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Old and new sleeper trains meet on testing
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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?
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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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Maritime takes over DB terminals – and wins East Midlands Gateway contract
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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
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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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All Vivarail sets delivered for Marston Vale line
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VIVARAIL has delivered the third and final Class 230 set to West Midlands Trains for use on Bedford to Bletchley services. Set No. 230003 has been at Bletchley depot for some weeks, and following tests on the Cotswold Line, between Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh in early-February, set 004 was delivered. The final set – 230005 – completed…
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British Line Society secures Thunderer for railtour return after 28-year gap
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THE Branch Line Society has scored a major coup by securing Garcia Hanson’s No. 50008 Thunderer for a railtour on July 27. The ‘50’ has been active on the main line for several years, but to date has only hauled passenger trains on heritage railways. Its last railtour outing is thought to have been in October…
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Unusual pairing sparkles in sunshine and snow
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THE rare combination of a Thompson ‘B1’ 4-6-0 and a rebuilt ‘Merchant Navy’ was the highlight of February 2’s ‘Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express’. No. 61306 Mayflower and No. 35018 British India Line worked north to Carlisle via the West Coast Main Line and returned later in the day via the Settle to Carlisle Line, enjoying glorious conditions…