Railways Illustrated - October 2021 - Preview

CLASS 27 REVIVAL ADVANCES

CLASS 442 COACH

SAVED

THE RAILWAY WORLD – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

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The

October 2021

Phoenix Rises How Europhoenix moved from loco revivals for Europe to UK fleet hire!

14 C 60s lass fo sale r

Model Spot

Heljan GWR Railcars

PLUS Avanti Pendolino refurbishment begins HSTs: The next chapter!

Our friends electric: Life with 86259 Class 153 fleet profile and analysis

DB Cargo unveils ‘green’ fuelled Class 66

Welcome to Railways Illustrated

Rebuilding confidence

T

hank you to everyone who took the trouble to get in touch with comments and feedback about my first issue of Railways Illustrated. In general, the comments received were positive and I will continue to work on developing the magazine over the coming months. While I know what magazine I believe Railways Illustrated should be, ultimately it is you – the reader – who dictates the direction in which we take it. As ever, your constructive comments, feedback and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged.

Thanks also to those who contacted me to make possible feature suggestions for future issues. I am pleased to report we have a fairly packed feature plan for the next few months, and we will try and work through some of the suggestions made as soon as we can.

In terms of photography, each week I receive many photographic contributions for possible use in Railways Illustrated, which is a fantastic position to be in as editor.

As mentioned in last months’ issue, I would encourage anyone who believes their photographs are of a publishable quality to submit them to me at rieditor@mortons.co.uk for consideration.

If your images don’t appear immediately after you’ve submitted them, please don’t be disheartened – they may well be held on file to be used to illustrate stories or features in future issues of the magazine.

It has been pleasing to see so many well attended special events taking place at some of our heritage lines, all of which desperately need our support after prolonged closures.

As mentioned last month, the finances of most of our heritage lines have taken a real battering over the last 18 months and it is important we all do our bit to support the railways we have missed so much.

The latest easing of the Government's Covid restrictions has seen a number of heritage lines dipping their toes back into organising galas and special events, with a number of well attended events taking place during August.

While some people are still understandably reluctant to return to ‘normal’, it is clear many others have been craving a return of special events.

The level of attendance clearly demonstrates to heritage railway management that they can have a degree of confidence in the planning and budgeting for events, even if still not on the scale of how they may have been prior to the pandemic.

September is shaping up to be a bumper month for heritage railways after the enforced drought, with enthusiasts’ events taking place

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at various lines on virtually every weekend during the month.

So, what can you look forward to in this issue of Railways Illustrated? In addition to our extensive news coverage from the national network and heritage lines, we speak to Glenn Edwards, the head of Europhoenix, looking back at the history of the company which started out reactivating redundant AC electric locomotives for export before entering the UK spot hire market with a small fleet of Class 37s.

The company’s fleet of distinctive grey liveried Class 37s, complete with huge red and silver Phoenix emblems on the bodyside, are mainly employed on stock moves and other workings, on long-term hire to Rail Operations Group.

Having diversified once before, Glenn is now looking at ways of improving the environmental credentials of his fleet as we move to a cleaner, greener, railway.

It is possible that the company may seek to trial a wide range of modifications on a locomotive within their fleet to ensure that the company is ahead of the pack in terms of using more modern technology and future proofing its fleet.

The investment is likely to be significant, but with more companies seeking to make their rolling stock more environmentally friendly, it is only a matter of time before the existing diesel-fuelled engines we rely on so much on the national network will fall out of favour and need to be replaced by greener alternatives.

Many enthusiasts, myself included, have mourned the loss of HSTs from front line services out of London with GWR, LNER and, more recently, East Midlands Railways. These developments mean that only CrossCountry now operates HSTs on long-distance diagrams, using their fleet of 12 Class 43 power cars.

However, in addition to CrossCountry, many HSTs have found new roles with both GWR and ScotRail on short-formed passenger sets, providing excellent capacity improvements and high quality journeys, set against the traditional DMUs that they have replaced.

Additionally, with the likes of Network Rail, Colas, Locomotive Intercity Ltd and preservationists, the HST story still has a number of chapters waiting to be written.

As reported in the last issue of Railways Illustrated, both Porterbrook and Angel Trains appear to be in no hurry to scrap any of the stored Class 43 power cars, but the same can’t be said for the fleet of HST Mark 3 trailer coaches, of which more than 350 have now been scrapped, with more undoubtedly to follow.

It would have been hard to imagine such a strong following for the HST just 20 years ago, but the list of preserved Class 43s continues to grow. In next month’s Railways Illustrated we will be speaking to the 125 Group about its rapidly expanding fleet, along with its exciting plans for the future. The 125 Group has quickly grown into one of our leading modern traction preservation groups and I’m looking forward to hearing all about its plans and aspirations.

We also speak to Class 86 owner Les Ross MBE, who has operated his AC electric locomotive, 86259 Les Ross / Peter Pan, on the main line for the past 13 years. The electric blue liveried Class 86 continues to attract a lot of attention whenever it ventures out on its semi-regular trips along the West Coast Main Line from London Euston to Preston or Carnforth, and Les often accompanies his locomotive when it is in action.

The story behind how the popular West Midlands broadcaster came to own the Class 86 is not your typical preservation tale and it’s a fascinating story for those who don’t know the background.

With the scrapping of the first Class 153 unit in July, Richard Clinnick takes a look at the 70-strong fleet and summarises what the future may hold for the remaining 69 of these versatile units.

This issue’s 10 Pictures showcases another 10 fantastic railway-related images, this time from the camera of Noel Slack – and again, his choices are fantastic and evocative. We have received a number of complimentary remarks about 10 Pictures since the September issue was published, with several people praising the feature for providing a regular focus on railway photography.

I am delighted to say that we now have several excellent photographers lined up to feature in future issues of Railways Illustrated.

If you would like to be considered for the feature, please email rieditor@mortons.co.uk and we can hopefully add you to the waiting list.

As ever, I hope you enjoy this issue of Railways Illustrated. Remember to keep sending in your news, updates and photographs so we can share them with our readers.

Andy Coward Editor

October 2021 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED

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CONTRIBUTORS: Liam Barnes, Phil Barnes, David Barnsdale, Simon Bendall, Paul Biggs, David Bissett, Dave Bowles, Ben Bucki, Phil Chilton, Paul Clark, Richard Clinnick, Spencer Conquest, Mike Cubberley, Kevin Delaney, Will Derbyshire, Steve Donald, Pip Dunn, Ian Edmondson, Glenn Edwards, Terry Eyres, Kieran Fallows, Robert Falconer, Stuart Fowler, Ian Freestone, Chris Gee, Stephen Ginn, Alistair Grieve, John Hales, Karl Heath, Mel Holley, Chris Hopkins, David Hunt, Brad Joyce, Treflyn Lloyd-Roberts, Mark Lynam, Tom McAtee, Chris Morrison, Craig Munday, Dean Parsons, Keith Partlow, Mark Pike, Bill Pizer, Rob Reedman, Iain Scotchman, Ian Sharman, Noel Slack, Ian Smith, James Stearn, Martyn Tattam, Chandler Tilling, John Vaughan, Andrew Watts, John Whiteley

Contents

SU B

ON SALE DATE: First Thursday of the month THIS ISSUE ON SALE: September 2, 2021 NEXT ISSUE ON SALE: October 7, 2021 EDITOR: Andy Coward 01507 529566 ART EDITOR: Kelvin Clements PUBLISHER: Tim Hartley PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Dan Savage

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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, UK. 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 September 16 4 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED October 2021

48 The rise of the Phoenix

62 HSTs: The next chapter www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

Features

48 The rise of the Phoenix!

Andy Coward speaks to Glenn Edwards, managing director of Europhoenix, to chart the history of the company from its days reviving and exporting Class 87s for use in Bulgaria to entering the UK spot hire market with a fleet of Class 37s.

54 10 Pictures: Noel Slack

Another fantastic selection of eyecatching photography, with Noel Slack showcasing his personal choice of ’10 Pictures’.

60 Repurposing the 153s

With the recent scrapping of 153302 and a growing list of off-lease Class 153s, Richard Clinnick examines what is future has in store for this fleet of single car diesel units.

62 HSTs: The next chapter

Whilst the new order gradually displaces the HST fleet from its long distance routes, Richard Clinnick takes a look at what the future holds for the remaining HST power cars and Mk 3 trailer coaches.

70 Model Spot

Simon Bendall casts his critical eye over the new OO gauge Heljan GWR AEC railcar, which has recently been released in six different variations.

76 Our Friends electric

Andy Coward speaks to Les Ross MBE, the preservationist who’s made the successful transition from broadcaster to main line locomotive owner of 86259 Les Ross / Peter Pan.

FRONT COVER: This month we profile the history and work of UK spot hire company Europhoenix. Operated by Rail Operations Group, but painted in the distinctive Europhoenix grey and red livery, 37611 Pegasus hauls 331006 through Long Preston, while working from Preston to Preston on October 11, 2019. Tom McAtee THIS PAGE: Adding a splash of colour to the landscape, DB Cargo 66070 hauls its train of loaded hoppers though North Skelton on June 22, 2021, with 6F34, the 15:23 Boulby Potash Reception sidings to Tees Dock Cleveland Potash. Paul Biggs

Why not take out a subscription?

76 Our Friends Electric

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.

October 2021 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED 5

NEWS

Avanti West Coast begins Pendolino refurbishment

THE FIRST member of the 56-strong Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino fleet has been admitted into Alstom’s Widnes plant for a major refurbishment, as the trains rapidly approach their 20th anniversary in service on the West Coast Main Line.

The £117 million project, which is the biggest ever train refurbishment project to be carried out in the UK, is expected to take two-and-a-half years to complete. Avanti states that the project will return the fleet to as-new condition, bringing an improved experience to passengers travelling on the trains.

The interiors of the trains are to be completely rejuvenated, with new seating finished in Avanti’s stylish dark grey.

A refurbished 11-coach Class 390 will have 607 seats provided, with 508 Standard Class seats – an increase of 9.6% from the current 444. The remaining additional 99 seats will be split across First and Standard Premium seating.

The shop within the train will be replaced with a new and improved café bar area, while the trains will also feature free water refill points.

Other improvements include the use of more modern technology, power points at each seat and extra luggage space, while the toilets – often seen as something of an Achilles heel on the Pendolinos – are to be fully refurbished.

The Class 390s are owned by Angel Trains and were brought into service from 2002 by the erstwhile Virgin

Trains West Coast. The project is director Phil Whittingham explained: being funded by Angel Trains, and “The Pendolino is a real workhorse more than 80% of the project invest- which has helped to transform ment costs will go to UK suppliers. services on the West Coast Main Line.

Train manufacturer Alstom will This investment will take them to the oversee the refurbishment at Widnes, next level and they’ll feel like new securing 100 skilled jobs, while a trains, with state-of-the-art technolnumber of apprentices will also be ogy and brand new seats. I can’t wait recruited to learn new skills as part to see the reaction from our customof the project. ers and people.”

Avanti West Coast told Railways Work on the project is expected Illustrated that the second Class 390 to be completed in February 2024, would not be admitted for refurbish- when the final refurbished Pendolino ment until work on 390125 has been should return to service with Avanti. completed. The next Pendolino for Since entering service in 2002, the refurbishment has not yet been iden- Class 390 fleet has amassed more tified, although all of the 11-coach than 272 million miles in service trains will be refurbished first, with along the WCML, while the first the nine-coach Class 390s being member of the fleet to be refurbished, treated after their longer classmates. 390125, travelled over five million Avanti West Coast managing miles before being stopped in July.

The first Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino to be admitted to Alstom’s Widnes facility for refurbishment at the start of £117 million project has been 390125. On August 8, 2020, 390125 heads through Grayrigg, Cumbria, with a London Euston to Glasgow service. John Hales

6 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED October 2021

www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

NEWS Class 390 history

In July 2021, 390125 was admitted to Alstom’s Widnes workshops, where the Pendolino fleet is to be refurbished over the next two-and-a-half years. Work on the first unit is expected to take around 16 weeks, but subsequent sets are likely to be completed in much shorter timescales. Avanti West Coast LEFT: A computergenerated visualisation of how the Standard Class coaches in the refurbished Class 390s should look when the trains are completed.

Avanti West Coast

Class 390 Pendolino refurbishment highlights • •

•

• •

• • •

Replacement of 25,000 Standard Class seats Conversion of one First Class carriage on each of the 35 11-coach trains to provide more than 2000 extra Standard Class seats Introduction of a new café bar on each train, allowing customers to meet and enjoy refreshments Improved lighting and new interior carpets Greater use of technology, with new customer-friendly passenger information screens Additional luggage space Power points at every seat Refurbished toilets

RIGHT: A visualisation of the new café bar area inside a refurbished Pendolino.

Avanti West Coast

When Virgin Trains was awarded the franchise for the West Coast Main Line following the privatisation of British Rail, one of its franchise commitments was to replace locohauled services along the route which, at the time, were hauled by a variety of Class 86, 87 and 90 electric locomotives.

A fleet of 53 nine-coach new tilting electric trains was ordered from Alstom, with a maximum design speed of 140mph, although infrastructure restrictions have seen the maximum operating speed for the trains set at 125mph. Construction of the original fleet took place at Alstom’s Washwood Heath factory, near Birmingham. The first members of the fleet entered service with Virgin West Coast in the summer of 2002.

One member of the fleet, 390033 City of Glasgow, was withdrawn following the fatal Grayrigg derailment in February 2007 which killed one passenger and caused extensive damage to the train. Despite the extent of the damage, the crashworthiness of the train was credited in preventing further fatalities in the accident.

To enhance capacity on the busy West Coast Main Line route, it was announced by the Department for Transport that four additional 11-coach Class 390s would be built (one of which was technically a replacement for the withdrawn 390033), while 31 of the existing trains would be lengthened by another two coaches to provide 11-coach trains.

The nine-coach trains were classified as Class 390/0 and the 11-coach trains became Class 390/1. The first of the new trains entered service in 2012.

390156 was used to launch the Avanti West Coast franchise when the FirstGroup and Trenitalia consortium took over in December 2019.

DB Cargo launches ‘green’ Class 66 for Toyota trains DB CARGO (DBC) has unveiled 66004 in a distinctive green vinyl wrap in an event at Toton Depot to mark a tie-in with car manufacturer Toyota for the import and export of hybrid cars.

This locomotive is one of the DBC Class 66s which have been modified to operate using hydro-treated vegetable oil fuel (HVO) rather than conventional diesel fuel. The HVO fuel can cut carbon emissions by up to 90%, as well as significantly reducing nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions.

The HVO-adapted locomotives will be used on trains transporting hybrid Toyota cars built in Derby to France and the Czech Republic. DB Cargo is investing £2.6 million in facilities at Toton, Nottinghamshire, for the export of UK-built hybrid Toyota www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

Corollas, as well as the import of Toyota Aygo and Yaris models on the return leg.

The new services are scheduled to start in January 2022, subject to planning approval, with up to three trains per week planned to depart from the new facility at Toton, each carrying up to 230 finished cars – the equivalent of 23 road transporters.

DBC chief executive Andrea Rossi said: “This is a really exciting collaboration between DB Cargo UK, Toyota and STVA which will breathe new life back into redundant land at our Toton depot. It’s a win-win-win for STVA, Toyota and ourselves, and will see us deliver an environmentally-friendly and efficient rail logistics solution for one of our most important automotive customers.”

The new ‘green’ credentials applied to DB Cargo’s Class 66 are highlighted with the chosen locomotive, 66004, given an eye-catching green vinyl wrap declaring ‘I am a Climate Hero’ along the bodysides. The locomotive was pictured during its unveiling at Toton in an event attended by Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris.

Department for Transport

October 2021 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED 7

NEWS

DB Cargo offers 14 Class 60s for disposal DB CARGO is offering 14 long-stored Class 60s for disposal from Toton Depot in Nottinghamshire.

The freight operator was asking for expressions of interest in the locomotives by August 20, as it seeks to offload some of its fleet, although the operator has stated it reserves the right to withdraw them from sale at any point.

Out of the 100 Class 60s, there are currently 58 members of the fleet in the ownership of DB Cargo stored out of use. DBC is still the largest user of the active fleet, although GB Railfreight also operates 10 of the 60s, while DC Rail has five in its fleet, although 60060 is believed to be for spares only.

Two Class 60s have been previously purchased for preservation, while another, former ‘celebrity’ 60081 Isambard Kingdom Brunel belongs to Locomotive Services Ltd and is expected to move to the One:One Collection museum at Margate after cosmetic restoration, although this has yet to take place and it remains in store at Toton. To date, only 60006 has been scrapped.

All but one of the locomotives,

Locomotive Stored

Carrying its Tata Steel silver livery, 60099 heads a train of empty coal hoppers past Crosfields signalbox near Warrington, while working the late running 6F78 11.30 Fiddler’s Ferry to Liverpool Bulk Terminal on January 14, 2012. 60099 is one of the locomotives recently offered by DB Cargo for disposal and is also the most recent of those on offer to be stood down from service. Terry Eyres

60099, have been stored out of use for over a decade, with 60070 and 60098 having the dubious distinction of being out of service for over 17 years. Most have been stripped to keep operational members of the

fleet in service, while some were stored with faults and failures. It is expected most are likely to be sold for scrapping due to their condition.

60099 was used as the testbed for the DB Cargo ‘Super 60’ project, which saw several members of the fleet refurbished. However, it has also been out of service for almost six years, despite being the most recent of the 14 locomotives offered for sale to be stood down.

60008

June 2007

60009

November 2010

60013

May 2011

60022

December 2009

60038

December 2008

60057

May 2006

60061

August 2009

60064

January 2006

60070

August 2004

60075

November 2008

60080

June 2006

60090

April 2008

60098

May 2004

60099

December 2015

60098 was once named Charles Francis Brush and carried a plaque above its nameplate declaring it was the 1000th locomotive to be built at Brush Falcon Works in Loughborough.

Ironically, Wabtec is now winding down activities at Brush Works in preparation for the closure of the plant at the end of the year, bringing down the curtain on the iconic plant which was an integral part of the Class 60 story.

Class 60 Fleet Summary – August 2021

60098 Charles Francis Brush is within sight of its destination at Red Bank, while working a Knockshinnock to Fiddler’s Ferry loaded MGR train on July 8, 1997. One of the first Class 60s to be stored, it is now more than 17 years since 60098 last hauled a train. Terry Eyres

DB Cargo stored:

60003-005/008/009/012-014/018/022/023/ 025/027/030-038/041-043/045/048/049/ 051-053/057/058/061/064/067-073/ 075/077-080/082084/088-090/093/094/097-099, 60500 (60016)

DB Cargo active:

60001/007/010/011/015/017/019/020/024/ 039/040/04 4/054/055/059/062/063/065/ 066/074/091/092, 60100

GB Railfreight:

60002/021/026/047/056/076/085/087/095/ 096

DC Rail:

60028/029/046/055/060

Locomotive Services Ltd:

60081

Preserved:

60050/086

Scrapped:

60006

NETWORK RAIL TAKES ON CLASS 153 UNITS

THREE CLASS 153s are being leased

by Network Rail for use in its infrastructure monitoring fleet.

Porterbrook owns the single-car diesel multiple units, which had been in storage having been withdrawn by East Midlands Railway this year following the introduction of cascaded Class 156s and 170s.

NR will use the 153s to monitor switches and crossings as NR increases its plan to remove ‘boots from the tracks’.

Similar duties are also carried out

by Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs).

One of the three DMUs, 153311, has already been branded with NR’s logos and moved to Whitland on

8 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED October 2021

July 23 to begin crew training. Colas Railfreight drivers will learn the DMUs, which had all been stored at Burton.

While 153311 is being used for training, 153376 and 153385 have moved to LORAM Derby for modifications before they enter traffic.

This will be the first non-passenger

use for the DMUs, and follows the introduction of the ‘Highland Explorer’ fleet with ScotRail where five Class 153s have been refurbished to carry bicycles on the West Highland Line.

➔ See pages 60 & 61 for Class 153 fleet analysis. www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

NEWS

Colas HST power cars move to Severn Valley Railway

AS REVEALED in the last issue of Railways Illustrated, five HST power cars destined for use with Colas Railfreight moved from their storage locations to the Severn Valley Railway in late July.

The five power cars – 43251/257/ 272/274/277 – have been leased by Colas from Porterbrook and are due to have work carried out prior to entering service with the operator.

All five are fitted with MTU4000 engines, the same as the Network Rail power car fleet, also operated by Colas. They were all in service with LNER until the operator ceased HST operation in December 2019.

43251/257/272 and 43274 were cascaded to East Midlands Railway, which also ceased operating HSTs on its services in May. 43277 was not taken on by EMR (despite having EMR branding applied to its bodysides) and has been stored at Barrow Hill and

Nemesis Rail, Burton, since coming off-lease with LNER. The five power cars are now located in the station yard at Arley for temporary storage, with the comparatively modern power cars contrasting with the quiet countryside heritage railway station surroundings.

It is understood the power cars are being stored on the SVR until they can have modification works carried out.

Colas plans to use them on infrastructure monitoring trains.

The movement of 43251/257/274 also saw preserved 43044 hitch a lift from Neville Hill to Kidderminster. After being turned on the SVRs turntable, 43044 was quickly loaded onto a low loader for road movement to Ruddington on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), where it has joined recently-delivered 43159, which was donated to the 125 Group in June by Porterbrook.

HST power car 43277 stands on the left at Arley on July 29, 2021, while 43251 stands in front of 43257/274/272 on the adjacent siding. All carry Virgin East Coast (later LNER and EMR) red colours, with the exception of 43274 which was re-liveried into EMR aubergine for its final few weeks in service. Kevin Delaney

Colas 37057 Barbara Arbon hauls 43251, 43257, 43044 and 43274 pass Milford with 5Z21, the 07:24 Neville Hill to Kidderminster SVR working on July 22, 2021. Upon arrival at Kidderminster 43044 continued its journey into preservation by road transport, whilst the three power cars were moved to Arley for storage. Steve Donald RIGHT: Looking somewhat incongruous in the countryside surroundings of Arley station yard on the Severn Valley Railway, HST power cars 43251/257/272/ 274/277 are currently stored on behalf of Colas Railfreight. 43257 contrasts with the GWR colours of the signalbox on July 29, 2021. Kevin Delaney

Alstom celebrates Voyager 20

TRAIN BUILDER Alstom held a special event for invited guests at Central Rivers Depot on July 27, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Class 220 ‘Voyager’ and Class 221 ‘Super Voyager’ fleets, which first entered service with erstwhile operator Virgin Trains in 2001.

The 78 trains were built by Bombardier, which was acquired by Alstom earlier this year, and were initially used exclusively by Virgin Trains, across its CrossCountry and West Coast franchises.

Following the loss of the CrossCountry franchise to Arriva in 2007, the majority of the fleet were transferred to the new operator. The rest of the Class 221 fleet remained at Virgin West Coast and transferred to Avanti when the FirstGroup and Trenitalia partnership took over the West Coast operation in December 2019.

The two fleets are owned by Beacon Rail, with 34 ‘220s’ and 24 ‘221s’ in use with CrossCountry, while the remaining 20 ‘221s’ are in service with Avanti West Coast. Since taking www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

The ‘Voyager 20’ branding applied to the bodysides of each vehicle on 220016. Andy Coward

ownership of the ‘Voyager’ and ‘Super Voyager’ fleets in 2017 Beacon Rail has worked with Bombardier and now Alstom to offer high levels of safety, reliability, availability and comfort.

Beacon is working to develop a hybrid-battery solution for the fleet in the future, as well as stop-start technology to reduce emissions when the trains are at stations. It is expected the hybrid will significantly reduce emissions in built-up areas whilst not affecting performance.

While acknowledging the trains are not universally popular, the fleet has amassed more than 380 million miles

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Class 220 Voyager and Class 221 Super Voyager fleets, Avanti West Coast executive director operations and safety Gus Dunster, Alstom managing director of UK and Ireland services Peter Broadley, Beacon Rail chief commercial officer Rob Dee and CrossCountry finance and fleet director Gillian Ingham stand in front of 220016 at Central Rivers Depot on July 27, 2021. Alstom

in service and is currently achieving very high levels of reliability across the two operators.

To commemorate the anniversary, 220016 had ‘Voyager 20’ branding

applied to each of the vehicles on the unit. 220016 was selected as it was the first ‘Voyager’ onto Central Rivers following completion of the depot in 2001.

October 2021 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED 9

NEWS

‘Staycation Express’ cuts back on Sunday service LEFT: Showing the natural beauty of the countryside that the Staycation Express travels through, Rail Charter Services HST, led by 43058, heads south at Armathwaite on the Settle to Carlisle line while working 1Z44, the 15:09 Carlisle to Skipton service on August 16.

Paul Biggs

RAIL CHARTER Services has withdrawn its Sunday ‘Staycation Express’ services, stating a lack of demand, just over a month since the nine-week season operating between Skipton and Carlisle began.

The service, using a refurbished fivecoach HST set supplied by Locomotive Intercity Ltd, was launched in July (Railway Illustrated, September 2021) following a trial last year using locomotive-hauled stock.

RCS director Adrian Quine told Railways Illustrated in mid August: “Sunday was an experiment for us but the numbers were poor, as is the case

on other services too, so we decided to suspend these trains. The weekday and Saturday trains from Skipton to Carlisle have grown significantly over the past fortnight as awareness of the service builds.”

The company has also suffered from problems with catering suppliers, forcing it to restrict the number of bookings it could accept for catering on the train. When launched Mr Quine told Railways Illustrated that the company wanted to use local suppliers as much as possible, so that local businesses would benefit from the operation of the trains.

Speaking about the issue, Mr Quine said: “It’s a complex picture. The ‘pingdemic’ seriously affected the supply chain and we ended up with unreliable deliveries, which had an effect on the catering. We’ve put in place additional measures to overcome this, but it’s resulted in extra time and cost for us. However, delivering a robust and consistent product is our top priority.”

RCS stated the government’s ban on the rail industry promoting leisure travel had a detrimental effect on initial operations, but numbers have been increasing now services have

ScotRail remembers Carmont one year on RAIL SERVICES across Scotland came to a standstill for one minute at 09:43 on August 12, to remember the victims of the derailment of an Inter7City HST service, one year on from the tragic accident.

On the morning of August 12, 2020, the 06:38 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street service derailed between Dundee and Aberdeen, after striking a landslip near to Carmont, west of Stonehaven, in Aberdeenshire.

The driver, Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie and

passenger Christopher Stuchbury were all killed in the accident and six others onboard were injured.

The silence across the rail network in Scotland was held at 09:43, the exact time the accident was first reported, with all stations and trains coming to a stand in silent tribute to those lost.

Alex Hynes, Scotland’s Railway managing director, said: “Today, exactly a year on, we pay tribute to Brett, Donald and Christopher, who lost their lives, and also, of course, we remember those who

10 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED October 2021

were injured.

“We come together as Scotland’s Railway family and we send our love and support to everyone, particularly the loved ones of the deceased, who have been affected by the tragedy. We will never forget.”

The HST was extensively damaged, with power car 43140 and the coaching stock from set HA22 subsequently scrapped, while undamaged power car, 43030, is now used as a source of spares before being disposed of.

been running for a few weeks.

Another handicap to the operation has been the service starting in the morning from Appleby, rather than Carlisle. Mr Quine said that this had been due to platform closures at Carlisle during the summer, but it is the company’s aspiration that future services will start from the northern end of the route.

Despite the recent challenges, Mr Quine remained upbeat, stating the company was still aiming to operate during the October half term holidays and are also looking at other options for future services.

LEV2 railbus scrapped

ONE OF the experimental railbus demonstrators built in 1980 has been scrapped in the United States.

Assembled by Wickham in 1980, LEV2 employed a Leyland National body and BREL underframe and was trialled on the Old Dalby test track before being sold to the Federal Railroad Administration and exported to the US amid some interest in the railbus concept.

Most recently located at the Connecticut Trolley Museum, it had been under threat for around a decade and despite efforts by UK enthusiasts to repatriate the unit, it has been scrapped due to its deteriorating condition. www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

NEWS

Museum exhibit future for two Class 37s LOCOMOTIVE SERVICES Ltd 37190 has moved from the Severn Valley Railway to the company’s Margate facility in the former Hornby factory, which is eventually destined to be opened as a museum under the banner of the One:One Collection, joining a number of locomotives that have been delivered there over the past few months.

The BR blue Class 37, which was previously preserved by the Class 40 Appeal at the Midland Railway Butterley, visited the SVR last year to take part in a diesel event, but suffered a serious failure and remained at Bewdley awaiting collection.

Its move to Margate indicates that the previous plan to return it to main line service with LSL will now not be happening for the foreseeable future.

Also facing its future as a museum exhibit is 37198, which Network Rail has donated to the Head of Steam Railway Museum at Darlington.

The locomotive, the final one to be built by English Electric at Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns works in Darlington, was delivered to the museum on August 9, going on public display the following day and returning it to the town where it was built.

After withdrawal by EWS 37198 was purchased for preservation, before

A helium balloon which got caught in overhead wires on the West Coast Main Line, near Tamworth, caused delays to six services on August 2 while engineers were dispatched to remove it safely. Network Rail has urged members of the public not to let helium balloons loose near to railway lines.

Resplendent in BR green, D6898 stands on display outside its new home at the Head of Steam Railway Museum at Darlington on August 9, shortly after it had been delivered from Loram in Derby. Darlington Borough Council

being bought by Network Rail in 2004, although it was never returned to mainline use during NR’s ownership.

It was based on the Great Central Railway for a number of years but was involved in a collision with some coaching stock in May 2014 following a runaway incident, causing damage to one of the Class 37’s cabs.

Despite undergoing cab repairs to correct the accident damage it was stored at Loram in Derby and used as a source of spares for NR’s

fleet of Class 97/3 locomotives.

Although cosmetically restored, it is understood that internally the locomotive is incomplete.

The Class 37 has been repainted into BR green with small yellow warning panels, regaining its original D6898 identity. The cab skirts and round buffers have been reinstated to give it an as-built appearance, although it does not have route indicators at the present time and the headcode box remains plated over.

TRANSPORT FOR WALES BUYS PULLMAN TRANSPORT FOR Wales (TfW) has purchased Pullman Rail Ltd at Cardiff Canton from Colas Rail. The purchase of the Canton site will assist TfW in having sufficient capacity to support new rolling stock currently being built for the operator, as well as the planned South Wales Metro scheme.

The majority of the TfW fleet is maintained, serviced and cleaned at Canton and TfW is promising further investment in the site to improve

RIGHT: On August 11, GB Railfreight 69001 Mayflower hauls 66796 through Basingstoke, while working from Longport to Eastleigh Works to deliver the Class 66 to Arlington Fleet Group for repainting.

Spencer Conquest

www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

IN BRIEF

facilities that can be offered.

Speaking about the acquisition TfW chief executive James Price said: “High performing and enterprising, Pullman reflect many of TfW’s own values.

Pullman has been operating in the UK for more than 25 years, delivering high quality products and services.

This technical expertise, quality workmanship and innovation are integral to the UK rail industry, ensuring legacy fleet can be maintained.

“TfW are proud to be aligned with this strong heritage and the opportunities this partnership will present for the growth of both organisations in the future, in improving rail services for our passengers and securing jobs locally in Wales.”

Pullman will continue to operate as a stand-alone business as Pullman Rail Ltd. Activity will remain business as usual with services continuing to be delivered under the Pullman brand.

A new Derwent Valley Line website has been launched to promote rail travel on the route between Derby and Matlock.

The site features over 100 things to do along the route, most of which are within a short walk of a station along the line. Trains currently operate hourly Monday to Saturday between Derby and Matlock and slightly less frequently on Sundays.

The new website address is www.derwentvalleyline.org.uk Southern Railway has donated over 50 bikes which had been abandoned to two community cycle workshops in Brighton. Brighton Bike Hub and Cranks runs not-for-profit workshops which promote and provide affordable cycling. It refurbishes and recycles bikes and parts for sale at low prices, also offering space and advice for DIY repairs and maintenance.

A fly tipper has been fined £1000 and ordered to pay Network Rail compensation of over £3000 for dumping rubbish on railway land at Burnley in Lancashire. The offender was identified when his home address details were found among the rubbish and building materials discarded onto a track access point.

Southern has recruited six youngsters through the government’s Kickstart Scheme. The new recruits, aged between 16 and 24, have become Customer Experience Ambassadors at Brighton, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne, Worthing and Chichester stations, assisting customers and providing reassurance to those travelling for the first time since the pandemic.

East Midlands Railway hosted a series of events in early August to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Nottingham to Lincoln line. In addition to entertainers, singers and dancers performing on trains and platforms, the privatelyowned signal box at Lowdham was officially reopened following restoration, having been moved from its previous location.

October 2021 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED 11

NEWS

Northumberland Line reopening plan detailed

A Northern Class 158 unit passes over Bedlington Viaduct during an event to promote the upgrading of the Northumberland Line to reinstate regular passenger services from Ashington to Newcastle. Network Rail

IN EARLY August, Northern operated trains over the line between Newcastle and Morpeth in conjunction with Northumberland County Council and Network Rail, showcasing the route on which passenger services are planned to be reintroduced from 2024.

The scheme, proposed by Northumberland County Council, has been made possible due to the Government’s Restoring Your Railway Fund, which offered development funding to explore options to

restore lost passenger rail services.

Reopening the Northumberland Line – currently partially used by freight trains – to passenger services, aims to stimulate economic growth, regeneration and community development in Northumberland and the surrounding regions by providing new and improved transport links for local people and businesses.

Initially following reopening, Northern expects to offer two trains per hour on weekdays and Saturdays

between 6am and 7.30pm, with an hourly service after 7.30pm and on Sundays.

Earlier this year the Department for Transport provided £34 million towards detailed design and preparatory works which, subject to funding for the delivery of the full scheme being confirmed by the Government and the recently submitted Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application being approved, will allow for the reintroduction of passenger services

between Ashington and Newcastle in the next three years. New stations are to be constructed at Northumberland Park, Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bebside, Bedlington and Ashington, while 18 miles of track will be upgraded along the route.

Work on the Northumberland Line is expected to begin next year and, with Morgan Sindall in place to construct the new stations, Network Rail is now working on plans to upgrade the track and infrastructure.

Troon station reopens after blaze

37219 Jonty Jarvis is illuminated by the station lighting at Manchester Oxford Road on the evening of August 5, 2021, while working 37254 1Q44 1845 Crewe to Crewe Network Rail test train. 37254 Cardiff Canton was on the rear of the train.

Tom McAtee.

12 RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED October 2021

SCOTRAIL REOPENED Troon station fully on July 30 after the devastating fire that destroyed the main building on Platform 1 at the station, as reported in last months’ issue of Railways Illustrated.

The fire happened on July 17, spreading rapidly and causing severe damage to the building, along with the adjacent station canopy and some overhead line electrification.

Such was the extent of the damage that the Category B-listed station building had to be demolished by Network Rail.

Following the fire, ScotRail was forced to suspend all services on the Glasgow to Ayr route until the station and its infrastructure could be made safe for services to restart.

Platform 2 was reopened from July 26, although it was a further four days

before Platform 1 was brought back into use after repairs had been carried out to make it suitable for passenger use.

ScotRail operations director David Simpson said: “We are delighted to be able to reopen both platforms at Troon after the fire that destroyed so many of the station buildings forced Network Rail to close the line.

“We re sure passengers understand how difficult it’s been to restore services given the extreme circumstances of what happened.

“It has been a real team effort by Scotland’s Railway to get trains running normally again between Glasgow and Ayr – less than two weeks after the blaze.”

The Railway Heritage Trust has pledged a grant of £500,000 towards the rebuilding of the station building. www.railwaysillustrated.co.uk

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