a wireless throttle DCC system using mobile devices such as smart mobile telephones. It bypasses a command station to communicate directly wirelessly to Hornby’s Bluetooth capable decoders using a bespoke app. Since its introduction, HM7000 has been a success for Hornby with considerable net revenue being generated from 12 new products and 6000 app downloads.…