Network

First Group’s open access plans move forward

by

Sam Hewitt

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2nd April 2019

FIRST GROUP’S aspiration to run open access services on the East Coast Main Line from Edinburgh to London took a big step forward when an order for five Hitachi AT300 trains was confirmed. The services will begin in autumn 2021. The Class 802 electric-only trains will be worth £100million and are being financed by Beacon…
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Class 50s unveiled in GB Railfreight livery

by

Sam Hewitt

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2nd April 2019

THE close and growing relationship between the Class 50 Alliance and GB Railfreight has been underlined with the repainting of two of the former’s locomotives in GB colours as part of an on-going hire agreement. No. 50007 Hercules and 50049 Defiance were unveiled on March 20 at Eastleigh Works after the repaint by Arlington Fleet Services.…
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New ‘radical’ vision for Birmingham Moor Street unveiled

by

Sam Hewitt

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2nd April 2019

STRIKING new images of a radical but respectful transformation of Birmingham Moor Street station have been revealed by West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE). The images are part of proposals to redevelop the station and improve links with Birmingham New Street and HS2 services at Curzon Street. The concourse area would double, two additional platform faces…
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Tornado returns to action with Scottish adventures

by

Sam Hewitt

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1st April 2019

There was disappointment later in the day when Class 55 No. D9009 Alycidon failed on the return leg.
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End of the line as another Class 314 heads for Newport

by

Sam Hewitt

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29th March 2019

Another ScotRail Class 314 was sent for scrap on March 14, when No. 314206 was dispatched overnight.
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Old and new sleeper trains meet on testing

by

Sam Hewitt

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29th March 2019

On-going testing of the new Mk5 carriages for the Caledonian Sleeper has brought the old and new trains side by side, well away from the depot. Six of the new carriages were out for winter testing on March 9 between Polmadie depot, Glasgow and Fort William, and on the return working passed the carriages they…
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Freightliner plans new Ipswich depot – and more Class 90s?

by

Sam Hewitt

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29th March 2019

Freightliner has submitted a planning application to build a new locomotive and wagon maintenance facility at its Ipswich Yard site. The depot will feature a fuelling point, a 54-metre long maintenance shed with overhead cranes, and an inspection pit and a wheel lathe for locomotives and wagons. The new facility is expected to create 20…
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Stobart Tilbury trial success – daily service now planned

by

Sam Hewitt

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29th March 2019

EDDIE Stobart Logistics (ESL) confirmed in late-January its trial of a new intermodal railfreight flow from the Port of Tilbury to Daventry in Northamptonshire had been successful and will be rolled out as a daily service this year. The Stobart Rail-branded service, hauled by Direct Rail Services (DRS), has an initial capacity of 200 containers…
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Maritime takes over DB terminals – and wins East Midlands Gateway contract

by

Sam Hewitt

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29th March 2019

Multi-modal logistics company Maritime Transport is taking over the operation of two DB Cargo UK intermodal terminals, and has signed a 25-year lease deal to operate the new East Midlands Gateway Strategic Railfreight Interchange. Maritime will take over responsibility for DBC’s under-utilised terminals at Trafford Park and Wakefield, and plans to invest in both equipment…
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Mirrlees Class 37 almost ready for main line action

by

Sam Hewitt

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29th March 2019

EUROPHOENIX No. 37901 Mirrlees Pioneer basks in the winter sun at UK Rail Leasing’s Leicester depot on February 12. The Mirrlees-engined prototype has been restored to working order and is now awaiting the completion of some internal work before returning to the main line. UKRL plans to use it as an interim depot shunter at Leicester, but it…
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