Big Colas diesels prove popular with ‘punters’

by

JUNE saw Colas Railfreight diesels drawing in the punters at the head of popular railtours.

On June 7, No. 70811 was the first of its type to haul a passenger train when it topped West Coast Railtours’ ‘Scarborough Spa Express’ from Dumfries to York, with WCRC No. 47804 coupled behind to provide electric train supply (ETS).

Colas Class 70/8 No. 70811, with WCRC No. 47804 coupled inside, heads south along the West Coast Main Line at Brock with the 05.07 Dumfries-Scarborough ‘Scarborough Spa Express’ on June 7. This was the first time a Colas ‘70/8’ had hauled a passenger train. STEVE SIENKIEWICZ

None of the 17 Colas Class 70/8s had previously hauled a passenger train since they were delivered in two batches by General Electric in 2014 and 2017. The GE ‘Powerhaul’ and its Brush-built companion gave way to steam traction at York, but were another successful variation on the ‘SSE’ theme, following the use of a Colas Class 56 and a Class 40 in 2017.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Railway reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

Read more in the July issue of The RM – on sale now!


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author