Network
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5 facts you may not know about the ‘Azuma’ train
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LNER launched its first passenger services on the East Coast Main Line on May 15, using the Hitachi-built Class 800 ‘Azuma’ express trains as part of a rolling programme to replace both its Class 91 and Mk4 and HST fleets.
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Six people a month risking lives to cross tracks in Essex
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Over six people a month are putting their lives at risk by walking across tracks at a level crossing in Grays.
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GB Railfreight’s pride as it unveils Class 66
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GB RAILFREIGHT marked Brighton Pride when Class 66 No. 66773 was named Pride of GB Railfreight by The Times columnist Matthew Parris at the South Coast resort on August 2. Sporting rainbow colours along its bodyside, GB says the loco recognises LGBT+ employees across the wider rail industry, and celebrates its on-going commitment to diversity and equality.…
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All ‘Goblin’ Class 710 units accepted
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LONDON Overground has accepted all eight Class 710/2 EMUs for use on the Gospel Oak to Barking service. It means the line is finally operated exclusively by the Bombardier-built four-car sets, and has allowed the 15-minute service frequency to be restored. The service is used by 30,000 passengers per day, and it was planned to…
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TPE accepts first ‘Nova 2’ CAF set
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By Tony Miles TRANSPENNINE Express accepted the first ‘Nova 2’ Class 397 EMU into its fleet on July 25, meaning units from all three new ‘Nova’ train types have now joined its fleet. The first sets to be delivered are still being used for type testing, and require some final rectification work by manufacturer CAF,…
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Northern and Greater Anglia increase use of new trains during August
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NORTHERN and Greater Anglia (GA) introduced more new trains to their routes throughout August. GA’s bi-mode Class 755 No. 755410 made a low-key debut on July 29, between Lowestoft and Norwich, with services having now expanded to include Great Yarmouth and the busy Norwich-Ely-Cambridge route. Units on test and undertaking platform gauging checks have visited stations,…
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Northern withdraws first batch of ‘Pacers’
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NORTHERN has withdrawn the first its Class 142 ‘Pacer’ units – 11 months later than planned. The first was scheduled for retirement in September 2018, but late delivery and acceptance of replacement units gave the ‘Pacers’ a stay of execution. Unit No. 142005 was ‘retired’ on August 12, with Northern holding a ceremony at Manchester Victoria…
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‘Duchess’ demolishes Devon banks record
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STANIER Pacific No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland put in a storming performance on August 4’s ‘Royal Duchy’, using its immense power to set a new record time for steam on the Plymouth to Exeter leg. The 50 miles, including steep climbs to Hemerdon and Dainton and numerous curves and speed restrictions, were reeled off in just…
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Branch Line Society and Vintage Trains team up for West Midlands ‘Balti bash’
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VINTAGE Trains and the Branch Line Society are offering an opportunity to enjoy the tasty combination of rare track, Class 20s and a curry – all on the same train! Starting from Solihull, the September 22 tour will run to Shrewsbury via Warwick, Sutton Park and the Ironbridge branch. After a break in Shrewsbury, the…
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Stanier pair celebrate Conwy Valley reopening
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NETWORK Rail and Transport for Wales Rail Services hosted a special main line steam trip on August 3 to celebrate the reopening of the Conwy Valley line in North Wales. ‘The Conwy Quest’, double-headed by West Coast Railways’ Stanier ‘8F’ No. 48151 and ‘Jubilee’ No. 45690 Leander, ran from Chester to Blaenau Ffestiniog. At Llandudno Junction there…
