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Perfection Peak

£4.95 Issue 233 July 2022

How the Peak Locomotive Company has become a preservation leader

Model Spot

PLUS

Accurascale HAA hopper wagons

Avanti’s refurbished Pendolino is launched Pictorial: Heritage diesel events special East Lancashire Line: Preston to Colne profiled Southern bids farewell to the Class 455s

TfL’s Elizabeth Line finally opens for business

Welcome to Railways Illustrated

Let's celebrate a great achievement!

T

he opening of the Elizabeth Line in London is a real cause for celebration. The new route between Paddington and Abbey Wood came into public use on May 24, in the time between this issue of Railways Illustrated closing for press and appearing on the shelves.

However, thanks to a visit on March 7, I am privileged to have already travelled on the section between Paddington and Liverpool Street in advance of the opening – and this is a railway like nothing I have seen before.

However, despite the amazing achievement that is the Elizabeth Line, I am still constantly reading about how it is significantly late and over-budget. I guess there can be no ignoring this, but what has been created is a breathtaking project that will significantly help to reduce congestion in and around central London.

I believe we should be celebrating the opening of a new route that will make a real difference to Londoners and visitors to the city, rather than constantly focussing on mistakes and problems that have beset the project in the past.

This is something we should be proud of.

Everything about the new Elizabeth Line is impressive. The stations have a real feel of space and often it is hard to believe that such huge spaces can have been created below ground. The journey is smooth and everyone who has worked on the Crossrail project has played their part in creating an iconic section of railway that truly deserves the use of the often-overused term.

It also has to be remembered that, like many projects that have gone before it, once people start using the new line, very few will care that it was opened late and has cost more than it originally should have.

At the present time, Elizabeth Line services between Reading and London Heathrow in the west and Shenfield and Abbey Wood to the east will operate as three separate services, but over the next year the services will be amalgamated to run a full integrated timetable, improving journey options for passengers on the 41-station Elizabeth Line network.

So, let’s celebrate the opening of a new railway that is a fantastic achievement and a railway that will be a useful addition to the rail network that helps to keep London on the move.

Catch them while you can

This month has seen Southern dispense with its fleet of Class 455 third rail EMUs. The units, which had been in service for 39 years, were withdrawn in mid-May, just ahead of the summer timetable change.

Their withdrawal was celebrated with the operation of a farewell charter, ‘The Metro Marauder’, which was organised by Southern in conjunction with the Branch Line Society and

took a pair of the doomed four-car EMUs along routes they had been associated with, as well as some rarer lines for the 455s.

The reaction and response from enthusiasts to the end of the Class 455s saw crowds of enthusiasts descend on the Southern network on the final day, both for the charter and also to sample the numerous other sets which were still in service on that final day.

Although I was unable to attend myself, photographs viewed online and also submitted to Railways Illustrated, show that the event was very popular, with hundreds of enthusiasts turning out on a glorious spring summer Saturday to pay a final tribute to the units, which are now destined to be scrapped. The special charter train also raised more than £20,000 for charity.

For those enthusiasts mourning the loss of these units, the Class 455s operated by South Western Railway are still in service, although their time is also now drawing to a close and it will be interesting to see if SWR does something special to mark their withdrawal.

There are a number of diesel and electric multiple units that are likely to be permanently taken out of service in the next couple of years and it is expected that some of the older designs of BR-built EMUs that are still in service on the national network, such as the Class 313s, 315s, 317s, 507s and 508s, will be heading into the history books before too long.

While it can be argued that none of these designs are particularly special, they have each played their part in the history of our railway and once they are gone, they have gone forever.

Quality refurbishment

A highlight this past month has been a visit to Alstom’s Widnes plant, where I witnessed at the work going into refurbishing the Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino fleet.

The visit came a few days after the first refurbished Pendolino, 390125, re-entered traffic on the West Coast Main Line.

That first Pendolino had been stopped for 30 weeks, but Alstom is now geared up for completing the refurbishment of an 11-coach Class 390 in as little as two weeks.

The scale of the project is huge and very impressive. On the day of my visit, 390156 had been on site for just five days but all traces of the old interior had been removed – and on parts of the train, new panelling and wiring was already in place. It will have been returned to Longsight in preparation for returning to service before this issue has even gone to print.

A more detailed study of the Avanti West Coast Pendolino refurbishment project will be contained in the next issue of Railways Illustrated.

In this issue...

In this issue, our preservation profile focuses on the Peak Locomotive Company, the only preservation group responsible for one of each design of ‘Peak’ type four locomotives, in the shape of Class 44 D4 Great Gable, 45041 Royal Tank Regiment, 45108, and Class 46 D182.

The PLC has had more than its fair share of challenges over the last few years with its locomotives but is currently enjoying the satisfaction of having all four in serviceable condition and attracting attention whenever they are in action.

Martyn Hilbert brings us another of his excellent line profiles in words and pictures, this time focussing on the East Lancashire Line between Preston and Colne. It’s an area I know well, but as with his two recent Merseyrail features, Martyn’s feature makes me want to head back over there and explore this line in a bit more detail.

Continuing on a Lancashire theme – with a bit of North Yorkshire and Cumbria thrown in for good measure – our 10 Pictures this issue comes from the lens of Paul Berry.

Concentrating on his home turf, we are treated to yet another stand-out set of high-quality images.

Also on a photographic theme, with so many high-profile heritage diesel events taking place over the last few weeks, our Pictorial pages are dedicated to some of the highlights from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Great Central Railway, Bodmin & Wenford Railway, and the Swanage Railway events.

David Lindsell returns with the third and final instalment of his in-depth study into the Ludgershall branch and the trains that have operated over it. David has done an excellent job chronicling the branch in the August 2021 and December 2021 issues of Railways Illustrated, and concludes it in this issue.

Get in touch

As you can see, we have another packed edition for you this month and I hope you enjoy it. If you have any comments, feature suggestions, photographic contributions, ideas, or anything else related to the magazine, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, either by email to rieditor@ mortons.co.uk or by post to the address overleaf on page 4.

Andy Coward Editor

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July 2022 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED

3

On Sale Date: First Thursday of the month This Issue On Sale: June 1, 2022 Next Issue On Sale: July 7, 2022 EDITOR: Andy Coward 01507 529566 ART EDITOR: Kelvin Clements PUBLISHER: Tim Hartley PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Dan Savage

Contents Regulars 3 Welcome

46 The Social Side

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

78 Book Reviews

18 Fleet Review

80 Railwayana

CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Bannister, Steve Bell, Simon Bendall, Paul Berry, Paul Biggs, Tom Blanpain, David Butcher, Phil Chilton, Richard Clinnick, Spencer Conquest, Kevin Delaney, Pip Dunn, Ian Edmondson, Terry Eyres, Darren Ford, Gareth Griffiths, Paul Hadfield, Neil Harvey, Martyn Hilbert, Chris Hopkins, Andrew Jeffery, Brad Joyce, Richard Lillie, David Lindsell, Simon Lindsell, Tom McAtee, James Mather, Scott Paddington, Mark Pike, Bill Pizer, Rob Reedman, Iain Scotchman, Nick Skelton, Jason Smith, Chandler Tilling, Andrew Triggs, Jonathan Valentine, Nigel Valentine, John Vaughan, Andrew Watts, Phil Whalley

24 Heritage News

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

32 What’s Happening To …

36 From the Front Coach 40 Pictorial FRONT COVER: We take a look at the history and work of the Peak Locomotive Company, which has four Sulzer ‘Peak’ locomotives in its care. On May 30, 2021, newly repainted PLC-owned 45108 sparkles as it heads the 11.05 Rawtenstall to Heywood service on the East Lancashire Railway. Nigel Valentine

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 Acorn Web Offset Ltd, Normanton, West Yorkshire Distribution Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PU Enquiries Line: 0207 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: June 16, 2022 4 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED July 2022

48 Summit Special

54 The East Lancashire Line

48 Summit Special

The Peak Locomotive Company owns and operates four Sulzer Type 4 ‘Peak’ diesel locomotives, in the shape of Class 44 D4 Great Gable, 45041 Royal Tank Regiment, 45108 and Class 46 D182. For our preservation profile this month, Andy Coward speaks to PLC chairman Mike Kerry about this leading modern traction preservation group.

54 The East Lancashire Line

Returning to the pages of Railways Illustrated with another of his line profiles, Martyn Hilbert takes a look at the East Lancashire Line between

Preston and Colne. The feature is accompanied by a varied selection of Martyn’s excellent photography taken along the route.

62 10 Pictures: Paul Berry

Sticking in the North West of England, Paul Berry spends most of his time at the lineside in Lancashire and Cumbria, with the iconic Settle and Carlisle line one of his favourite routes.

In this issue, Paul brings us another great selection of images in our popular 10 Pictures feature.

68 The Ludgershall Branch

72 Model Spot

Simon Bendall takes a close look at the new Accurascale models of the HAA hopper wagons that were developed by British Rail in connection with merry-goround coal traffic.

David Lindsell brings us the third

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68 The Ludgershall Branch

and final part of his trilogy of features covering the history and workings of the Ludgershall branch during the diesel era.

This final part focuses on other special trains to have worked the branch, engineering trains, redundant stock storage, preservation, and a depot visit back in 1998.

SU

Features

A subscri ption to offers gre at saving s on the price. Se cover e pages 6 0 and 61 for detail s.

THIS PAGE: The bleak beauty of Rannoch is shown to good effect in this image of 73971 and 73969 double-heading the 04.50 Caledonian Sleeper from Edinburgh Waverley to Fort William, away from Rannoch Viaduct, on April 22. Ian Edmondson

NEWS

The Queen opens the Elizabeth Line ahead of its public launch

THE QUEEN made an increasingly rare public appearance on May 17 when she visited the new London Paddington Elizabeth Line station to officially open the brand new railway – ahead of its public launch seven days later.

Accompanied by Prince Edward, The Queen was also joined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Transport for London’s Commissioner Andy Byford, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, and Crossrail chief executive Mark Wild.

The Elizabeth Line is operated by Transport for London and runs from Reading and Heathrow in the west, through to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, using the newly-constructed railway running beneath central London, which also connects with national rail and London Underground services in the city. Public services began on May 24, just after this issue of Railways Illustrated went to press.

Upgraded and new

The line features 41 stations on its route, with 31 existing stations having been upgraded and 10 brand-new stations created, although one has yet to be opened due to over-running construction works.

Work is continuing on the completion of Bond Street station, which is expected to open later in the year.

Once reported as running 18 months behind schedule compared to other stations on the route, work on the station at Bond Street has intensified in recent months and it is now estimated for completion in about three months, although no date for its opening has yet been announced by TfL. Initially the Elizabeth Line is operating as three separate services, with trains running from Reading and Heathrow to Paddington, the new section from Paddington to Abbey Wood and a third service from

The Queen unveils a commemorative plaque at Paddington Elizabeth Line station on May 17, watched on by Prince Edward. Public services on the new railway between Paddington and Abbey Wood started seven days later on May 24.

Transport for London

Liverpool Street to Shenfield.

Services will operate between Reading and Heathrow through to Abbey Wood later in the year, while services from Shenfield will run through to Paddington, both sharing the new central London section and increasing service frequencies on the line. A fully integrated timetable along the whole route will be introduced at some point during 2023.

Services

On the section of line between Paddington and Abbey Wood, 12 trains per hour will initially operate between 06.30 and 23.00 Monday to Saturday.

There are no Sunday services in operation on the new section of line until later in the year, although TfL stated it would be open for services from 08.00 to 22.00 on June 5, in connection with the platinum jubilee celebration weekend.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that The Queen and Prince Edward have officially

6 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED July 2022

unveiled the new Elizabeth line station at Paddington. The opening of the Elizabeth line, with nearly 70% of the total funding paid for by London, is a landmark moment for our capital and our whole country, particularly in this special jubilee year.

“The Elizabeth line is the most significant addition to our transport network in decades and will revolutionise travel around the capital and the south east, and bring economic benefits to the whole country. I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

‘Landmark year’

Andy Byford, Transport for London’s Commissioner, said: “The Queen has a long association with London’s transport network.

“I am delighted that she was able to visit our magnificent Paddington Elizabeth line station.

“In a landmark year, the platinum jubilee, everyone at TfL is committed to ensuring that this new railway will serve as a fitting tribute and will – by

The Queen is introduced to staff at Paddington Elizabeth Line station by London Transport Commissioner Andy Byford at the official opening event on May 17.

Transport for London

creating faster journeys, new jobs, and economic growth – become a vital part of London’s recovery.”

The opening will also help to provide capacity improvements for other routes in and around the city, with passenger levels continuing to rise following the easing of the Government’s coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

New Elizabeth Line Stations Paddington Bond Street (opening later in 2022) Tottenham Court Road Farringdon Liverpool Street Whitechapel Canary Wharf Custom House Woolwich Abbey Wood

www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

NEWS

Northern Line Bank branch reopened by Mayor THE BANK branch of London Underground’s Northern Line was reopened by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, on May 16, following a 17-week closure to allow a series of upgrades to be carried out along the route.

A new Northern Line tunnel and passenger concourse at Bank Underground station has been created, along with a new southbound Northern line platform for the station, to create additional capacity on the busy route.

Three new passageways have also been built to make moving around the station quicker and easier for passengers.

Transport for London states that Bank station will see its capacity increased by 40% when upgrade work is finished later in the year.

Improvements still to be completed at the station include the provision

of step-free access to the Northern line, improved access to the Docklands Light Railway platforms, two new moving walkways, 12 new escalators, and two new lifts. There will also be more direct routes within the station and a new entrance on Cannon Street.

Speaking about the reopening of the branch, Mr Khan said: “Today marks the first in a series of transport milestones for our city. The Northern line has fully reopened to customers, on schedule and to budget after the successful completion of the latest phase of vital upgrade works at Bank station.

“It is at the heart of the city, and these improvements are the first step towards a modern, accessible and easy-to-navigate station fit for the 21st century.

“We are at a pivotal moment in London’s recovery and it’s clearer

Work completed during the Bank branch closure ■ Completing the excavation of the remaining 100m of new railway tunnel and lining it with sprayed concrete, in addition to the 1.5km that had already been tunnelled.

■ Connecting the new southbound Northern line tunnel to the existing railway.

■ Conversion of the former southbound Northern line platform, which was built more than 100 years ago, into a new, spacious customer concourse.

■ Installing the remaining 185m of track in the tunnels, in addition to the 490m that had already been laid prior to the closure.

■ Installation, testing, and commissioning of all the signalling systems needed to operate trains into the new southbound platform.

■ Fitting out all areas of the new station, including installing more than 1400 square metres of terrazzo tile flooring and 1000 wall panels.

The new London Underground Northern Line Platform 3 at Bank is seen during the first day of operations, having been officially opened by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, on May 16. Iain Scotchman

than ever the critical role TfL plays in boosting our economy. It is time that the Government finally accepts that a properly-funded transport network in London is an issue of great national importance. Ministers must commit to a long-term funding deal that will protect the capital’s world-class transport network and support jobs and growth in London and across the whole country.”

TfL chief capital officer Stuart Harvey said: “Northern line customers at Bank station are now able to use a new 5m-wide southbound platform and spacious concourse.

“The old layout was ver y constrained, leading to frequent congestion, but Northern line

customers will now be able to make their journeys much more quickly and easily.

“The countdown is now on for finishing the rest of this complex major upgrade later this year, transforming Bank into a modern, flagship station, fit to serve one of the world’s most important financial districts.”

During the closure of the branch, the opportunity was also taken to carry out work at other stations, including London Bridge, Borough, and Elephant & Castle. This included refurbishment of lifts and escalators, as well as refurbishment works at Borough, and enabling works for the future Elephant & Castle station upgrade.

The first Class 398 ‘Citylink’ tram-train built for Transport for Wales, 398001, has left Stadler’s factory in Valencia, Spain. The bi-mode three-car tram-trains are capable of running using either overhead electrification or battery operation. A total of 36 Class 398s are on order from Stadler and will be used for the South Wales Metro services on the Core Valley Line routes to Treherbert, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare, and the Cardiff Bay branch. They will also be used on a new short section of street tramway being built.

The vehicles, painted in TfW’s white and red livery, are expected to enter service from next year. Stadler

www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

July 2022 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED 7

NEWS

GBRf orders 30 new Class 99 bimode locomotives from Stadler AFTER MONTHS of speculation, GB Railfreight has finally confirmed that it has ordered 30 new hybrid bi-mode Class 99 locomotives and associated spare parts from Stadler, with the first of the new fleet expected to enter service from 2025.

The fleet, which is being financed

by Beacon Rail, is based on the Eurodual six-axle locomotives that Stadler has built for the continental European market.

The Class 99 is the latest design to be developed by Stadler for use in the UK rail sector, following on from the Class 68s and 88s in use with Direct Rail Services, and also the 30 tri-mode Class 93 locomotives currently under construction for Rail Operations Group.

However, the Class 68s, 88s and 93s all feature four axles, whereas the Class 99 will have six axles, allowing it to haul heavy freight services at main line speeds.

The company describes the Class 99 as “a versatile Co-Co locomotive, adapted to the British gauge and specifications, combining 25kV AC electric and diesel operating modes.

“It represents a new generation of locomotive that offers rail operators

A computer-generated impression of how the Class 99 bi-mode locomotives being built by Stadler for GB Railfreight should look when they are complete. They are expected to enter traffic in 2025. Stadler

many economic and environmental benefits and underscores Stadler’s green credentials.

“Able to reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, the powerful machines can run on 25 kV AC electrified lines with a power of 6000kW at wheel. In addition, they feature a high-power low-emissions Stage-V engine, allowing them to operate on non-electrified lines. The Class 99 locomotives boast an outstanding tractive effort of up to 500kN, high hauling capability and performance. They also offer

optimal visibility and an excellent working environment for the drivers, including ergonomic desks.”

GBRf states that the new locomotives are expected to cut carbon emissions by about 50% per journey, reducing the company’s carbon footprint by 428 tonnes per day across its intermodal services operating along partially-electrified lines.

“The new Class 99s are expected to replace the Class 66 diesels on intermodal services, taking advantage of electrified sections of the rail

network to reduce their existing emission levels.

GBRf chief executive officer John Smith said: “Rail freight is not just the backbone of the UK’s economy, it is now leading the push to decarbonise supply chains. Our new locomotives will immediately make a huge impact on reducing CO2 emissions, improve choice for businesses and consumers, and cut their carbon footprints when purchasing goods. If scaled, with the help of the UK Government to electrify more routes, the Class 99 locomotive can play an even greater role in helping supply chains and business operations become significantly more climate-friendly.”

Stadler Valencia chief executive officer Inigo Parra said: “Stadler has extensive experience in the UK locomotive market. Over recent years we have introduced with Beacon the Class 68 diesel-electric locomotive and the Class 88 bi-mode locomotive.

“We are very proud to go one step further with the development of the Class 99 – a versatile, high-performance locomotive that will provide environmentally-friendly and cost-effective rail transport services.”

New c2c Class 720/6 EMU starts main line testing FOLLOWING THE delivery of the first of 12 Class 720/6 electric multiple units to c2c’s East Ham depot, the EMUs have been observed on main line testing and commissioning runs in preparation for entry into service later this year.

720601 was observed on test in early May between London Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness. The first train from the order (720602) was delivered to East Ham on May 19 (Railways Illustrated, issue 232), with three more trains following over the

next week – 720601/603/604. Finished in pink and white, the 12 trains are owned by Porterbrook and will allow c2c to release its Class 387/3 fleet to other operators, with three of the Class 387/3s already in use with Great Western Railway.

Although the c2c order is relatively small at 12 five-coach Class 720/6s, Greater Anglia has 133 Class 720s being built by Alstom in Derby, of which a number have already been accepted and are now in regular service with the operator.

Brand new Alstom Class 720/6 EMU 720601 is observed on a test run at Chalkwell, to the east of Southend-on-Sea, on the London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness line on May 6. The trains are expected to enter service with the operator later in the year. Phil Whalley

8 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED July 2022

www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

NEWS RAIB investigates Lumo overspeed incident

On April 27, Great Western Railway ‘Castle’ HST set with 43156 leading descends into Lostwithiel, with 2U16, the 08.50 Penzance to Cardiff train, with 43158 on the rear. The lower quadrant semaphore signals are due for replacement before the end of 2023.

John Vaughan

First new Stadler train for Tyne and Wear Metro approaches completion STADLER HAS released an image of the first train being built for Tyne and Wear Metro as it nears completion on the production line in St. Magrethen, northern Switzerland.

The new 46-strong five-coach train fleet for Metro is destined to replace the existing Metro-Cammell Metrocars, which date from 1980 and are considered to be life-expired.

The first members of the new fleet are expected to be delivered later in the year to a specially-built £70 million depot being constructed at Gosforth. The fleet is being built at a cost of £362 million and will bring a whole host of improved features for passengers, such as air conditioning and charging points, as well as improved accessibility and automatic sliding steps at each door to provide step-free level access from platforms.

Since October 2020, Stadler has been responsible for servicing and maintaining the existing Metro fleet, and the company will also be responsible for the maintenance of the new trains once they are introduced into passenger service.

The service and maintenance contract between Metro operator Nexus and Stadler is due to run for 35 years.

Work is also underway on the production of 276 bogies (six for www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

THE RAIL Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into an incident on April 17, when a Lumo service operating on the East Coast Main Line passed over three sets of points at Peterborough while travelling at three times the permitted maximum speed.

It occurred when the 08.20 Newcastle to London King’s Cross service was routed from a fast line onto a slower line on the approach to Peterborough station, and the route onto this slower line was being displayed on the signal situated on the approach to the points.

The overspeed incident took place over the pointwork that took the train from the fast line onto the slower route.

The RAIB stated that the train passed over the points at a speed of 75mph, three times the maximum permitted speed limit for the points of 25mph, causing the train to lurch sideways as it passed over the points.

The sudden movement of the train resulted in some passengers travelling on the service being thrown from their seats.

Luggage fell from the overhead storage in the train saloons, resulting in a number of minor injuries being sustained by passengers.

No damage

The first new Stadler-built five-coach train being built for Tyne and Wear Metro is seen approaching completion at St. Magrethen in Switzerland. Stadler

each train), which is taking place at Stadler’s factory in Valencia. These will be fitted to the new trains before they arrive in the North East.

Stadler has also pledged to support the regional economy and involve as many Tyne and Wear-based

companies in the project as it can.

It is using local suppliers for materials and services required in connection with the depot construction, the manufacturing of the new trains, and the ongoing service and maintenance of the current train fleet.

Thankfully, the train did not derail and there was no damage suffered to either the train or the infrastructure involved.

The train – formed of one of Lumo’s Hitachi five-coach Class 803 EMUs – was not scheduled to call at Peterborough, as Lumo does not serve the station.

The RAIB investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events.

It will include consideration of the way in which the train was driven, any factors which may have influenced the actions of the driver of the train, the condition of the signalling system at the time of the incident, the nature of the reported injuries, and any underlying management factors.

The report into the incident will be published on RAIB’s website when the investigation has been concluded.

It is being conducted independently of any other investigations into the incident.

July 2022 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED 9

NEWS

Network Rail prepares for Commonwealth Games

NETWORK RAIL is carrying out major works around Tyseley depot during a four-day closure of the Birmingham Moor Street to Solihull route from June 20-23.

The works are being done in advance of the Commonwealth Games, which take place in Birmingham from July 28 to August 8 this year, with a major influx of additional passengers onto the local railway network expected for the duration of the games.

The work being carried out by Network Rail will see a number of switches and crossings linked to Tyseley depot replaced as part of the £3

million project. The infrastructure company is keen to ensure that the railway can operate as reliably as possible during this time, with the investment also benefitting passenger after the games have finished.

The project will also see new rails, sleepers and ballast laid around the depot, as well the removal of overgrown lineside vegetation and graffiti from trackside locations. The station at Birmingham Moor Street will receive a deep clean in preparation for the additional passengers using the station.

Network Rail’s Central route director, Denise Wetton, said: “We know

there’s never an ideal time to close the railway and a mid-week closure for work like this is rare, but post-pandemic passenger numbers show that weekdays are now the least disruptive time to close the railway for vital work.

“This programme of upgrades will improve the network not only at Tyseley, but also throughout the wider West Midlands, providing passengers with a cleaner, fresher, more reliable railway throughout our major summer of sport.

“It will also help to reduce the risk of platforms becoming overcrowded as a result of the predicted one million

extra passenger journeys during the Commonwealth Games.”

West Midlands Railway customer experience director Jonny Wiseman added: “These essential works will make a real, long-term difference to passengers by improving access to Tyseley depot where trains are cared for and refuelled.

“I would like to thank our customers for their patience while this work is carried out.

“I urge passengers travelling during this period to plan their journeys carefully as revised timetables and rail replacement buses will be in operation.”

Primary school pupils to enjoy a First Class education ROLLING STOCK company Porterbrook has donated former Greater Anglia Mk.3b FO 11088 for use as a student teaching facility at Richardson Endowed Primary School in Smalley, Derbyshire. Industry partners came together to help ensure the coach could be suitably installed at the school, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary.

The coach will provide a library and break-out area, as well as additional learning space, with much of the First Class seating in the vehicle retained.

The project to convert and relocate the coach for its new role has seen a number of companies collaborate with Porterbrook to ensure that it could be handed over to the school on May 13, after a platform had been built alongside it, so it can be accessed by staff and pupils.

Work on internal modifications were carried out by Alstom at Derby Litchurch Lane, while Network Rail teams from the East Midlands prepared the ground and laid track for the coach to be sited.

Eco-product supplier Plaswood, transport provider GXO, Nemesis Rail, fencing provider Secure-aField, rail graphic specialists Charles Rayner, Derby Sign and Graphics, Clarke Engineering Services, plant hire company Aggrecom, and furniture specialists Martin & Parker have all also contributed products, services or donations towards the project.

Porterbrook chief executive officer Mary Grant said: “I am delighted that Porterbrook and our industry partners have come together to make this project happen.

“I am particularly pleased that carriage 11088 has found a new

Former Greater Anglia Mk.3b FO 11088 has been donated to Richardson Endowed Primary School in Smalley, Derbyshire, where it will be used as a library, break-out area, and additional learning space at the 300-year-old school. The coach is seen being lowered into position on April 19. Porterbrook

home in Smalley, just miles from where she was built at Litchurch Lane works, in Derby.

“It is fitting that this retired vehicle will now have a new lease of life, telling the story of our railways and enthusing future generations about STEM subjects and how Britain’s railway makes travel sustainable.”

Richardson Endowed Primary School headteacher Kate Mason said: “This last year marks the 300th anniversary of our school, so it feels fitting to celebrate a major milestone with this incredibly exciting project. I know our children will be delighted with this carriage.

“Being the first female headteacher in the school’s 300-year history, it has long been a passion of mine to provide the children at Richardson Endowed a unique and inspirational

10 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED July 2022

learning space.

“Seeing that dream become a reality is amazing and it is thanks to wonderful and supportive companies which are enabling this major project to happen.”

ABOVE: The completed coach, with graphics and details of the project sponsors on the exterior. A new platform has been built alongside 11088 to provide easy access for staff and pupils. Porterbrook

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NEWS

On May 13, Network Rail’s Class 97/3s 97302 Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways and 97303 Dave Berry were utilised on Pathfinder Tours ‘Cambrian Coast Express’ from Oxford to Pwllheli. The pair head the return leg of the charter, hauling 1Z14, the 16.23 Pwllheli to Oxford, running alongside Cardigan Bay near Tonfanau. Andrew Bannister

EMR brings back Skegness summer Saturday specials EAST MIDLANDS Railway will be running Class 180s on summer Saturdays from Derby to Skegness between July 23 and September 19 to provide additional capacity to the popular seaside resort on the east coast of Lincolnshire.

Services on the Poacher Line between Nottingham and Skegness are usually in the hands of the EMR Class 156 fleet, but customer demand during the summer – particularly on Saturdays – means that for many years additional services have been operated.

For many years EMR, and East Midlands Trains before it, operated HSTs along the route on special workings, but all of the HSTs have now been removed from the EMR network, hence the reason for now using Class 180s.

EMR says the new summer Saturday service will start from Derby, as opposed to the usual Nottingham, and two trains will be operated from

Derby each Saturday, starting at 07.58 and 09.23, with the return workings being 11.42 and 13.44 from Skegness.

Additionally, four services that were removed from the timetable due to low demand were reintroduced from the start of the new summer timetable on May 15.

These are the 08.46 and 13.46 services between Nottingham and Skegness, and the 11.14 and 16.14 departures from Skegness to Nottingham.

EMR customer services director Neil Grabham said: “Our Skegness route is very popular in the summer and every year we help thousands of families as they head to the coast to enjoy all the treats the seaside getaway can offer.

“The Class 180 Intercity-style trains will offer customers more luggage room, while the increase of the summer services will also provide people more options of when to travel.”

East Midlands Railway staff pose with EMR mascot Miles at Nottingham station to launch the train operator’s new staff uniform. East Midlands Railway

New East Midlands Railway staff uniforms are unveiled EAST MIDLANDS Railway launched its new staff uniform on May 3, with a catwalk event at Nottingham station to show off the new look.

The uniform, which will be worn by more than 2000 EMR employees within the customer service, driver and fleet sections of the company, has been created to allow staff to select the fit and style of garment that suits them best.

Staff are able to choose from a range of garments specially created for their role. The range includes a variety of items that are versatile for every type of weather condition, as well as being comfortable and smart.

The uniform was designed and developed by Debbie Johnson, who has designed internationally for airlines, travel, and transport companies. She said: “The uniform has been created based on user feedback and

collaboration with a volunteer working group from across all areas of EMR.” EMR customer services director Neil Grabham said: “The new uniform, which was designed in collaboration with staff from start to finish, will give our colleagues a fresh look, making them easily recognisable to customers in the EMR colours.

“It has been designed with practicality and comfort in mind and, of course, it will help all EMR colleagues retain a highly visible and recognisable presence around our stations and on board.

“I am so proud of everyone who has been involved in this project.

We’ve created a uniform that not only looks good, but also allows our staff to bring their authentic selves to work and wear their new uniform with pride”.

A subscription to EMR is operating its Class 180 fleet on two additional Saturday return workings between Derby, Nottingham, and Skegness between July 23 and September 19 to provide additional capacity for passengers travelling to and from the popular seaside resort. In the past these services have been worked by HSTs, although all of the EMR HST fleet has now been retired. On August 8, 2020, a Derby to Skegness HST summer Saturday working passes through Heckington with now-preserved 43089 at the helm. Kevin Delaney

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NEWS

Avanti’s first refurbished Pendolino returns to service THE FIRST Avanti West Coast Class 390/1 Pendolino to pass through Alstom’s Widnes facility for major refurbishment has returned to service with the operator.

The completion of the 11-coach 390125 marks an important milestone for the £117 million project, which began in July last year when the train was admitted to Alstom’s Widnes facility (Railways Illustrated, October 2021).

The refurbished 390125 returned to service on April 25, working the 05.05 AWC Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston service before also visiting Liverpool Lime Street later in the day. The refurbished trains will initially be allocated onto diagrams based off Longsight depot, where they are being recommissioned after being released from refurbishment

by Alstom.

The project, financed by Angel Trains, will see the entire 56-strong AWC Class 390 fleet admitted to Widnes for a refurbishment aimed at making the interiors of the trains – many of which are now 20 years old – feel like a brand new fleet. It is anticipated that the refurbishment project will take about another two years to complete, with the last refurbished train expected to emerge during 2024. A total of 80% of the £117 million investment will benefit British suppliers.

It is intended that the 35 11-coach Class 390/1 fleet will be refurbished first, to then be followed by the ninecoach Class 390/0s.

The revised and refurbished interior of a Standard Class coach on 390125. The seats fitted in this accommodation on the refurbished trains are the same design as those fitted to the Lumo Class 803 EMUs. Avanti West Coast

The refurbishment of the 11-coach sets has seen capacity increased to provide more seating on each set.

Additional luggage space has been provided throughout the Standard Class accommodation, with the loss of seating space created by this compensated for through the conversion of the previously First Class coach G into a Standard Class carriage.

Class 390 Pendolino fleet Class 390/0: 390001-002/005-006/008-011/013/016/020/039-040/042-047/049-050

Throughout the train there are now ticketing to passengers seeking addi508 Standard Class seats, using the tional legroom and guaranteed table same design as seats fitted in the seating in a move that has previously Lumo Class 803 fleet, which have proved popular in the airline industry. proved popular with passengers using The on-board shop has also had a the open access operator’s trains (Rail- significant makeover, while use of ways Illustrated issue 232). Due to their modern technology – such as seat ergonomic design, the revised Stand- occupancy cameras and informaard Class layout allows for slightly tion screens, wireless mobile phone more legroom compared to the unre- charging points, and power points furbished trains. provided at every seat – has made the The remaining 99 seats are split trains more suitable for the modernbetween First Class and Standard day traveller.

Two further 11-coach Class 390/1s Premium accommodation. AWC introduced Standard Premium – 390123 and 390148 – have also

Class 390/1: 390103-104/107/112/114-115/117-119/121-132/134-138/141/148/151-157 Withdrawn: 390033

Class 390 Pendolino refurbishment highlights 25,000 new ergonomic standard class seats.

Conversion of one first class coach on each of the 35 11-coach Pendolinos to provide more than 2000 extra standard class seats.

The introduction of a new on-board shop.

Improved lighting and new interior carpets.

Greater use of technology, with customer-friendly passenger information screens.

Additional luggage space in Standard Class.

Power points at every seat.

New carpets throughout using sustainable British wool.

Refurbished toilets.

New First and Standard Premium seats.

12 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED July 2022

The interior of a First Class coach on the refurbished 390125. The coach features wireless charging points built into the tables, while power sockets are also featured for every seat. The seating has also been improved. Avanti West Coast

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