Sam Hewitt

Diesel-hydraulic stars at West Somerset gala THE Diesel & Electric Preservation Group’s No. D7018 re-entered traffic on June 20, almost 24 years after it had to be taken out of service owing to a major engine failure. The ‘Hymek’ had been close to a return for some time, and first had a test run back…

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The National Railway Museum’s most travelled vehicle has celebrated its diamond jubilee and the halfway point of its cosmetic restoration. THE National Collection’s Class 414 2-HAP unit No. 4308 celebrated its 60th birthday at Locomotion in Shildon on June 27. The EMU is believed to be the most travelled vehicle in the collection, and has…

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FOLLOWING a series of high-profile delays, failures and cancellations due to issues with its CAF-built Mk.5 stock, Caledonian Sleeper has put back the introduction of the new trains on its ‘Highlander’ route until at least September. This gives a stay of execution to the Mk.2-based train from Euston to Inverness, Aberdeen and Fort William. A…

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THE final BREL-built (80)80 Class DEMU vehicle to be on NIR’s books, No. 8097, was removed by road from Belfast York Road on June 8, by metal recycling contractor Thomas Hamill & Sons and taken to its premises at Ahoghill, near Ballymena, for disposal. The vehicle was cut in two before its final journey. No.…

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PORTERBROOK and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education have announced its hydrogen-powered ‘Hydroflex’ unit is to be tested on the main line following a successful proof-of-concept. The test unit is former dual-mode EMU No. 319001 (now renumbered No. 799001), fitted with a hydrogen powerpack so it can run on non-electrified lines…

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