Railways Illustrated - March 2022 - Preview

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March 2022 £4.95

Leaf Busters!

The

Our pictorial review of Network Rail’s 2021 RHTT season

Model Spot

Railfreight VEA Vans

PLUS South Western Railway bids farewell to the Class 456

MTU engine-fitted HST power cars scrapped Preservation: SVR’s Kidderminster Diesel Depot Exploring Merseyrail’s Wirral Line

Network Rail’s festive improvement works examined

Welcome to Railways Illustrated

Bringing railways to a wider audience

I

write this note at a time when we find ourselves once again in the midst of another wave of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the UK. Last month I wrote about the difficulties suffered by rail staff in enforcing the Government’s guidance on passengers wearing face coverings on public transport.

However, the vociferous spread of the omicron variant of coronavirus has had a much greater impact on the railway than we could ever have imagined last month. With record numbers of people having to isolate, the impact on our everyday lives is clear to see.

Despite Government advice that people should work from home if they are able to as part of their job, the impact of omicron has seen many railway companies forced into operating emergency timetables due to chronic staff shortages as an ever-increasing number of rail staff are forced to self-isolate – after either contracting the virus, or being unvaccinated and a close contact of someone else who has contracted the virus.

All of this comes after many operators were reporting passenger levels growing again, as more people returned to trains following the lifting of many restrictions last summer. Since Christmas, I have seen plenty of pictures of empty or near-empty carriages – all after the rail industry had worked so hard to rebuild confidence.

Two years since the world first became painfully aware of the impact of coronavirus, it is clear that there are still plenty of twists and turns in the story before our lives return to something like they were before the spring of 2020.

On a lighter note, Richard Clinnick, writing in his Social Side column this month, highlights the popularity of TikTok sensation Francis Bourgeois, who has become particularly wellknown for posting videos of his trainspotting exploits.

Personally, I’ve never been a fan of the ‘trainspotter’ tag, much preferring the term ‘railway enthusiast’ myself. Whether we like it or not, to many people who are unfamiliar with the hobby there is a stereotypical view of what a trainspotter is – and it generally isn’t that complimentary.

After reading Richard’s observations, I did a bit of my own research into Francis Bourgeois and it is clear that he is a divisive character, even among other enthusiasts. He is certainly a quirky character, but his popularity shows that he has made our hobby popular with an audience that has previously shown little interest in trains and railways.

Another interesting facet was when a press release came through from GB Railfreight in early January announcing that it had appointed

Francis Bourgeois as a brand ambassador for its business to highlight the important role of freight on the railway.

This is a shrewd move by GBRf, which has clearly seen his popularity and the way he has captured the imagination of those who view his videos (some of his videos have had millions of views). If his videos encourage a new generation of railway enthusiasts or make the hobby more accessible to a wider audience, he’s achieved something that few others have managed to do.

Whatever your views on him, Francis appears to have brought the joy of trainspotting and railway enthusiasts to the masses – and that can be no bad thing. Can it?

A couple of issues ago, I mentioned the work done by Network Rail to deal with the autumn leaf-fall season each year. Autumn is a particularly challenging time for the railway due to the problems suffered by trains with poor rail adhesion, caused primarily by leaf mulch building up on the rails.

The issues caused by poor rail adhesion were brought into sharp focus with the Salisbury accident on October 31. While the full circumstances of the accident are still under investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, it has already stated from its preliminary examination that poor rail adhesion in the area is the likely cause of the accident.

The RHTT season finished just before Christmas and the RHTT sets and MPVs have now returned to their base at York, where they will be cleaned, serviced and repaired ready to emerge again in September for the 2022 leaf-fall season.

Throughout the period between September and December, the Railways Illustrated inbox was filled with many excellent photographs depicting the RHTT services running throughout the country, but there is so little space in each issue to show more than one or two. This month we feature a small proportion of the photographs received showing these trains in action during the 2021 season.

At the end of November I took a trip over to the Severn Valley Railway to view the excellent diesel depot at Kidderminster and find out just how the facility has transformed the way locomotives are restored and maintained.

My grateful thanks goes to SVR director Gus Dunster for taking the time to show me around the impressive building and to explain how the essential work done by volunteers and staff has been made so much easier now it can be carried out undercover, and with all the facilities needed to maintain these historic locomotives.

The SVR has addressed the needs of diesel locomotive owners based on the line, as have several other heritage railways across the

country. However, the majority of heritage modern traction locomotives are still being restored and maintained outside, exposed to the elements in unsuitable conditions for such work.

I realise that there is never a bottomless pit of money in the heritage railway sector and lines must prioritise where vital funds are spent, but any railway doubting the value of its heritage diesel locomotives should look at the SVR to see just what can be achieved with the availability of proper facilities.

It’s also helped massively with volunteer recruitment and retention – arguably the most important benefit of having proper facilities at one’s disposal. Without volunteers, there are no locomotives to haul services.

This month’s 10 Pictures features another mouth-watering selection of railway photography, this time from the lens of Tom McAtee. Tom is a regular contributor to Railways Illustrated and is a well-respected and accomplished photographer who has also mastered the art of drone photography. The results of his efforts are a set of simply stunning images.

Martyn Hilbert returns to present the second and final part of his study into the self-contained Merseyrail network, focusing this issue on the Wirral Line. The feature looks at how the network is operated, and Martyn’s detailed captions provide advice on some of the more photogenic locations and aspects of Merseyrail.

If you enjoy Railways Illustrated and haven’t yet taken out a subscription, please consider doing so – it’s a great way of saving money at a time when all of us are facing rising bills each month. There are very generous savings on the cost of each issue for subscribers; more information on the current offer can be found on pages 22-23 or by visiting www.classicmagazines.co.uk Alternatively, you can buy a single issue of the magazine directly, which is another way of getting your copy of Railways Illustrated cheaper than the cover price. Details can be found by following the link at the bottom of this page.

As ever, your photo contributions, comments, ideas, observations, and feedback on the magazine are always welcome.

If you have anything you would like to share with our readers, please contact me at rieditor@mortons.co.uk I hope you enjoy this issue.

Andy Coward Editor

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March 2022 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED

3

ON SALE DATE: First Thursday of the month THIS ISSUE ON SALE: February 3, 2022 NEXT ISSUE ON SALE: March 3, 2022 EDITOR: Andy Coward 01507 529566 ART EDITOR: Kelvin Clements PUBLISHER: Tim Hartley PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Dan Savage

Contents Regulars

3 Welcome

36 From the Front Coach

EDITORIAL ADDRESS: Railways Illustrated, Mortons Media Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle Lincs LN9 6LZ WEBSITE: www.railwaysillustrated.com EMAIL: rieditor@mortons.co.uk

6 News

40 Pictorial

16 Fleet Review

44 The Social Side

CONTRIBUTORS: Bill Atkinson, Russell Ayre, David Barnsdale, Simon Bendall, Nigel Benning, Paul Berry, Paul Biggs, Nick Calzolari, Phil Chilton, Richard Clinnick, Nigel Cockburn, Kevin Delaney, Steve Donald, Keith Dungate, Pip Dunn, Jonathan Dunster, Gordon Edgar, Nick Edmonds, Ian Edmondson, Derek Everson, Terry Eyres, Robert Falconer, Chris Gee, Stephen Ginn, David Green, Alistair Grieve, Paul Hadfield, John Hales, Martyn Hilbert, Brad Joyce, Adrian Kenny, Richard Lillie, Ian Lyall, Martin Loader, Tom McAtee, Andy Mason, Craig Munday, Scott Paddington, Dean Parsons, Keith Partlow, Mark Pike, Jame Pilbeam, Bill Pizer, Tim Rogers, Phil Seymour, Steve Sienkiewicz, Daniel Smith, Jason Smith, Martyn Tattam, Richard Thompson, Chandler Tilling, Mick Tindall, Jack Walker, Andrew Watts, Shane Wilton.

24 Heritage News

66 Book & product reviews

32 What’s happening to … ?

80 Railwayana

FRONT COVER: Working the North Wales Railhead Treatment Train circuit on October 21, 2021, Colas Rail 56096 and 56094 are in charge of a Coleham to Coleham working. In this issue of Railways Illustrated, we take a look at the 2021 RHTT operating season, which ended in midDecember. Terry Eyres

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Craig Amess 01507 529537 camess@mortons.co.uk Fiona Leak 01507 529573 fleak@mortons.co.uk GROUP ADVERTISING MANAGER: Sue Keily skeily@mortons.co.uk CUSTOMER SERVICES General Queries and Back Issues 01507 529529 Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm Answerphone 24H help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazine.co.uk MORTONS MEDIA GROUP LTD SALES AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Carl Smith MARKETING MANAGER: Charlotte Park COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Nigel Hole ARCHIVE Enquiries Jane Skayman 01507 529423 jskayman@mortons.co.uk ORIGINATION AND PRINTING Printed at William Gibbons and Sons, Wolverhampton DISTRIBUTION Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PU ENQUIRIES LINE: +44(0)207 429 4000 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Contributions to this magazine should be clearly typed and ideally sent by email. Please contact the editor by email with any possible feature ideas before submission. Photographs submitted to Railways Illustrated are accepted on the basis that they are the copyright property of the person submitting them, or after they have received suitable permission from the copyright owner.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor, or publisher. © MORTONS MEDIA GROUP LTD All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

Advertising deadline February 10 4 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED March 2022

48 The Time-Saver

54 Having a blast! www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

Features

60 10 Pictures: Tom McAtee

Tom McAtee is a well-known name to readers of Railways Illustrated as one of our regular photo contributors. He brings us another excellent selection of stunning images, selecting his 10 favourite photos from his many photographic expeditions.

48 The Time-Saver

Andy Coward visits the Severn Valley Railway and speaks to Gus Dunster about how the Kidderminster diesel depot has transformed the way the railway’s fleet of heritage modern traction locomotives are maintained and restored.

54 Having a blast!

74 Exploring the Wirral Line

Martyn Hilbert returns with the second part of his profile of the Merseyrail network, with his attention focused on the Wirral Line for this issue. The feature is accompanied by an excellent selection of Martyn’s photography of the selfcontained railway.

68 Model Spot

CRIBE AND S B

VE SA

SU

Each year Network Rail undertakes a mammoth three-month programme of Railhead Treatment Trains across the country. We take a look at some of the traction and trains in use during the 2021 season.

Simon Bendall reviews the O gauge models from Dapol depicting the Railfreight VEA Vans, which were mainly used for transporting munitions.

A subscri ption to THIS PAGE: DB Cargo’s 90029 (still carrying Grand Central black and orange livery) and 90028 Sir William McAlpine pass Natland in a lovely spell of winter sunshine with a fully loaded liner train from Mossend to Daventry on December 2, 2021. Steve Sienkiewicz

offers gre at saving s on the price. Se cover e pages 2 2 and 23 for detail s.

Why not take out a subscription?

74 Exploring the Wirral Line

The easiest and cheapest way to get your copy of Railways Illustrated each month is to take out a subscription. Full details are on page 22-23. At the moment, a subscription by Direct Debit means you will beat any price rises, you usually receive the magazine earlier than the on-sale date, and you won’t miss an issue.

NEWS

Omicron staff shortages lead to urgent timetable changes THE HUGE surge in coronavirus infections sparked by the Omicron variant of the virus has had a huge impact on the railway and train operators, many of which have had to introduce emergency timetables and cancel services due to unprecedented levels of staff sickness and self-isolations.

In light of Government advice for people to work from home again if they were able to from December 13, rail services had already seen a dramatic fall in passenger numbers, with the Rail Delivery Group reporting in mid-December that daily rail

journeys were at 55% of pre-pandemic levels on December 9, falling from a rate of 72% just two weeks earlier. Revenues were reported to be down by 23% week on week, and on December 13 they were at the lowest levels since restrictions were eased last July.

RDG director general Andy Bagnall said: “Like many other parts of the economy, Omicron is dealing another blow to the rail industry, which has seen its finances decimated by the pandemic.

“The railway cannot take more than its fair share of support from

the taxpayer, which means changing to be more sustainable and more customer-focussed. That will allow the railway to build back stronger for the country as we emerge from the pandemic.”

As Christmas approached, the rapid spread of Omicron saw companies struggle to maintain services as a growing number of staff tested positive for the virus and were ill, or had to self-isolate. In light of this, hundreds of services were cancelled across the whole of the network, with no operator immune from the problem.

The situation, as well as falling passenger numbers, saw most operators announce temporary timetables from the start of January, with the list of companies making significant changes to their timetables growing each day.

As Railways Illustrated closed for press, some operators announced normal timetables were being returned, but the situation has badly affected the rail industry at a time when so much work has been done by operators and their staff to build confidence and emphasise that rail travel is safe during the pandemic.

Lumo managing director Helen Wylde steps down FIRST GROUP has announced that the managing director of new East Coast Main Line open access operator Lumo, Helen Wylde, left her role on January 4 to take up a position outside the rail industry.

Newcastle-based Lumo launched its services between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley in late October, with the aim of attracting passengers off the regional airlines, offering a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable alterative to air travel. The service was launched with highly competitive fares between the two cities.

First Rail’s managing director, non-franchised businesses, Andy Mellors, said: “Having led the mobilisation through the challenges presented by the pandemic over the last two years, Helen leaves Lumo with its 100% electric, affordable, and innovative service proposition firmly established. I would like to thank Helen and wish her well in the future.”

F i r s t R a i l ’s co m m e rcial projects director Phil Cameron is now acting as interim managing director until a replacement is appointed by First Group. Mr Cameron also worked with the Lumo team throughout the mobilisation period of the operation and will ensure a level of continuity over the coming months.

Direct Rail Services’ successful partnership with Tesco is to continue for at least another three years following the signing of a new contract between the two organisations. 68023 Achilles is pictured on a Tesco intermodal working. Direct Rail Services

Direct Rail Services extends successful partnership with supermarket giant NUCLEAR TRANSPORT Solutions’ rail division, Direct Rail Services (DRS), has agreed a three-year contract with supermarket giant Tesco to supply and expand rail operations across the country in their established partnership.

The freight operator has worked with Tesco for some time, and the supermarket has been increasing its use of rail freight by almost 50% in the last year as part of its efforts to meet a commitment to net-zero emissions in its own operations by 2035.

Only last month it was announced that a new refrigerated service was being launched, again operated by DRS, between Tilbury and Coatbridge twice daily, on each day of the week.

Services for Tesco will be operated

by DRS from Daventry to Mossend, Mossend to Teesport, Daventry

6 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED March 2022

to Tilbury, Tilbury to Coatbridge, Daventry to Wentloog, Daventry to Teesport via Doncaster, and Mossend to Inverness.

NTS deputy CEO and rail director Chris Connelly said: “This is fantastic news and is a testament to the long-standing relationship we have with Tesco, built over the last 10 years, and the excellent service we provide for our customers.

“The environmental and socioeconomic benefits of using rail are well-proven, and we are thrilled to be working with Tesco for at least another three years.

“We’ll be maximising the use of our state-of-the-art Class 88 locomotives to move up to 76 HGVs worth of goods hundreds of miles and, when running on overhead electricity, with zero exhaust emissions.

“Recently, we launched Tesco’s first refrigerated rail freight service using the Class 88 locomotives, taking at least 17,000 containers off the road each year, saving 7.3 million road miles and almost 9000 tonnes of CO2e.

“We’ve also been working with Tesco to trial diesel fuel alternatives, which eliminate up to 90 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e), opening up 62 per cent of the rail network which doesn’t benefit from overhead electricity to extremely low CO2 rail freight.

“Every month we transport about 12,000 containers, travelling thousands of miles safely, securely and reliably to ensure shelves are stocked all year round across Great Britain.

“I can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring.” www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

NEWS

Recreating a scene that could be straight out of the 1990s, Locomotive Services Ltd’s DVT 82139 leads a matching full rake of InterCity stock and 87002 Royal Sovereign down the West Coast Main Line at Greenholme just before the setting sun dipped below the top of the adjacent fell, working 5Z51, the 15.01 Carlisle to Crewe test run on January 13, 2022. Steve Sienkiewicz

STOP PRESS: CFPS Class 40 returns to Bury after LSL agreement ends THE HIRE agreement between the Class 40 Preservation Society (CFPS) and Locomotive Services Ltd (LSL) has been ended by mutual agreement, with main line-registered Class 40 D345 due to have returned to Bury by the time this issue of Railways Illustrated goes on sale.

The agreement between the CFPS and LSL for the hire of D345 had been due to expire at the end of February (see story on page 24, which was completed before this news broke), but negotiations were to be held between the two organisations with a view to a possible extension.

However, it appears that comments made on social media have caused problems between the CFPS and LSL, with CFPS chairman John Stephens confirming in a statement that the agreement between the two organisations had been ended and the locomotive would be returned to them.

The Class 40, which was returned to BR green livery at Crewe last year, was due to move back to its home base on the East Lancashire Railway on January 24.

We will bring you more on this story in the next issue of Railways Illustrated, which will be on sale from March 3.

www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

Main line-registered Class 40s D345 and D213 Andania approach Grayrigg summit on the West Coast Main Line, working ‘The Double Scotch’ charter from Crewe to Edinburgh on November 13, 2021. This was the last train to be operated by D345 while on hire to Locomotive Services. Paul Berry

March 2022 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED 7

NEWS

Major festive upgrades to improve railway network

WHILE MOST of the UK relaxed over the festive period, Network Rail took the opportunity to once again use the reduction in passenger demand to carry out a host of infrastructure improvements across the country, with a number of significant upgrade projects completed.

Traditionally no passenger services operate on Christmas Day and, with many people taking the time between Christmas and New Year as annual leave from work, it is seen as an ideal time for the infrastructure company to carry out some of their major projects without impacting as many train users as it would at other times in the year.

For the past two years, the coronavirus pandemic has also played its part in dampening down passenger demand for services – but that has not stopped Network Rail from carrying out an impressive array of works over Christmas 2021.

There were several major projects completed in and around the key rail hubs in Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, along with many other projects throughout the country, all designed to bring improvements to journey times, safety, and efficiency.

The table below highlights some of the more major works completed, although many other more minor works were also carried out.

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We always work closely with Network Rail to make sure essential track and signalling improvements can take place when fewer people are travelling, and this Christmas and New Year was no exception.

“These upgrades are important to ensure we can continue to provide safe and reliable services and I’m grateful to our customers for the patience they have shown during this time. I’d like to thank the project teams for their hard work and dedication over the festive period.”

The work carried out each Christmas is essential in allowing Network

Major track and signalling remodelling, along with overhead line installation in and around Manchester Victoria, was carried out as part of Network Rail’s plans to upgrade the TransPennine route. Work is nearing completion in this view during the latter part of the shutdown and engineering possession. Network Rail

Rail to carry out major projects designed to both increase capacity and improve the layout of some key areas of the network.

Months of planning go into the festive engineering programme

by Network Rail to ensure that major projects can be completed in the limited timescale available, while having the least possible impact on passengers and freight users who rely on the railway.

While most of us were enjoying spending time with our family and friends, or off work, thousands of rail engineers were working hard to improve our rail network and on behalf of all of us who rely on the railway, we thank them for their efforts.

RIGHT: In Leeds, more than 200 railway staff remodelled the track layout between platforms four and six, extended platform seven, and renewed more than 700 metres of track and overhead line equipment in what Network Rail has said was the biggest track upgrade at the station for 20 years.

Network Rail

LEFT: In Stroud, the railway bridge over the canal at the Ocean in Stonehouse has been replaced on behalf of the Cotswold Canals Connected Project. Engineers replaced a culvert with a new open structure, which will allow boats to pass through for the first time since 1968. Network Rail

Network Rail Improvement Works – major projects carried out during Christmas 2021 Birmingham New Street signalling upgrades.

Wolverhampton platform extensions.

Macclesfield signalling upgrades.

Telford platform extensions.

Flood protection works on WCML between Milton Keynes and Rugby.

Track replacement and remodelling at Leeds.

Overhead line works at Leeds in connection with the remodelling.

8 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED March 2022

Signalling upgrades between London Paddington and Slough.

Bridge replacement and culvert upgrades at Stroud.

Track replacement in and around Bristol Parkway.

Installation of tactile paving on station platforms at Bristol Temple Mead.

Track and signalling upgrades and installation of sections of overhead line in and around

Manchester Victoria.

Tracklaying at Bletchley in connection with the East West Rail project.

Overhead line replacement at Stratford.

Preparation works at London Liverpool Street for the station roof renewal and points replacement.

Point replacement at Norwich.

Track replacement and bridge strengthening works at Camden.

www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

NEWS

73952 Janis Kong and 73951 Malcolm Brinded top-and-tail Network Rail’s test train, working 1Q58 from Cardiff Canton Pullman to Cardiff Canton Pullman, operating via Ninian Park, Fernhill, Merthyr Tydfil, Treherbert and Barry Island. The train is pictured at Treherbert in the early hours of January 12. Adrian Kenny

Old and new traction debuts on Welsh Valley Lines

EARLY JANUARY saw the debut of two train types on the Valley Lines out of Cardiff.

Firstly, on the night of January 11/12, a visit by Network Rail’s PLPR (Plain Line Pattern Recognition) test train brought 73951 Malcolm Brinded and 73952 Janis Kong to the area, rather than the Class 37s that are normally employed on the monthly infrastructure monitoring train. It is believed that this is the first time Class 73s have worked on the Cardiff Valley routes.

The PLPR test train has a series of lasers and cameras to detect faulty track components as the train passes over them.

Image analysis software uses an algorithm to compare what the cameras see with an image of how the track should look.

Three days later it was the turn of 231002, one of Transport for Wales recently delivered Stadler-built FLIRT diesel-electric multiple units, to make its debut on a test run from Cardiff Central to Rhymney as part of the testing and commissioning works on the new trains.

Two four-coach Class 231s – 231002 and 231004 – were delivered to Cardiff Canton on November 19, having travelled from Switzerland, and are the first of 11 Class 231 being built by Stadler for TfW. Stadler is building 24 Class 756 tri-mode trains (seven three-coach trains and 17 fourcoach) as part of an £800 million new train order for the operator, which will also see a fleet of CAF-built Class 197s introduced on long-distance services.

Vivarail is supplying five Class 230 units for the Wrexham to Bidston line.

Transport for Wales Stadler Class 231 FLIRT 231002 made its debut between Cardiff Central and Rhymney on a test run over the route overnight on January 14/15. The unit stands at Rhymney on the morning of January 15. Dean Parsons

Barmouth Viaduct reopened following restoration works NETWORK RAIL has completed the second phase of a three-year restoration of the Grade II-listed Barmouth Viaduct on the Cambrian Coast line.

The line over the historic viaduct was reopened on December 30 following a three-month possession to allow work to be carried out. The restoration of the viaduct – which was found to be in worse condition than had originally been anticipated – involves replacing more than 1000 timber and metal elements of the viaduct that are rotting or decaying, as well as the entire 820m length of track.

To reduce the impact on rail services, the community and the local economy, work is being done over a three-year period, with three closures of the route over the viaduct, rather than in one phase over a longer period.

Network Rail is restoring the 19th century viaduct on a like-forlike basis to maintain its appearance www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

and has worked closely with Cadw, Gwynedd County Council, Transport for Wales, and others over several years to develop their plans to upgrade the bridge.

During 2022, Network Rail will replace the metallic spans of the viaduct and the associated track.

It will also be upgrading the track at the north and south end of the viaduct in 2022.

The bridge will be closed from Sunday, September 11 to Sunday, December 11, 2022.

The walkway over Barmouth Viaduct was temporarily reopened to allow pedestrians and cyclists to use it over the Christmas period but closed again in January to allow Network Rail to repair and replace any elements of the walkway and handrails.

Network Rail’s Wales and Borders route director, Bill Kelly, said: “I’d like to thank passengers and the local community for their patience and continued support over the last

The second phase of Network Rail’s restoration of the mainly timber Grade II-listed Barmouth Viaduct has been completed, with the Cambrian Coast line over the iconic bridge reopening on December 30. The scale of the work and the size of the imposing structure is clear to see in this view of the viaduct while restoration work was being carried out. Network Rail

three-and-a-half months.

“It made a huge difference as our team worked to overcome a range of different challenges on site.

“This once-in-a-lifetime restoration

will secure the future of Barmouth Viaduct for generations to come, protecting a vital transport link that is among Wales’ most iconic landmarks.”

March 2022 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED 9

NEWS

South Western Railway bids farewell to the Class 456s ANOTHER DESIGN of 750v DC thirdrail electric multiple unit (EMU) has been permanently retired following the withdrawal of South Western Railway’s (SWR) 24-strong fleet of Class 456 EMUs. It had been intended that the fleet would be replaced by SWR’s brand new Class 701 Aventra EMU fleet, but the introduction of the fleet has been repeatedly delayed and they are still yet to enter passenger service with the operator.

The announcement that SWR will be retaining 12 Class 707 EMUs that are due to be transferred to Southeastern (see separate story on page 17) until later this year has allowed the operator to finally remove the Class 456 from traffic.

The last four sets in use with SWR were 456009/011/013/021, which all worked for the final time on January 15, working two diagrams in and around London Waterloo.

456013 and 456021 were coupled to 455725 to work one diagram throughout the day, while 456009 and 456011 Right: On February 19, 1991, a thenwere joined by 455871 on another new 456002 is pictured during driver diagram. training and testing at Selhurst Depot.

The 23.32 from Dorking to Wimble- After a working life spanning three don was the final passenger service decades, it would appear that time to be worked by the EMUs, worked has now run out for the Class 456 fleet. by 456009/011 and 455871, bringing Keith Dungate down the curtain of their working lives.

The Class 456 fleet were built by refurbished shortly after being taken British Rail Engineering Ltd at York on by SWT. The units will now go into store, with in 1990/91 and were used by BR’s Network SouthEast business. Follow- 456003 being the first to be hauled to ing privatisation the trains were oper- Long Marston – along with 455704/736 ated by Connex before passing to – by Rail Operations Group 37800 CassiSouthern when the Go-Ahead Group opeia on January 18. Due to their age, won the South Central contract in it is unlikely Porterbrook will be able 2000. to find another operator for the fleet.

The fleet was transferred to South It will probably be put up for disposal West Trains (now SWR) in 2013 and by the leasing company.

456016 stands at the head of two Class 455 units, ready to form the 16.12 London Waterloo to Shepperton service on April 18, 2019. The final Class 456s were operated by South Western Railway on January 16, 2022.

Gordon Edgar

Pendolino cars scrapped

37402 Stephen Middlemore and former Hastings inspection saloon 975025 Caroline are seen reversing at Knaresborough while working 2Z02, the 09.10 York to York engineers’ inspection saloon on December 21. The train took in York, Scarborough and Beverley, before continuing to Goole, Knottingley, Normanton, Leeds and Knaresborough, then back to Leeds via York. This was the final time that Direct Rail Services operated the saloon, as Loram have taken over the contract. Chris Gee

10 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED March 2022

RECENT WEEKS have seen much of the redundant rolling stock that had been kept for training purposes at the Fire Service College, Moreton-inMarsh, disposed of to Sims Metals at Newport Docks for scrap.

The most notable departures came in the first week of January when Class 390 Pendolino cars 69633 and 69733 from unit 390033 City of Glasgow were sent for scrap along with Mk3b DVT 82149. These three vehicles had been positioned together on a short length of track in recent years and used to simulate level crossing collisions.

390033 was the Virgin West Coast Pendolino that derailed on the West

Coast Main Line, close to Grayrigg in Cumbria, on February 23, 2007, with one passenger suffering fatal injuries and many other passengers injured in the accident.

The damaged vehicles from the train were scrapped following the completion of the investigation into the accident, while a couple of other undamaged vehicles from the train were also retained to be used for staff training purposes.

Also removed from the site before Christmas was Yorkshire Engine Company 0-4-0 shunter 2732 – which was most recently RMS Locotec’s H004 – and at least five wagons. www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

NEWS

GB Railfreight locomotive fleet continues to grow

FREIGHT OPERATING company GB Railfreight continues to introduce new locomotives into its fleet, with more Class 66 locomotives being imported into the UK after being acquired by Beacon from overseas operators.

The latest Class 66 to be purchased for use by the freight operating company has been registered as 66734, taking the vacant fleet number that was created when the original 66734 The Eco Express was written off in a serious derailment caused by a landslide near Loch Treig, close to Tulloch station, in June 2012.

The damaged locomotive slid down a steep embankment and was subsequently scrapped on site after being stripped of any reusable spares, as recovery was deemed too difficult due to the remote location.

Meanwhile, the fourth Class 69 has emerged following conversion at Electro-Motive Diesels (EMD) Longport. 69004, which has been converted from 56069 emerged in mid-January. It is one of 10 Class 69s that are being converted by EMD for use by GBRf, with 69001-003 all now in use with the operator.

GB Railfreight’s 66763 passes Searchlight Lane hauling the replacement 66734 and 69004, working 0Z35 from Hams Hall to Longport on January 17, 2022. Both 66734 and 69004 are yet to be repainted into GBRf colours. Brad Joyce

Avanti West Coast and Alstom nameplate and station sign auction boosts the RBF

THE RAILWAY Benefit Fund (RBF) have received a donation of £3877 from Avanti West Coast and Alstom following a charity auction of two Super Voyager nameplates and two station signs from Crewe.

The two Bombardier Voyager nameplates, previously carried

by Super Voyager 221142, both attracted four-figure bids, with funds being donated towards the RBF’s £40,000 Christmas Appeal.

The nameplates were removed from 221142 last year when it gained Avanti livery, having originally been applied when the unit was operated by Virgin West Coast.

Avanti West Coast executive director of operations and safety Gus Dunster said: “It’s great we’ve been able to find these items a good home, and in the process

raise some much-needed funds for a charity so close to our hearts.”

Alstom’s managing director, services, Peter Broadley, added: “We knew the auction would be

popular, but it’s exceeded all our expectations – and for a great cause, too.

“Well done to all the bidders and to everyone involved.”

Pete Waterman holds one of the Bombardier Voyager nameplates previously carried by 221142 at Central Rivers Depot, in front of the Super Voyager that once carried the nameplates.

Avanti West Coast

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The awards will be held at a celebratory event in Birmingham on March 19, 2022, subject to any coronavirus-related restrictions.

HRA chief executive Steve Oates said: “Heritage rail has so much to be proud of, but we’re often not so good at celebrating that. That’s why these awards exist – to give us all a chance to shout about what makes the sector great. Whether it’s a young volunteer who’s helped transform your railway, or a huge restoration project that’s brought a rusty hulk back to life,

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street announced that West Midlands Metro tram services will be extended to Library in Birmingham city centre by the end of January. The CAF Urbos 3 tram fleet was stopped for crack repairs in November, before starting a limited service just before Christmas to Bull Street in Birmingham.

Richard Carr has been appointed the Railway Industry Association’s business engagement manager for the North of England. Mr Carr will support RIA members in the north by engaging and influencing key decisionmakers in the region, delivering networking and intelligencesharing events, and supporting the delivery of the RIA North Leadership Group’s priorities.

Best in preservation sought for top honours NOMINATIONS HAVE closed for the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) 2022 Annual Awards, which seeks to celebrate the successes of restoration and preservation.

The HRA Annual Awards features 10 categories recognising aspects of railway preservation, such as locomotive restoration, the contribution of young volunteers, and successful communications projects.

There are opportunities for all heritage railways and supporting organisations.

IN BRIEF

there’s a category relevant to everyone. It doesn’t matter if your line is big or small, or steam, diesel, electric or a funicular, these awards are here to shine a spotlight on the rich railway heritage we all love.

“I know that the last 12 months have been challenging again, with Covid-19 still a constant thorn in our side. But that also means there’s never been a better time to give the volunteers and staff who have helped to get us through it the recognition they deserve.”

DB Cargo has appointed Neil Ethell as its chief operating officer to help drive further improvements in its operational performance and customer service. Mr Ethell was previously DBC’s head of operations and service delivery, and has worked for the freight operator for the past two decades.

Freightliner has secured a contract with East Midlands Railway to provide drivers for the operator’s new service between Cleethorpes and Barton-upon-Humber for a minimum period of 12 months.

March 2022 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED 11

NEWS

GBRf 2021 raises over £147,000 for Prostate Cancer UK charity

THE FOUR-DAY GBRf 2021 ‘This time it’s personal’ charter, which ran from September 2-5 last year, raised more than £147,000 for GB Railfreight’s charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK. As with previous fundraising railtours organised by the freight operating company, GBRf 2021 travelled the length and breadth of the country, using a wide range of traction from the GBRf fleet alongside supplied locomotives for sections of the tour from Direct Rail Services, Locomotive Services Ltd, LNER, and the Class 50 Alliance. More than 50 volunteers from within GBRf gave up their time to help operate the tour, working either as drivers or stewards.

Organised largely by the three-man GBRf charity railtour team consisting of Paul Taylor, Ian Grey and Dale Williams, GBRf 2021 was the company’s third four-day railtour; and the organisers have stated that GBRf 2021 would be the final marathon tour. The total raised for Prostate Cancer UK came in at £147,215.

The tour was not without its operational problems, as a sickness bug broke out among some of the passengers, but the operator was generally praised for the way it handled the situation while the tour continued.

GBRf CEO John Smith said: “Yet again our team has delivered another highly successful railtour that has raised an amazing amount for our chosen charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK. “More now than ever, funds are needed to support vital research into better tests and treatments for people affected by prostate cancer and we are proud to contribute to this great cause.

“My thanks go to our charity railtour team and the GBRf volunteers who gave up their time to make this fundraising feat possible and provide much- needed assistance behind the scenes.”

GBRf contract manager and one of the organising team behind GBRf 2021, Paul Taylor, said: “I’m amazed at what we’ve achieved as a team to

The GBRf Charity Railtours organising team of Ian Grey, Paul Taylor and Dale Williams stand alongside Prostate Cancer UK-liveried 66769 League Managers Association, which was used to launch the tour from London Victoria on October 2, 2021. GBRf / Jake Taylor

raise money for Prostate Cancer UK – a charity very close to my heart following my diagnosis with the disease a few years ago. The crucial funds Some of the volunteer staff from GB Railfreight stand alongside 69002 Bob Tiller CM&EE following its arrival at London Paddington on October 5, 2021, at the end of the GBRf 2021 railtour.

GBRf / Tim Moran

raised by this railtour will help in the fight against prostate cancer, and is credit to the huge contribution made by our team of volunteers and support shown by the railway family.”

Nicola Tallett, from Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re delighted and hugely grateful to be on this lifesaving journey with GB Railfreight and are thrilled to learn that more than £147,000 has been raised from the brilliant railtour and other fundraising activity.

“That amazing sum will help fund lifesaving research into the most common cancer in men as we go full steam ahead to do vital research into better tests and treatments.

“It’s also allowed us to continue to have hugely important conversations about prostate cancer – a disease affecting one in eight men in the UK, and one in four black men.”

For more information about the charity and its work, please visit https://prostatecanceruk.org/

Network Rail undertook a major track renewal project at Laira Junction, near Plymouth, over the Christmas period that saw 10 engineers’ trains head into the South West from Westbury late on Christmas Eve and early Christmas morning, returning on Boxing Day. Motive power and crews for the trains were provided

by DB Cargo, Colas Rail Freight and GB Railfreight. Colas 70803 is reflected in the waters of the flooded fields at Ellerhayes as it approaches the site of the longclosed Silverton station working 6C21, the 11.00 Hemerdon to Westbury empty ballast side tippers on Boxing Day. Russell Ayre

12 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED March 2022

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