Sam Hewitt

THE Carnforth-York diesel leg of West Coast Railway’s ‘Scarborough Spa Express’ will feature some special traction on August 17 and 24 when the Class 40 Preservation Society’s main line ‘Whistler’ No. 40145 is due to be at the head of the train. This service is routed via Copy Pit and Wakefield on the 17th, and…

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THE devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in West London during the early hours of June 14 initially resulted in the cancellation of all Underground services between Hammersmith and Edgware Road. The block stands very close to the line, and concerns were raised about vibrations of the passing trains affecting the structural stability of the burnt-out…

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The vintage Metropolitan Railway loco is to be made fit for its centenary. FOLLOWING its move from Ruislip to Acton Works in May (see page 3 last month), preserved Metropolitan Railway electric loco No. 12 Sarah Siddons is currently undergoing inspection as part of preparation work for a heavy overhaul. A full specification and understanding…

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JUNE brought tangible signs of the Class 68 fleet being prepared for use on the upcoming TransPennine Express loco-hauled services. The early hours of June 13 found No. 68025 powering a short rake of Riviera air-conditioned Mk.2s on a fuel consumption trial for TPE. Running as the 5Z08/01.00 Crewe Down Refuge Siding-York Holgate, this travelled…

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DRS’ new electric locos are now in service on Anglo-Scottish intermodals and coping well over the northern fells. THE long-awaited revenue-earning debut of the Class 88s finally arrived on June 12, with No. 88003 Genesis taking the honour. The early hours of that day saw it and No. 88002 Prometheus run light from Crewe Gresty…

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071 Class locos in demand for railtours and land cruises. A SERIES of three return trips between Dublin Connolly and Howth ran on May 28 to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the railway at the present terminus at Howth in May 1847. Steam traction in the shape of Railway Preservation Society of…

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The Belmond Grand Hibernian train (BGH) has been active during the period under review on its regular programme, with an 071 Class locomotive continuing to be booked for the Connolly to Waterford and return (to Heuston) via Bagenalstown legs. No. 077 was noted on this duty on May 28 and also the following day. Retro-liveried…

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Now freshly repainted in DB red, the cut-down former coal hopper has gained a new 12-digit number and is currently being trialled in service for a possible follow-on fleet. FORMER HTA bogie coal hopper No. 310711 – which has been reduced to around 80% of its original length by the removal of one hopper bay…

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