Pioneer projects
Heljan O gauge Ruston 48DS
Welcome
The reopening of the Northumberland Line between Newcastle and Ashington acouple of weeks beforethe end of 2024 is certainly acausefor celebration forthe communities in and around the line thatare nowable to enjoy quick and convenient rail travel forthe firsttime in 60 years.
In the time Ihaveoccupied the Railways Illustrated editor’s chair,Ihaveseen the Dartmoor Line in South Devonand the Levenmouth Rail Link also reopened to passenger services, with both of theseundoubtedly beingmajor success stories forthe areastheyserve.
The reopening of the previously freight-only Northumberland Line routeisstill very much a work in progress, with four of thesix planned newstationsyet to be completedand threeof them quitesome wayfrom completion. Forthe reopening from December 15, justSeatonDelaval and Ashington stations were actually ready to welcome passengers, although construction work on the station at Newsham is at afairly advanced stageand it is slatedfor opening early in2025
Itook atripalong thenewly reopened 18-mile routetoA shington acouple of days before Christmasand it waspleasing to see just how busy the trains were,particularlywith passengers
boarding from the twonew stations. While some of these passengerswould undoubtedly have been trying the newrailway forthe novelty factor ofits newnessorthe closeproximity to theend of the festiveshopping mayhem, theline they were travelling on hasn’t been therefor passenger use formorethansix decadesand it's suretobecome avital travel lifeline forthe communities in an area thatisclearly undergoing alot of regeneration.
Thereopening oflostrailway linescan be transformational forthose towns and villages currently without the option of commuting or enjoying leisuretravelbytrain, but it takesmany yearstoachieve and is phenomenally expensive to deliver.However,the Dartmoor,Levenmouth and now, the Northumberland lines showwhat adiferencethese reopened routes canmake. Build it and theywill come!
Coming up in thisissue
Thisissuewepay avisit to Barrow Hill to view the work being done by Pioneer Diesels on the overhaul of the Keighley&Worth ValleyRailway’s 25059, which is undergoingextensiverepairsand refurbishment works at theDerbyshirefacility
Pioneer Diesels is the commercial ofshoot of thePioneer Diesel Locomotive Group, andthe
KEEP IN TOUCH
If youhaveany comments,photographic contributions, featuresuggestions, or constructivefeedback,pleasecontact Andy Coward by emailat rieditor@mortons. co.uk or via the postal address provided on page 4.
activities of thebusinessare fairly unique, in thatthe work done by thecompany directly helps fund the ongoing preservation of asmall fleetof heritagediesel locomotivesconsisting of aClass 33, twoClass 45s and aClass 47.
Photographer John Whiteleyreturns with the latest instalment of his nostalgic look back at some classic trains in action from the halcyonBR blue days, with this issuefeaturinganother stunning selectiondepicting Class40s at work on the daytime emptyNewspaper vantrains that used to operate to the long-closed RedBank Carriage Sidings in Cheetham Hill, Manchester.
Each autumn, the Railways Illustrated inbox receives plenty of photographic submissions from our lineside photographersaround the countryof the various Railhead Treatment Trains in action. The water-jetting trains play avital role in keeping therailway moving each year and protecting other trains from the dangerscreatedbyleafmulch on the rails. We present apictorial showcase of the 2024 RHTT operatingseason.
Former LairadepotfitterMikeWoodhouse recalls the storyofwhen 50049 Defiance waschosen to be atrial locomotivetobeoperatedasa regeared Class50/1for Railfreight. He also revealsthat the projectproposed painted the locomotive intoRailfreight RedStripe colours, rather than the Railfreight General coloursit subsequently appeared in.Based on the oficial liveryplan and thanks to the efortsofprecision artistStuart Black, we also bring youavisualisation in this issue as to how50149 could havelooked had it been painted into the originally-proposed paint scheme.
10 Pictures this month comes from the lens of MikeBatten, whostarted watching trains from thewindowofhis grandparents’ home before venturing out as he grew older.Despiteaperiod away from the lineside following the end of the Class 50s in the early 1990s, Mikerediscovered his passion forthe railway and photography in the early 2000s, with him presenting his 10 favourite pictures from the digital eralater in this issue.
As ever,I hope youenjoythis issue. Welcome aboard.
Andy Coward Editor
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the commercial
of the
Diesel LocomotiveGroup,with the proceeds generatedby the business directlysupporting the four preserveddiesel locomotives owned by the group.The current focus of Pioneer Dieselsattention is the overhaul andrefurbishment of the Keighley &Worth ValleyRailway’s25059, which has been
Features
44 Pioneer projects
Pioneer Diesels has gainedareputation forthe high quality of its restoration work carried out on awiderange of heritagediesels, with 25059 thecurrent focus of the company’sattention. Andy Coward visitsBarrow HillRoundhouse to meetmanaging directorMikeJacob and viewprogress on the Class25.
50 John Whiteleyremembers…
Railway photographer John Whiteley returns with morememories of classic British Rail locomotives at work.For this instalment,John takesanostalgic look back at theClass 40-hauled daytime empty newspaper vantrains to the long-closed RedBankCarriage Sidings in Manchester.
56 Clear routeahead!
Each autumn, NetworkRail operates itsRailhead Treatment Trains around the rail network to deal with the adhesion problems fortrains during the annual leaf fall season. The RHTT programme is amammoth
undertaking, and we present a pictorial look at the 2024 operation.
62 Whatmight havebeen!
The trial conversion of 50049 Defiance at LairadepotinSeptember 1987 for British Rail’sRailfreight business could haveseen some Class 50s retained forworkingfreight services. Former LairafitterMikeWoodhouse detailsthe projectand howthe chosen Class 50 came very close to emerging in atotally diferent liverytothe Railfreight General coloursitsubsequentlycarried.
66 10 Pictures: MikeBatten
When the Class 50s were withdrawn by British Rail, keen enthusiastand photographer MikeBattenstepped away from the linesidefor aprolonged period. However, his enthusiasm was renewedinthe early 2000s, and he found himself back out photographing trains in the landscape. Mikepresents the10Pictures which he believes highlight the bestfromhis digital photography era.
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Northern begins procurementprocess forlarge scaletrain fleetreplacement
Northern’s 150214 The Bentham Line– ADementiaFriendlyRailway calls at DoncasteronJanuary8,working the18.26 Adwick to Shefield service. Aprocurementprocess to allowNortherntoreplaceits older diesel fleethas begun; theClass 150s are currently the oldestpassenger trains still in servicewiththe train operator Phil Wallis
PUBLICLY-OWNED
TRAIN operating company Northern has invited anumber of train builderstobegin negotiations forthe supply alarge number of newtrains to operateits services. It is part of aphased fleet re placement programm ew hi ch could eventually see up to 450 new trains built forthe train operator.
The manufacturersapproached by Northern in the ‘Invitation to Negotiate’stepinthe procurement process areAlstom, CAF,Hitachi, Siemensand Stadler.The train operator said the trains willall be new, rather than cascaded, and will incorporate the latest technologies designed to meet the present-day needs of passengers, as well as delivering higher levels of comfort,reliability andsatisfaction.
Deliver ytimescales havenot yet been fully developed, but the operator has setbidders challenging targets fordeliveryassoon as possible, with the first of the newtrains ex pe cted to be enteri ng se rv ice from 2030.
The company is planning on replacing the oldestunitsfromits existing
fleet, mostofwhich havebeen in service since the 1980s and 1990s, with approximately two-thirds of theexisting fleet targeted forreplacement over the next 10 years.
The newtrains areexpected to be a combination of electric and bi-mode (d ies el/el ec tr ic )d es ig ns ,w hi le prospectivemanufacturers havealso been askedtoinclude battery-powered trains as part of their proposals.
Any bi-mode unitsincluded within the train building order mustbe ca pa ble o fl at er co nv er sion to battery or electric-only operation during their lifetime, in line with theGovernment’scommitment to deliver acleaner,greener railway as part of itsnet-zero objectives, which includes the phasing out of diesel-poweredtrains.
The operator also hopestosimplify it so perat ions by re ducing the number of diferent types of trains in use on itsservices, stating thatthis will assistwithstaftrainingand also lowermaintenancecosts
The first phase of the projectis expectedtosee the replacement of
the British Rail-built Class 150, 155 and 156 Sprinter designs, which all entered serviceinthe 1980s,with about 130 newtrains expectedto be requiredunder this particular phase of the project. Eventually,the next oldesttrain fleetsusedbythe company will also be replaced.
Northern currently has alarge and varied train fleetconsisting of Class 150, 155, 156, 158, 170and 195 diesel multiple units,Class 323, 331 and 333 electric multiple unitsand a small number of Class 769 bi-mode (diesel and electric) trains which were converted from Class 319 EMUs
Managing directorTricia Williams said: “Almost60% of the trains in our fleetare between 32 and 40 years old and, while theyhaveservedthe region well, it is important we getthe ball rolling on their replacement
“It’sgame-changing forNorthern and will transform the look and feel of our fleetfor millions of customers–and it also cementselectric and batteryasthe long-term power source of choicefor our fleet.
“The newtrains will support the Go ve rnm en t’scom mi tm en tt o achieving net-zero operations by 2050, whilereflecting the reality that only 25% of the Northern network is currently electrified.”
It is expectedthe contractwill be awardedtothe successful bidder or biddersin2026. Further information about theprojectcan be found at ww w. no rt her nr ai lw ay.c o. uk / about-us/newtrains
Also scheduled forreplacement under the first phaseofthe Northern proposals arethe Class 156s,with alarge number of the two-coach DMUscurrently in servicewith the train operator.OnJune 19, 2023, 156401 heads past Coote Lane, to the south of Preston, working aservicetoOrmskirk KevinDelaney
RMTgeneral secretar yMickLynch to retire from union
RMT UNION generalsecretaryMick Lynch has announced his intention to retirefromhis role, having servedthe union in various capacities.
Mr Lynch joined the RMT in 1993 afer he beganworking forEurostar, buildingupastrong branch organisation whilehewas employedthere. Electedgeneralsecretaryofthe union in 2021, he has also previously served twoterms as assistant general secretary and twoterms on the union’s National ExecutiveCommittee.
Prior to joining Eurostar, the qualified electrician had worked formany yearsinthe construction industrybut wasillegally blacklistedfor joininga union. Hewent on to helpestablish the Electricaland Plumbing Industries Union in 1988.
“It has been aprivilege to serve this union formore30years in allcapacities,but nowitistime forchange,” he said.
“This unionhas been through many struggles in recent years, and Ibelieve
thatthis has only made it stronger, despiteall the odds.
“Therehas neverbeen amoreurgent need forastrong union forall transport and energy workersofall grades, but we canonly maintain and build a robustorganisation forthese workers if thereisrenewaland change.
“Wecan allbeproud thatour union stoodupagainst thewholesale attacks on the rail industryby the previous Tory government and the union defeatedthem
“The RMT will always need anew generation of workerstotakeupthe fight forits membersand fora fairer society forall and Iamimmensely proud to havebeen part of that.”
The RMT Na tional Ex ecutiv e Committeehas adopteda timeta ble fo rt he election of an ew general secretary, which is settobe concluded in the first week of May Mr Lynch will remain in position until the process to appoint his successor is concluded.
Historic royalvisit plaque donatedby Net work Rail to CreweHeritageCentre
NET WORK RA IL has don ated a historic plaque commemorating a royalvisit to CreweWorks by King George Vand Queen Maryin1913 to CreweHeritageTrustfollowing signalling upgrading worksonthe WestCoast Main Line in the area
Under the £191 million pound BasfordHall Independent Lines digitalresignalling project, all trainmovementsatBasfordHall freight depotand the lines which serve it were switched over to the Rail Operating Control centreinManchesterduring the Christmas period, resulting in the closureand decommissioning of Salop Goods, BasfordHall Junction and CreweSorting Sidings North signalboxes.
The 1913 visit to theworksbythe king and queen wasamoment of celebration forthe town and the brass plaque commemorating the visit had been displayed inside one of the decommissioned signalboxes where former signalman and Mayor of Crewe, Frederick Manning –who welcomed theroyal couple and gave an address to them –onceworked.
The plaque will nowbedisplayed at CreweHeritageCentre, which is locatedonpartofthe original Crewe Works land.A number of block instrumentsfromthe closedsignalboxes were also presentedtoCrewe Heritage Trustbythe infrastructurecompany.
Network Rail programmemanager Jamie Morris said: “Weare so happy to see the plaque and theblock
IN BRIEF
TransPennine Express has teamed up with Springpod to launch afreevirtual work experiencecourse to provide anyone interested in acareer in rail the chancetogaina unique behind-the-scenes look at the industry. The programme features eight modules to be completed at the participant’sown pace and includes hands-on-activities and core skills forrail careersand beyond, such as communications, teamwork,and leadership.The course is open to anyone aged13 and above and runs until May 5. Attendees will receiveacertificate of completion, which canthen be used to boost CVs, UCAS statements and other applications.
The historic brass plaque in recognition of the 1913 visit of King George Vand Queen Mary has been donatedtoCrewe HeritageTrustbyNetwork Rail, along with a quantity of block instruments, following the decommissioning of three signalboxes in the town as part of the £191 million BasfordHallIndependent Lines digital resignalling project. NetworkRail instrumentsfinda newhomeatthe CreweHeritageCentre.
“When we removedthe old signalboxes, we wanted to preserve some of itshistory.The plaque is acherished piecethathighlightsCrewe’s
pivotal role in the development of the railway industry.
“This move ensures the legacy of Crewe’srailwayhistory continuesto be celebrated and remembered by futuregenerations.”
along-standing volunteer from
Greater Anglia is to install anew cycle hub at the northern entrance to BuryStEdmunds station in a£200,000 project funded with the help of the Department for Transport,Suffolk County Council and West Suffolk District Council. The hub will be located in the area previously used as acar wash waiting area and will offer 52 cycle spaces in afully enclosed facility coveredbylighting and CCTV,along with spacefor 16 cycles which can be accessed only via asmart card, which canbepurchased for£25 per year.The work is expected to be complete in the spring.
Avanti West Coast’sFeel Good Field Trips scheme has been marked by aspecialevent at the House of Commons, bringing together colleagues, stakeholders, pupils, teachersand Community Rail Partnerships. The initiative, which wassupported by Community Rail Lancashire, provided 215 trips on the West Coast Main Line fora totalof5250 school and college pupils aged four to 18 to 60 destinations. It wasfirst launched in April 2022 to build on AWC’sschools programme, which aspires to connect young people from arange of backgrounds to opportunities on its route.
East Midlands Railway held a recruitment campaign to attract newfleetengineering apprentices at its depots in Nottingham and Derbyinmid-January The four-year apprenticeship programme is acombination of classroom learning and hands-on experience, offering apprentices acomprehensiveintroduction to fleetmaintenance. As part of its commitment to diversityand inclusion, thetrain operator was keen to attract candidates from all backgrounds to apply forthe roles. The closing datefor applications passed at the end of January.
Hastings Diesels ranthe ‘Mick Tester Memorial’charter onJanuary 18 from Hasting to Eastleigh.The eight-coach train utilised all four of Hastings Diesels’operational Class201 Driving MotorBrake StandardOpen powercars; thetrain arrives at an overcast Etchingham, led by S60119 fromunit 1013. MrTesterwas
theowning group, who died last year. SteveLee
Railwaystafrecognised inNew Year Honourslist
THENEW Year Honourslisthas seen anumber of railway staf recognised fortheir work
Heading the listisNetwork Rail chief executiveAndrew Haines, who received aknighthood.Hewas previously one of the youngestleadersof South WestTrains andiscredited with transforming thefranchise, achieving significant improvements in punctuality of SWTservices. He joined Network Rail as chiefexecutive in 2018, with theinfrastructure company achieving itsbestever levels of safetyunder his leadership.
Sir Andrew said: “I am incredibly honoured to receivethis award.It’s notevery day aboy from acomprehensiveschool in Merthyr Tydfil, or indeed anyone from the railway, is recognised in this way, so it is
immensely humbling. It’satribute to the work of the many thousands of people in the rail sector.”
Alsorecognised is GB Railfreight chief executiveoficerJohn Smith, who has beenawarded an Order of the British Empire(OBE) forservices tothe rail freightindustry.
Mr Smith hasled GBRf sincethe freight operating company wasfirst formed in 1999, with the operator experiencing high levels of growth throughout its25-yearhistory
Additionally,heisa trusteeofthe Settle andCarlisle RailwayTrust and has been at the forefront of GBRfraising morethan £1 million forcharitable causes including Alzheimer ’s Society,Prostate Cancer UK, Headwayand GreatOrmond Street HospitalCharity
GB Railfreight Class99locomotive movestoVelim forcommissioning
GB RAILFREIGHT announced in mid-Januarythatthe first of 30 Class 99 hybridlocomotiveshas been movedbyroadfromtrain builderStadler’s Valenciafactory in Spain to the test track facility at Veliminthe CzechRepublic. There, 99001 will undergo arigorous programme of testingand commissioning prior to the locomotivebeingdelivered to the UK, withit expectedtoarriveinearlysummer
The Class99iscapable of being poweredusing diesel fuel oroverhead electrification and is seenas apossible long-term replacement design forthe Class 66, which is the mostwidely-used locomotive type in use withinthe UK rail freight industry. They arethe firstheavyhaul freight locomotivedesign capable of moving significant
volumes at main line speeds on both electrified and non-electrified sections of the rail network.
The Class 99s areexpectedto reduceemissions by up to 58% per journey in comparisonwiththe Class 66s operated by GBRf and areseen as beinganimportant development in the decarbonisation of the UK rail freightindustry.
GBRf showcased 99002 at the InnoTrans internationaltrade fair on September 25 lastyearand the freight operating company has 30ofthe bi-mode locomotives currently on order from Stadler
The fleet, financed by Beacon Rail, will bemaintained by Stadler at UKRL’s Leicesterfacility and a newshared maintenanceshed to be used by the locomotives is currently nearing completion
The
of
locomotives, 99001, leaves
in mid-January, destined forthe Velim test track facilityinthe Czech Republic. It is expectedthatthe locomotivewill arriveinthe UK in the summer. GB Railfreight
Mr Smith said: “I am hugely surprised, honouredand thrilledtoberecognised in theNew Year’s Honours. It’s something Icould neverhaveconsidered when Ibegan my career on the railway. Thisaward is arecognition of the efortsofeveryone who has worked at GB Railfreight over the last25years,to whom Iamhugely grateful.”
Network Rail’sSouthern Region projectmanager,Kathleen O’Malley, has received aBritish EmpireMedal (BEM) forher work in creatingthe Routes OutofHomelessnesscharter forthe railway,promoting support and outreach services forhomeless people in Birmingham, Manchester and London, helping morethan 300 people securetemporary or permanent accommodation.
Network Rail chief securityoficer PeterGibbonshas been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire(MBE)for hisleadershipin delivering the UK’s £10 million aid programme to Ukrainian Railways. As projectl ea der,M rG ibbons coordinatedthe deliver yofvital equipment to ensurethe continued operat ion of Ukrain e’srail network ,s p en ding ti me on the ground in Ukraine to liaise directly with Ukrainian Railways and made surethe projectwas tailored to its specific needs. He also secured funding from the Foreign Ofice’soverseas developmentaid budget andworked
closely with technical engineersto ensurethe equipment wassuitable forUkraine’s rail gauge.
NetworkRailhuman resources le ader Jane tTro wse wa sa lso recognised with an MBE forher work around menopause awareness. Recognising agap in support, Ms Trowse spearheaded the Menopause Awareness ProjectatNetwork Rail, creating aUK-wide network of allies and ambassadors, reaching 150,000 employees in the rail indus tr y. She ha sh ighlight ed awareness and changesurrounding menopause, dispelling myths and taboos, making Network Rail and the wider rail industryamore menopause-friendly workplace.
Southeastern employeeLee Woolcott-Ellis has also received aBEM for services to MentalHealth in Transport.Heestablished theRailway Mental Health Charter to support colleagues in the railway industry, working with the Rail Safetyand Standards Boardtoproduce aframework to help rail companies promote, manageand support mental wellbeing. The charter brings togetherbest practicefromacross the industryand has been signed by morethan 130 companies since2021.
Also recognised in the honours were Mayor of LondonSadiq Khan andformerWestMidlandsMayor Andy Street,who were both knighted.
Early Januarysaw snowfallacrossmuch of the country, providing opportunities forthose lineside photographerswho braved the elementstocapturethe railway and landscape in the snow. On January7,EastMidlands Railway 170418 and 170207 work 1L09, the 09.51 Liverpool Lime Street to Norwich servicethrough Edale, on the
first
GB Railfreight’s new Class 99 bi-mode
the Stadler’s factoryinValenciaonalow-loader
Hope Valley line in Derbyshire. TomMcAtee
Alstom £25m SWRClass 458 refurbishmentiscompleted
ALSTOM HAS completedthe £25 million refurbishment and modification of 28 four-coach Class458 third-rail electric multiple unitsused by South Western Railway.
The work,which has been financed by leasing company Porterbrook, took placeatthe AlstomTransport Technology Centre in Widnes, with each unit taking twoweeksto complete.Under the project, the EMU'shavehad one coach removed to form four-coach trains, with the interior of the trains refurbished and the exteriorsrepainted intoSWR’s dark blue and whitelivery. Theyhave
also received modified wheelsets to allowthem to operate at speeds of up to 100mph, whereasthe previous topspeed of the trainswas 75mph.
The finalunit to be completedby Alstom was458414, whichdeparted Widnes to be re tur ned to SWR following aspecial event to mark the completion of the projecton December 12.
Alstom’sservices managingdirectorUKand Ireland, PeterBroadley, said: “This refurbishmentdemonstratesAlstom’scommitmentto delivering smarter,moresustainable and passenger-focused mobility
solutions. The work completedat Widnes and Crewenot only enhances the passenger experienceonthe Class 458 fleetbut alsoshowcases the value of British engineering and our investment in localexpertise.
“Weare proud to have supported SouthWestern Railwayand Porterbrook in this significant programme, ensuring thatthese trains areready to pr ov ide be tt er jou rne ys fo r customersacrossLondonand the South EastofEngland.”
The Class 458 Juniper EMUswere originally built by Alstom at Washwood Heathbetween 1998 and 2002 forSWR predecessor South West Trains.The four-car trains arenow designatedasClass 458/4, while the eight remaining five-carunitsare Class 458/5s
AlstomstafatWidnes involved in the £25 million refurbishment projectfor South WesternRailway’sClass 458/4celebratethe completion of 458414, the final example of 28 trains to havepassed through the Cheshirefacility. Alstom
£2 coin released forRailway 200celebrations
THE ROYAL Mint has launched a commemorative£2coin to mark the national Railway 200 celebrations which will be taking placethis year,inspired by the openingofthe pioneering Stocktonand Darlington Railway on September 27, 1825.
It is part of the RoyalMint’sannual setoffivecoins that celebrateupcoming national milestones and anniversaries, and will be available to collect laterinthe year
Ra ilw ay 200 is ap art n e r- led programme of activities and events around the UK, supported by the rail industr y, the UK Government, TransportScotland,Transport for Wales, theNorthernIreland Executive, rail and business bodies, civic and community groups and awide ra ngeo fothe rpar tners, i ncl uding Visit Britain and the Museums Association.
Afull listofeventsand attractions taking placeunder the Railway 200 celebrations canbefoundat https:// railway200.co.uk
IN BRIEF
Network Rail has secured funding fora£50,000 trial of remotemonitoring cameras and sensorsonabridge that carries the East Coast Main Line over Harlaxton Road in Grantham, which wasinthe topfivemost struck bridges nationally last year,costing morethan £600,000 in damage and delays. The provision of cameras and sensors will speed up the time in which engineerscan check the structure after an incident,with the equipment providing real-time alerts and access to data and video footage. The cameras will provide visual indications if there is abridge strike, while sensors measurethe impact and check the structureand railway tracks.
Govia Thameslink Railway colleagues and stakeholders gathered at the Houses of Parliament in Januaryto celebrate10yearsofthe company’sGet IntoRailways scheme, developed to help young people break intothe industry and runinconjunctionwith the King’sTrust.The partnershiphas seen 200-plus candidates benefit from the scheme and thereare currently nowmorethan 40 working in various roles. GetInto Railways provides candidates with taster daysand hands-on work placements, as well as skills such as CV writingand interview masterclasses to preparethem forapplying forjobs.
Network Rail has completed work to replacethe 25-metre timber framed glazed gable walls at Stoke-on-Trent station on the West Coast Main Line. The timber frames were replaceddue to deterioration and matchthe original design due to thelisted status of the station. The work, carried out in conjunction with engineering contractor Murphy, also included the replacement of 220 panes of glass within the new frames, and wascompletedjust beforeChristmas. The Railway Heritage Trust contributed £75,000 towardsthe cost of the project.
Greater Angliaisinstalling newpassenger waiting sheltersatBrimsdown and Northumberland Park stations in a£250,000 investment.The metaland glass shelters, which aremanufactured by Macemain Amstad, will help protect passengers from the elementswhile theyare waiting fortheir trains. At Brimsdown station, shelterswill be installed on Platforms 1and 2, while at Northumberland Park,ashelter will be fitted ontoPlatform 4.
The special £2 coin thatisbeing released by the RoyalMint to commemorate Railway 200 and the opening of the Stocktonand Darlington Railway in September 1825. Network Rail
Southeastern announces Electrostarrefurbishment
Alstomisrefurbishing the Class 376 Electrostar fleetonbehalf of Southeastern and Eversholt Rail.Stabled
GrovePark between duties are376029 and 376002, withSoutheastern CityBeam707005 alongside. Theoperator
recently announced planstoinstaltoilets inside the Class 707 trains. Southeastern
SOUTHEASTERN’S FLEET of Class 376 electric multiple unitsare to be refurbished under aprojectbeing conductedinassociation with Alstom and leasing company Eversholt Rail
TheClass 376fleetismadeupof 36 five-coach EMUs–numbered 376001-376036 –and theywerebuilt by Bombardier under the Electrostar brand and originally introduced into servicein2004.
Southeastern said themidliferefurbishment of the fleet, whichwill be completedbyAlstom, will help enhancethe passenger experience of the trains and improveoperational eficiencyonits busy Metroservices.
Work on the exteriorsofthe Class 376s has already begunat Ashford MaintenanceCentreand includes the application of Southeastern’s attractivedark blue livery,aswellasthe fitting of LED lighting improvementsto the Electrostars,with an expectation thatthe first of the new-look trains will be in serviceduring the spring.
The interior refresh, which will include refurbished seatsand afull repaint,will getunder wayinthe summer at GrovePark depot and the first fully refurbished unitswill enter passenger servicebeforethe end of the year.
Southeastern engineeringdirectorMarkJohnson said: “I am thrilled thatwewill be upgrading the Class 376s withour partners at Alstom and Eversholt Rail. The midliferefresh will deliver better journeys forour customersand keep these trains in tip-top condition foryears to come.
“This builds onthe upgrades across our other fleets,and the newer trains we arebringingin, as well as the ongoing procurement of newtrains to replaceour older Networkers
“It all adds up to greatnewsfor our passengers in SouthEastLondon, EastSussexand Kent.”
Alstom’scommercialdirectorUK and Ireland, PeterBroadley, said: “We
areproud to partner with Southeastern and Eversholt Rail on this transformative upgrade. By delivering a refreshed, modernised fleetwith enhancedpassenger amenitiesand operational eficiency, we areensuring these Derby-built trains continue to provide reliable and comfortable journeys forSoutheastern’s customers.
“This projectisatestament to Alstom’s commitmenttoinnovation andexcellenceinsupporting our operatorsand improvingpassenger experiencethroughout the UK rail network.”
The Class 376 refurbishment is part of Southeastern’s wider fleetimprovement programme,which hasincluded the introduction of 30 Class707 City Beam trains ontothe operator’sMetro network,the interior refurbishment of the operator’sClass 395 Javelin trains, and the provision of an additional 13 Class377 trains.Southeastern is also currentlygoing througha procurement process to allowthe replacement of itsClass 465 and Class 466 Networker EMUs with anew or upgradedtrain fleet. Meanwhile, Southeaste rn has announced plans to install accessible toilets intoits 30-strong fleetofClass 707 CityBeamEMUs. It said the installation is part of awider commitment to makeitsimpler and easier to access public toilets throughout itsnetwork
GBRf awardedfour-year contract extension by AggregateIndustries
ALONG-ESTABLISHED partnership betweenGBRailfreight and Aggregate Industries has been further cemented with afouryear contractextension thatwill see the freight operating company continue to move aggregatematerials between Bardon Hill and the Isle of Grain.
The relationshipbetween GBRf and AggregateIndustries has been in placefor morethan adecadeand the extended deal will see thefreight operator move in excess of five million tonnes of aggregatematerials over the lifetime of the contract. GBRf said thatthe movement of these materials by rail helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the UK’s supply chains, while also helping the Government hitits 2050net-zeroobligations and itsambitions to increase goods movedbyrail freightby75% by 2050. The aggregate serviceremoves up to 100 long-distanceHGV movementsfromthe roads and reduces emissionsby76%.
GBRf chief executiveoficer John Smith said: “I am delightedthat AggregateIndustries has committedtoextending our partnership This is along-standing relationship which we hope will continuefor
many years, reducing the carbon footprintofmoving construction materials essential forbuilding homes across the country, in addition some of the UK’s biggestinfrastructureprojects.”
at
hasalso
Aggregate Industries and GB Railfreight havesigned anew four-yearcontract extension thatwillsee the freight operating company continue moving aggregate materials between Bardon Hilland the Isle of Grain. GBRf’s AggregateIndustriesliveried 66711 Sense heads aArcow Quarry to Hunslet stone train near Selside,on the Settle and Carlisleline, with Pen-y-ghent in the background, on July 5, 2021. Kevin Delaney
LNER namesA zuma Darlington in recognitionof S&DR200 andRailway 200commemorations
EASTCOAST Main Line operator LNER has unveiled another special liveryand name on oneofits Hitachi Class 801 Azuma electric multiple unit trains to mark thestart of the 2025 Railway 200 and S&DR200 Festival celebrations commemoratingthe firstpassengerjourneyonthe Stockton&Darlington Railway
The Az uma has been named Darlington with the wording ‘Driving innovation for200 years’ beneath the main name on drivingvehicle 829207, with the vehicle also incorporating the S&DR200 and Railway 200logos on the bodysides. The special vinyls arecolouredorangeina nodto the British Railways North Eastern regional colours.
Behind the main Darlington name is a collageofimages depicting the history of the S&DR, including Locomotion No. 1,the first locomotivetohaul passengers on the S&DR; the first edition of the Northern Echo,published in Darlingtonand the UK’s firstnational newspaper; Hopetown,the Darlington railway museum located on the grounds of theformerS&DRworks;animage of an LNER Azuma; and the design of the newentrancefor Darlington station.
The new-look train wasunveiled in aspecial event at Darlingtonstation on January14, with aperformance from Voices of DarlingtonChoir and Durham singer-son gw riter Sam Slatcher,who performed his composition inspiredbythe Stockton&Darlington Railway.The station,
of itsunveiling,801207
working 1G01, the10.41 from DarlingtontoYork. AlexAyre
which is managed by LNER, has also been decoratedtoremindpassengers passing through it about the special anniversarytaking placethis year
LNER managing directorDavid
Horne said: “This is an exciting year forthe rail industryaswemark the bicentenaryofthe mammoth impact from the first passenger journeyon the Stockton&Darlington Railway
“LNERisdelighted to playits own part in celebratingthishuge milestone by dedicating the liveryofone of our Azuma trains to the town of Darlington, itshistory,and itsheritage.
“Two hundredyears agothisrailwayline sparked aworldwide change, and we feel proud andprivileged
thattoday LNERconnects millions of customerstoDarlington andmore than 50 otherdestinationsacross the EastCoast Main Line and beyond.”
The naming of 801207 is the sixth such initiativecarriedout by LNER to membersofits Hitachi Azuma fleetin recent months, whichhas also seen 800106 named YouBelong,801204
Our Planet,801225 Eleanor,801226 Together,and 801228 Century
The S&DR200 Festival runs between March and November at various locations in County Durham and Tees Valley andisbeing deliveredbyDarlington Borough Council, Durham County Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; visit www.sdr200.co.uk
IN BRIEF
Principal East Coast Main Line operator LNER has renewed its partnership with Edinburgh football clubs Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian, whichwill continue throughout 2025 to support the local community.Aprogramme launched last year between LNER, Heart of Midlothian FC and its Community Coaching and Football Development department supports young playersand helps them develop both football and mental health skills,while agroup of LNER chefs and hosts visited the Edinburgh derbyatHibernian FC lastyear to showcase thetrain operator’s hospitality to fans attending the match. Further initiatives areplanned forthe partnership this year
TransPennine Express staffat Hull Paragon station haveraised £3600 by auctioning off aquantity of unclaimed lost property luggage. In the past year,the team –which also manages lost property on behalf of Northern and Hull Trains at the station –logged morethan 4000 items found on trains and stations, the most common being mobile phones, rucksacks and luggage. Of the moneygenerated from theauction, £1600 wasgiven to Hull Foodbank,£1000 to Andy’s Man Club and £1000 to Yorkshire WildlifeTrust
ScotRailstaff at Glasgow Queen Streetand Aberdeen stations haveraised morethan £3200 forthe operator’s official charity partner,Age Scotland. At GlasgowQueen Street, aseries of fundraising activities have been organised by generalmanager Margaret Hoey,culminating in araffle forthree donatedluxury hampersonDecember 12, with staff efforts raising atotal of £1880. At Aberdeen, atwo-day craft fayre held in December raised afurther £1358. The funds will support Age Scotland, which aims to combat loneliness, improvewell-being, and provide valuable resourcesfor older people in Scotland.
Open access operator Lumo has launched alow-alcohol beer created in partnership with Newcastle’siconicDonzoko Brewing Companyfor passengers travelling on its services between London King’sCross and Edinburgh Waverley. Big Nothing has an overall ABV (alcohol by volume) of 0.5% and the operator says the zesty beer caters forteetotallers, designated driversand anyone looking foranalternativetosugary soft drinks. The drink’s introduction builds on Lumo’s commitment to providing locally-sourcedonboard options as part of its catering offer
Due to ablockade fortrainsthroughCrewe BasfordHall Junction due to resignalling works(see page 7),Caledonian Sleeper services were diverted away from theirusual route, instead traversing therailwaylines through Chat Moss, Stockport and Macclesfield. OnDecember 30, 2024, GB Railfreight 92028 waitsatStoke-on-Trent in theearly hours working 1M16 towardsLondon Euston. TerryEyres
As part of London North Eastern Railway’ssupport of the S&DR200 celebrations, Hitachi Class 801 Azuma electric multiple unit 801207 wasoficially named Darlington inaceremonyatDarlington station on January14. On the morning
passes South Otterington
Northumberland Line reopened, butthere’s stillworktobedone
AS REPORTED in issue 264, theNorthumberland Line between Newcastle and Ashington opened to Northern services on December 15, 2024, bringing thepreviously freight-only line back into passenger use forthe first time in more than 60 years. However, only twoofthe six stations being built forthe 18-mile routewereready to welcome passengers from the reintroduction date.
The £298.5 million Northumberland Line projecthas been spearheaded by Northumberland County Council and delivered in conjunction with the Department forTransport, Network Rail and Northern.
Forthe opening, which took efect from the December timetable change, services were only able to call at the newstations builtatSeaton Delaval and Ashington, as construction work on the other four newstations is not yetcomplete. While it is plannedthat thestation at Newsham– whichisat an advanced stageofits construction –will open at some point in early 2025, the remaining three at Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park will notbebrought into use untilmuchlater in theyear. Existing stations at Manorsand Newcastle will also be servedbyNorthumberland Line services.
Northern will operate twodaytime services per hour Monday to Saturday,with one train an hourinthe evenings and throughoutthe day on Sundays.The overall journeytime along the whole routeiscurrently about 35 minutes.
Traction will usually be provided by Class 158 dieselmultiple units,with platforms on the reopened route able to accommodate trains of up
to four-coachesinlength,although it is initially expectedthattrainswill be formed of single two-carDMUs.
End- to -e nd adult pe ak-t ime single faresbetween Newcastle and Ashingtonare priced £3,withreturn ticketscosting £6, while off-peak faresfor thesame journeyare £2.60 single and £5.20return. Partnership agreementsbetween Northern, NexusTyne& Wear Metroand Northumberland County Council
mean thatintegratedfares arein placefor passengersmaking multimodal journeys.
Acelebratory event prior to the resumption of public services took placeonDecember 10, with Transport SecretaryHeidi Alexander and North EastMayor Kim McGuinness travelling on the rejuvenatedrouteaspart of aspecially-invitedgroup,before taking atour of the newly-completed station at Ashington
Underthe project, NetworkRailengineershaveupgraded the freight-only line forpassenger use and amodern signalling systemhas also been installed along the route. Test runs and staff familiarisationhas been taking place sinceAugustlastyear, with Northern providing training on the routefor 53 driversand 75 conductors.Adepotfor conductorstafhas also been provided at Ashington, withsome local residents recruited to work on the reopened line.
Localschoolchildren from Bishop's PrimarySchool,invited dignitaries and guests joined TransportSecretaryHeidi Alexander and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness at Ashington station to mark the completion of theNorthumberland Line on December 10,2024, fivedaysahead of the resumption of regular timetabled passenger services over the18-mileroute between Newcastle and Ashington. Northern
158872 stands at the new stationatAshington, ready to departwith the 10.30 train to Newcastle on December 23, 2024. Thestation hasbeen built on aslightlydiferent formation to the original, with thefreight lines andsurviving platformremainsvisible on theright.Bothnewly-openedstations on theline at Ashington and Seaton Delaval feature large, free park-and-ride carparkingfacilities forrail users Andy Coward
Northern’s 158868 approaches SeatonDelaval station with the 11.30 Ashington to Newcastle Northumberland Line serviceonDecember 23, 2024. Services on the new routeoperate to ahalf-hourlyfrequencyduring the day Monday to Saturday,with an hourlyserviceinthe evenings and on Sundays. Andy Coward
Tyne &WearMetro StadlerClass 555s enterser vice
APROMISE made by Tyne &Wear MetrooperatorNexus that one of itsnew Stadler-built Class 555 b i-modes wo uld enter ser vice in 2024 waskeptwhen 555021 became the first of the46-strong five -coach trainfleet to work a Metropassenger ser viceonthe morning of December 18.
Thehistoricfirst workingsaw the newtrain work the 11.04 service betweenPelaw andMonkseaton, operating via Newcastle city centre, heralding the start of anew erafor the Metrosystemand itspassengers,with thenew trains dueto re pl a ce the ope rato r’se lderly fleetoforiginal Metropolitan-Cammell-built Metrocars, which have been in ser vicesincethe Tyne & Wear Metrosystemfirst opened in 1980 and arenow considered life-expired.
St adler is re sponsible fo r t he co ns tr uc ti on an do ng oing maint enanc eo ft he ne w trains, with 13 Class 555s delivered to Metro’sGosforth depot by theend of December (555001007/013/015/020/021/027/028).A further 25 areexpectedtoarrivein theNorth East during 2025 andthe remainderfollowing in 2026. It wasoriginally planned that the first of the trainswould enter servicebeforethe end of 2023, but the amount of testing andcommissioning required –involving some 90,000 individual checks, 22,000 standards and clauses to comply with, and 480 staf to train– saw their planned introduction delayed. Additionally, the 195 Metrodrivers employedbyNexus arecurrently in the process of ca rr ying out
conversion training to allowthem to operate theClass555s.
It is planned thatthe trains will be introduced ontoMetro servicesina phased manner,initially with them only running on weekdays.
As moreofthe new trains areintroduced, theoperatorwillthenbeable to accelerate the withdrawal of its original Metrocarfleet, which has struggled with reliability and poor availability in recent months.
The intr od uc tion o ft he ne w train fleetis part of a£362 million projectand representsthe biggest single undertaking in the Metro’s history.Although the trains will usually beoperatedasaconventional electric multiple unitusing overhead electrification, they are
Appearing north of York forthe first time in morethan fiveyears,LNER InterCity 225 setNL17, led by 91127 Neville Hill, worked atesttrain to Newcastle on December 17, 2024, with theClass91 in charge of 5G90, the 09.25 Neville Hill DepottoNewcastle. Thetests were in connection with the fitting of ahigh-tech PANDAS-V system, which monitorsand identifies defects on pantographsand overheadelectrification equipment. AlexAyre
IN BRIEF
ASoutheastern station supervisor at Margate, DougieCalder,has celebrated his 55th anniversary of working on the railway.Mr Calder,fromBroadstairs,was 16 when he joined British Rail in 1969 and has nowspent morethan five decades working in arange of roles. He still cycles to and from work forhis shiftsand regularly works 12-hour early,lateand night shifts. A ceremonytocommemoratehis long servicetook placeonDecember 6, attended by anumber of former and currentcolleagues, andsaw the avid coin collector presented with acoin that wasengraved with the datehe first joined therailway.
fittedwith traction batteries which will powerthe trains foraperiod of about 45 minutes, allowing the trains to be movedunder their own powerinthe eventoflossofoverhead powertoaplaceofsafetyor to be returned to Gosforth depot.
From apassenger perspective, the Class 555s featurelinear seating along the length of the five-coach trains, charging pointsand climate control. Theyalso include modern accessibility standards,such as sliding step technology at each door to reducethe spacebetween the trains and platforms, additional spaces for wheelchair users, pushchair users and cyclists,colour lighting at doorways, and advanced audioand digital systems. Each train is equipped with 44 digital CCTV cameras and an intercomsystemthatallows passengersto speak directly to thedriverifrequired.
North EastMayor Kim McGuinness said: “This is an historic day forMetro and amoment Iknowwill come as a relief to passengers, as well as being something to celebrate.
“I pressed Nexusand Stadlerto getthe first newMetro train out therefor passengersasquickly as possible. Iknowhow much hard work has gone into making that happen from many people involved in testingand solving thetechnicalchallenges. Ilook forwardto seeing these newtrains becoming acommon sight next year as they arephased intouse.
“Weare nowwitnessing the first steps towardsmakingMetro,once again,aworld-class systemthe whole regioncan be proud of.Iput a convenient,comfortable, and above all reliable Metroatthe heartofmy vision forthe futureofpublic transport in North EastEngland,sothat when we bring buses back under control, we cancreatethe good value integratednetwork people arecrying out for.”
LNER’sCustomer and Community Investment Fund has financed the purchase of anew vanfor FareShareYorkshire,acharity which redistributes surplus food to food banks and community groups. Everyweek the charityreceives and redistributes enough food to feed up to 42,000 people in the region. The vanwill be used by FareShare Yorkshire’sdistribution centre in Leeds, adding an extra eight deliveries per day and enabling the charity to provide food to about 40 moreorganisations, including school breakfast clubs, older people’s lunch clubs, homeless sheltersand community cafesinthe West Yorkshirearea.
ScotRail and Network Rail raised almost £155,000 forthe 2024 Scottish PoppyAppeal, organised by Poppyscotland, an increase of 17% on thepreviousrecordthat was setin2023. Fundraising included donations from ScotRailpassengers, free travel forPoppyscotland staff while on dutyonthe ScotRail network,and also providing the charitywithaccess to retail spacein stations. Collection tins were placed at ticket offices acrossthe network, while collectorswerealso hosted at GlasgowCentral, GlasgowQueen Street, Edinburgh Waverleyand Haymarket stations in the run-up to ArmisticeDay 2024.
Artwork celebrating 175 years of rail services from Reddish South station wasunveiled by Stockport MP,Navendu Mishra, in December The work wasdesigned by Susanna Vosper,withadditional artwork by Sophia Taylor,a GCSE student at Reddish Vale High School. The station wasbuilt by the London and North Western Railway and originally opened in 1849, located between Stockport and Guide Bridge. The station is nowsupported by the ‘Friends of Reddish SouthStation’ communitygroup,bringing together local residentstolookafter and maintain the station facilities.
On December 18, 2024, Stadler 555021 stands at Pelaw station, ready to work the inaugural servicetobeworked by the second-generation Metrotrain fleet, the 11.04 Pelaw to Monkseaton servicevia Newcastle city centre. Nexus
ScotRail begins procurementprocess forareplacement Intercitytrain fleet
THE SCOTTISH Governmenthas confirmed thatithas instructed ScotRail to procureareplacement fleetoftrainsfor theInter7City services currentlyoperated on routes between Glasgow,Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness using 25 shortformed High Speed Train sets
The government’sintentiontodo so wasannouncedlastsummer, but fewdetailswerereleased at the time (Railways Illustrated issue 261). However, in aresponsetoa written question about the plan submittedbyAberdeen Central Scottish National Party MSP Kevin Stewart, Scottish Government CabinetSecretary forTransport Fiona Hyslop MSP confirmed on December 17 thata contractnoticehad been published on Public Contracts Scotland, with a more detailed delivery timeline expectedtobemade available at the point the contractisawarded.
The replacement fleetaims to provide ahigh-quality,reliable, comfortable, accessible andfamily-friendly experiencefor passengers travelling on ScotRail’s Intercity routes, with the Scottish Government stating thatthis will help to encouragemorepeopletochoose travel by train, rather than car.
Th er es po ns ee xpl ain e dt ha t ScotRail will run the procurement process forthe newfleetina fair and transparent manner,enabling Scottish supplierstoprovide their services to potential bidders.The HSTs will remain in service until the replacementfleet is ready, at which point theywill be withdrawn.
Ms Hyslop said: “Resilient,reliable ScotRail services arekey to encouraging morepeople to choose to travel by train forwork,leisureand learning.
“Morethan four million passengers travelled on Intercity trains between our keycities in the lastyear–wewant to encourageevenmorepeopletodo so.This procurement will enable us to replacethe current Intercity fleetwith trains which provide improvedfacilities and accessibility
“Any replacement fleetisexpected to be moreenergy eficient and therefore will significantly reduceemissions, reduceoperating costsand be morein line with current passenger expectations, including foraccessibility.The procurementprocess ensures Scottish supplierswill be able to ofer to provide their services to potential bidders.
“This latest milestone in our rolling programme of decarbonisation will ensurethe reliability of our Intercity routes forthe long term, making Scotland’srailwayamoreattractiveand greener travel choice."
The procurement document states thatthe replacement trains will come
ScotRail has formally begun the procurement process forareplacement train fleetfor the current Inter7City High Speed Train fleet, some of which were originally introduced intoservicebyBritish Rail from 1976. On August 3, 2022, ScotRail Inter7City powercar 43183 heads towardsBlackfordonAugust3,2022, working an EdinburghtoInverness service, with 43144 on the rear of the formation. Kevin Delaney
from an existing train fleetofasingle type, with proven operationalservice inthe UK,ofering reducedemissions on the current HSTfleet.
Capable of operating at speeds of up to 100mph,atleast 19 trains will berequiredinservice each dayand the replacement fleetshouldideally be in full servicefromthe December 2026 timetablechange. Thetrainsare expected to remain on ScotRail Inter7City services until2040.
The Inter7City fleetisownedby Angel Trains and leasedtoScotRail. The powercarsand Mk.3 HSTtrailer coaches were previously used on Great Western Railway services and displaced by the introduction of the IntercityExpress Trains on the GWRnetwork,with the powercars and coaches refurbished at Wabtec in Doncasterfor their introduction intoserviceinScotland, with arange of modifications carriedout on the
trains, including sliding doorsand toiletretention tanks.
Theoverall ScotRail fleetconsisted of 52 powercarsand 121 Mk.3 HST coaches which were to be formed into amixture of 26 short-formed four and five-coachsets. However, one of the trains wasextensively damaged in the Carmont rail accident in August 2020, leading to the withdrawal of power cars 43030 and 43140 and four-coach HSTtrailer setHA22.
OnDecember14, 2024, NetworkRail’s97304 Rheilfordd Talylynn Railway leadsHarry Needle Railroad
JamesPoole
Company’son-hire 37405 on theapproach to Sutton Bridge at MeoleBrace,working aColas Rail FreightAberystwyth to Chirklog train, which thepairwould work as farasColeham,where 56051 took over to haul thetrain forwardtoChirk.
LNER opensdedicated family lounge at York
EASTCOAST Main Line principal operator LNER opened itsseconddedicated family loungeatYork station on December 16, following the success of asimilar facility at London King’sCross station which opened lastyear.
Locatedonthe main concourseat York,the loungeisawelcoming space forfamilies whoare travelling withany train operatorthatservesthe station, notjustfor LNER passengers.
It features achildren’s play area based on York’s historic walls,has beach huts with tabletopgames,wall games, sof flooring and crawl spaces, andmurals thatfocus on York’s landmarksand the city through the ages. Thereisalso spacefor parentsand carers to relax, featuring sofas, wooden benches and cofeetables, as well as acomfortable area forbreastfeeding.
The Railway HeritageTrustsupported theproject through a£20,000 grant towardsthe repair and installation of heritage-style skirting and architraves, andthe restorationofahistoricmirror, along with the overhaul of original timber sash windows in the lounge.
LNER managing directorDavid
Horne said: “LNER is leading the way when itcomestomaking rail travel moreattractiveand inclusivefor families. It is greattosee us building on the foundationsthatwelaidafer
the opening of our firstfamily lounge at London King’sCross station. “Millions of customersstart or end their journeyatYorkeach year,and we can’twait forour family travellersto experienceand enjoythisnew space.”
Euston stationimprovementplan continuestomakegoodprogress
NETWORK RAIL held asecond rail industrysummit on December 18 to givepassenger user groups and the Government an update on progress on thefive-point plan putinplace in October to deliver keyimprovementstothe passengerexperience at Eustonstation in London.
The event saw Rail MinisterLord Hendy and representatives from the Department forTransport,Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, Transport forLondon, theOficeof Rail and Road, London TravelWatch and Transport Focus join Network Rail staffor atour of thestation.Senior Network Rail staf also held around table discussion on the improvementsmade to the station, as well as
the long-term aspirations to regenerate the Eustonsiteinthe future.
The plan wasdeveloped in response to passengerfeedback and aims to createa smoother,betterexperience while passing through one of London’s busiesttransport hubs, following a number of concerns about safetyand overcrowding in the station’s concourse, particularly during times of disruption.
One of the mostnoticeable developmentshas been thelaunch of a trial from December 11, where the hugeadvertising boardinthe station concourse has been switched back on,but nowdisplayinglivetravel information and train departures.
The controversial advertising board had replaced the previous train
IN BRIEF
Northern has installed dedicated chewing gum bins at 13 railway stations in the North West.The specialist bins –which arethemselves made from recycled chewing gum –have been manufactured by Gumdrop Ltd, aUK-based companythat has developed aunique recycling solution forthis type of waste.
Chewing gum that is deposited intothe bins will be transformed intoproducts such as coffee cups, stationery, and soles fortrainers. The dedicated bins havebeen installed at Barrow-in-Furness, Bolton, Buxton, Deansgate, Lea Green, Manchester Victoria, Newton-le-Willows, Salford Central, SalfordCrescent,Ulverston, Warrington Central, Whitehaven and Wigan Wallgatestations.
departurescreens, with smaller replacement digital screens located within the concourse and outsidethe station entrance, but the prominent,large advertising boardwas switched of by Network Rail following concerns raised by previous Transport SecretaryLouise Haigh (Railways Illustrated issue 262) Areviewofconcourse signagehas been completed, with simplified and clearer signs nowondisplay which aimstomakenavigating the station easier.Additionally,the trial of earlier boarding of trains operated by AWCand LNR has helped to reduce congestion in the concourse.
Workiscontinuing to create more spacetoassistwith passenger flow around the station, withefortsmade to free up known pinch pointsonthe concourse, including the removalofa vacant retail space. Staf representing the train operating companies servingEustonare nowlocated in one clearly visible area of the concourse as afocal point forhelp,information and assistance.
Rail MinisterLordHendy said: “For toolong Eustonhasn’t been good enough forpassengers,and it’sreassuring to see thatNetwork Rail is putting this right by making significant strides on our five-pointplan forimprovement
“A morepassenger-focused railwayisone of the Government’stop priorities, and we will continue to work with Network Rail to improve the station so customerscan look forwardtotravellingbyrail.”
East Midlands Railway has reported asignificant increase in the popularity of itsadvance purchase tickets. EMR said that journeys made over the past two yearsusing an advancepurchase ticket haveincreased by 34.1%, from 4,407,696 to 5,909,548. The tickets, which offersavings of up to 60% when booked in advance, areavailableonmost routes servedbythe trainoperator. They areaimed at passengerswho can travel on aspecific service, while EMR canmanage the demand forits servicebypromoting discounted faresfor travel during quietertimes, alleviating pressure on its busier services
ScotRail has expanded its Travel SafeTeam with the establishment of anew nine-strong cohort based at Haymarket station in Edinburgh, joining the previously-established team at Paisley, which consists of 27 members. The teams travel across Scotland and work closely with British Transport Policeto support passengersand railway staff on trains and stations. ScotRail has also invested £1.6 million to triplethe number of body-worn cameras worn by staff to tackle anti-social behaviour and nowdouble staff on late-night trains in known problem areas.
The Thameslink station at Brent Cross West saw 575,000 journeys made to and from the station in the first year sinceitopened on December 10, 2023. BarnetCouncil led the development of the station to provide amoresustainable travel option forresidents and businesses located close to the newstation and is part of the wider Brent Cross Town project,a180-acre development which will see 6700 newhomes, an extensiveoffice development,a newhigh street with retail units, and parks created.
The interior of the new familyloungeatYork station, which provides awelcoming waiting spacefor families. The facility is the second to be developed by LNER, the first having opened at London King’sCross lastyear. LNER
NetworkRailconsultsonManchester Oxford Road stationremodelling plans
NETWORK RAIL has launched a consultation intoplans to remodel itsstation at ManchesterOxford Road, designed to allowthe station to acco mmodate lo nger trains, while proposed track and signalling alterations will help reducecongestion by removing conflicting train movements.
The Mancheste rOxf or dR oa d St at ion Re model ling Sc heme proposal includes reconfiguring the platform layout to leaveatotal of three platforms, but withthe two through-platforms lengthened to accommodate eight-coach trains, while anew turn-back platform will be suitable foruse by six-coach trains, with each platform increased in capacity by twocoach lengths from their current configuration.
This would allowfor increased capacity through the station, while the track and signalling improvements would increase flexibility oftrain movementsand allowanincrease in services from 12 to 14 trains per hour.Itisalso planned thattherewill be improvementstooverhead electrification under the scheme.
However, Network Rail said thatthe construction work will result in the closureofthe station forjustovertwo years, although this timescale is subject
IN BRIEF
TransPennineExpress has donated £5000 from itsCustomer andCommunity Improvement Fund foragroup of volunteersto grow biodiversity and expand floral displays at Malton station in North Yorkshireand around the town. The volunteer team haveinstalled plantersfull of flowers at the station and plan to createmoregreen spaces to encourage wildlifeand pollinatorsinthe area. The money awarded by TPE willbeused to support Malton in Bloom’s projects in the town, as well as at the station.
East Midlands Railway has launched newAccessibility Maps, designed to provide passengers with easy-to-access information about station facilities on its network.Created by EMR’s Accessibility Panel of rail users, the maps outline accessibility features at stations, including step-free access points, accessible toilets, parking facilities and assistance services. Maps arecurrently available forNottingham station, the Robin Hood Line between Nottingham and Worksop,and the wider EMR network,with further maps planned during the year
to changeandthe work will notprevent trains fromrunning through Oxford Road. The infrastructurecompany said it is working with Transport forGreater Manchester, ManchesterCityCouncil and station teams to identify the best ways to manage increased passenger flowsatneighbouringstations during the closureperiod.
The remodelling scheme features accessibility improvements includinga newfootbridgewithincreased spacefor passengers andnew lifts providing step-free access to all platforms. Widerplatforms and improvementstoexistinglifsare also planned. The design of the footbridge, staircase andcanopies takesintoconsiderationthe Grade II-listedstatus of the station building and platform canopies, as well as neighbouring buildings on Whitworth Street and Oxford Road.
The first round of the publicconsultation, focusing on theprinciplesof the scheme and the preferred design currently being developed, runs until
February28. Adrop-in event is due to take placeatthe Friend’sMeeting House in Mount Street,Manchester, on February17between 2pm and 7pm foranyone interestedinviewing and discussing theplan, whilea virtual consultation and feedback form can be found online at https://manchesteroxfordroad.consultation.ai Network Rail senior projectlead Pete Winterssaid: “The Manchester Oxford Road Remodelling Scheme consultation is an opportunity for thepublictohearabout our exciting plans forthe station, which include platform, trackand signalling upgrades, alongside improvementstostation accessibility
“Wewant to bringall station users and the local community with us on thejourneyofimproving this important station. Iurgethem to letusknow their thoughtssothattheycan betaken intoaccount as the designs progress.”
The Leader of ManchesterCity Council,CounBev Craig, said:“We
hav es aid fo ral ong time that Oxford Road Stationneeds arange of improvementsfromeasing the congestion, increasing capacity, improving reliabilityand ensuring thatthe stationisaccessiblefor all commuters.
“This consultation will be apositivestepinachieving those goalsand ensuring thatthe needs of thetens of thousands of peoplewho travel through Oxford Road on adaily basis arebeing met.
“Any future developmentwill be a long-term projectbut infrastructure upgrades likethese areessential if we aretocontinue growing Manchester as theleading city of thenorth.”
Asecond consultation round is due to take placebeforethe end of 2025, which will focusonenvironmentaland construction information. Oncebothconsultationshavebeen considered, Network Rail will submit the applications needed to build the scheme in 2026.
With lowcloud clinging and swirling acrossMallerstang Edge,56049 Robin of Templecombe rolls through Kirkby Stephen with 6Z32, 11.24 PrestonDocks to Eastriggs MOD sidings, on January20. With the cessation of bitumen trafic between Haverton Hill and PrestonDocks, these tank wagons were being movedtostore at Eastriggs, with afurther movement of theremainingwagonsset to take placeatthe end of February. ChrisGee
One of the four train operating companies to serve ManchesterOxfordRoadisTransPennine Express. On January15, 185145 calls at the station working aservicefor ManchesterAirport.Network Rail is in theprocess of consulting on the remodelling of Manchester Oxford Road, which couldsee the station closed forjustovertwo years. Phil Wallis
Traction News
HNRCsoldtoSwietelsk yAG
Austrian rail infrastructureconstruction co mp any Swie te lsky AG confirmedithad acquired 100% of the shares of HarryNeedle Railroad Company on January15for whatwas described as an ‘eight-figuresum’.
HNRC is along-established provider of maintenance, repair and rental services forlocomotives and rail vehicles in the UK, operating out of astateof-the-art 14 hectare facility in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, with asecond dedicatedmaintenancefacility at Barrow Hill, Derbyshire. The company employs morethan 30 people and Swietelsky said thatinthe 2023/24 financial year, HNRC generated an operating performanceofabout nine million euros.
LastJune it wasannounced thatup to 26 locomotives belonging to HNRC could be used by Swietelsky afer an agreementwas signed forthe provision of main line locomotives and access to heavy maintenancefacilities at HNRC'sWorksopdepot(Railways Illustrated issue 259).
With the acquisition of HNRC, Swietelsky is expandingits UK portfolio to includekey areassuchaslocomotive
repairs,fleetmanagement and rail vehicle storage.
Chiefexecutive oficer PeterKrammer said: “This strategic step notonly enables us to expand ourmarket position in the areaofoperateand maintain contractsfor NetworkRail, but it is also to significantly increase our capacities formachine overhauls andfutureinnovations such as the conversion of rail vehicles to European train control systems.
“The synergies between ourexisting business areasand HNRC’sexpertise provideanexcellent basis for sustainablegrowthand thedevelopment of newbusiness areas.”
While no longerthe owner of the business, founder Harry Needle is continuing to work forthe company as an assetmanager.The business is now to be known as HNRC Swietelsky,and the newowner’s brandingwas starting to be applied to locomotives now controlled by them from mid-January HNRC has an umber of main line-registeredlocomotives in itsfleet forhireonservices both on Network Rail and industrial settings, with
Shortly afer it wasconfirmed thatHarryNeedle RailroadCompany had been purchased by Swietelsky AG,37607 leads afailed 37057 BarbaraArbon and its Network Rail ultrasonic test train out of York HolgateSidings, prior to returning the train to DerbyonJanuary15. This wasthe first working of 37607 afer theapplication of Swietelsky branding to the side of the locomotive. AlexStojanovic
other locomotives currently undergoing overhauls or in storageawaiting reactivation, includingalarge number of Class 08s, 20s and37s.
It is understood thath eritage locomotives belonging to Mr Needle arenot included in the sale of the wider business
Another GBRf Class69completed by Progress Rail
Another Class69has been completed, withthe emergenceof69014 from Progress Rail at Longport following the conversion of another donor Class 56 forGBRailfreight.The locomotiveundertook itsfirst main line test run on December 13 from Longport to Bescot and back,with 66307 Ipswich Town provided forinsurance. Asecond main line test took place on December 31, with the newly completedClass 69 working again from Longport to Bescot,with66724 Drax PowerStation accompanying it on this occasion. As withall the Class
69s to be completedsofar,itemerged painted in light green undercoat 69014 became the 14th locomotiveto be converted, using the bodyshell and running gearofaClass 56, with 56104 having been the donor locomotive.The Class69s arefittedwithanElectro-MotiveDiesel EMD 710 engine and modern electronic control systems, along with ahostof other modifications.
An um be ro fC la ss 69 sc ar ry special historic railway liveries, with 69002/004/005/007/009/012 all currently carr ying special British Rail-inspired liverystyles,while
Newly-completed69014 emergedfromProgress Rail at Longportfor main line test runs, ahead of itshandovertoGB Railfreight,onDecember 13 and December 31. On the lastday of 2024, 69014 heads through Staford hauling 66724running from Bescotback to Longport Spencer Conquest
69001/003/006/008/010/011are painted in GBRf’sClass 69 version of itscorporate orangeand dark blue colour scheme, although 69001 also carriesBritishand American flagson itsbodysides. It is understood that GBRf is planning further specialliveries on at leastsome of the remaining Class 69s when theyemerge from painting following completion 69013 entered traffic with GBRf lastautumn but is also currentlystill
painted in undercoat,having been used to support the autumn railhead treatment train programme, and it is expectedthatboth69013 and 69014 will maketheir waytoArlington Fleet Services at Eastleigh forcosmetic attention in the near future. Thereare twomoreClass 69 conversions remaining to be completedby Progress Rail;itisexpectedthatthe final completed locomotive, 69016, will emerge from Longport laterthis year
SurvivingClass 37/4sstill provingtheir worth
The entryintoserviceofSheaf Engineering Services’newly-overhauled 37402 Oor Wullie in December is the tenth of the popular andversatile Class 37/4 sub-fleettoreturn to the main line. Bought from DirectRailServicesat the end of 2023, 37402 has undergone acomprehensive mechanical overhaul and bodyworkcorrosion repairs, along with arefreshofits Large Logo blue paintwork,beforeitreturned
to actionduringDecember,being hired to Colas Rail Freight foruse on Network Rail test train workings. Thereare 13 Class 37/4s remaining out of the original 31 modified by British Rail in the mid-1980s and equipped with electrictrain heat capability.The main operatorofthe sub-fleetinrecent yearshas been DirectRail Services, but the company sold itsfinal Class 37s lastyear.
Reunited with aset of Oor Wullie nameplateswhich were previously carried by the locomotiveduring itsBRoperatingdays,Large Logo blue 37402 passes through Tamworth station on the
January9. Mark Pike
Class50s continue on GWRNight Rivierasleeper stockmovements
The hireofthe Class 50 Alliance’s main line-registered50007 Hercules has continued, with the Large Logo Class 50 employedonregular movementsofGreat Western RailwayMk.3NightRivierasleeper coaches between ReadingDepot and ArrivaTraincareatEastleigh, wherethe coaches arehaving their GWRpaintwork refreshed followinga programme of C6 overhauls on the stock
The moveshavebeen happening on aregular basis, with the
preservedClass 50 usually taking a Mk 3coach from Readingfor repainting, beforereturning laterinthe day hauling afreshly repainted vehicle.
As this issueof Railways Illustrated wasbeing prepared, 50007's hirecametoanend and it wasdue to returntoits base at Kidderminster on the Severn ValleyRailway, with Hanson &Hall Rail Services Solutions classmate 50008 Thunderer taking over the workings following aperiod on hire to the WeardaleRailway for use on itsPolar Express services.
Of the survivors, five–37405/419/ 422/424/425 –w erep urchased from DRSbyHarryNeedle Railroad Company and 37405/425 havebeen returned to main lineservicesofar, hiredtoColas Rail Freight foruse on Network Rail test train workings. 37419/422/424 arecurrently located at Barrow Hill and it is understood they havebeen undergoing attention prior to re-entering service, with 37422 receiving an E-exambythe company Whatefect the changeinownership of HNRC followingits purchase by Swietelsky AG (seeseparatestory)has on the company’slocomotive fleet requirementsremains to be seen. Additionally,LocomotiveServices
Group has twomembersofthe sub-fleet, with 37401 MaryQueen of Scots and 37409 Loch Awe nowin servicewith the Crewe-based charter
operator.Both37401/409 havebeen repainted intoLSG’sScotRailliveryto matchthe coloursapplied to theoperatorsMk.2/3 push-pull rake of coaches and 47712.
Another operator with twoClass 37/4s is Europhoenix,which owns LargeLogo 37407 Blackpool Tower and 37423 LoramUKhas use of 37418 An Comunn Gaidhealach,which is owned by SteveBeniston, while Colas Rail Freight also has 37421 in itsClass 37 fleet, with both locomotives previously operating within the preservation sector beforereactivation to main line use. Finally,37403 Isle of Mull is owned by the ScottishRailway Preservation Societyand basedonthe Bo’ness &Kinneil Railway but it is also main line-registeredand is used on SRPScharter services, as well as hauling services on the Scottish heritagerailway.
Surviving Class 37/4 status: January2025
No.Name Owner LiveryStatus 37401 MaryQueen of Scots LSGSCR Operational 37402 Oor Wullie SESL LLB Operational 37403 Isle of Mull SRPSLLB Operational 37405 HNRC HNRC Operational 37407 Blackpool Tower EPXLLB Operational 37409 Loch Awe LSGSCR Operational 37418 An Comunn Gaidhealach PrivateLoram Operational 37419 HNRC ICE Repairs 37421 Colas Colas Operational 37422 HNRC UDRSRepairs 37423 EPXUDRSOperational 37424 HNRC LLB Repairs 37425 Sir Robert McAlpine/ConcreteBob HNRC RR Operational
Owner Key: Colas –Colas Rail Freight;EPX –Europhoenix;HNRC –HNRCSwietelsky; LSG–LocomotiveServices Group; SESL –Sheaf Engineering Services Ltd; SRPS–Scottish Railway Preservation Society
LiveryKey: Colas –Colas Rail Freight yellow, orangeand black;HNRC–HNRC Swietelsky orange; ICE –InterCity Executive; LLB –Large Logo blue; Loram–Loram UK redand white; RR –Regional Railways; SCR –ScotRail; UDRS–Unbranded Direct Rail Services blue.
rear of 1Z44, the 06.22 Cardif Canton Sidings to Derbyon
The Class 50 Alliance’s main line-registered50007 Hercules heads through Didcot station in foggyconditions on January11, haulingGreat Western Railway Mk.3 Sleeper coach 10616 from ReadingtoEastleighfor repainting at the ArrivaTraincarefacility. SpencerConquest
Nowactiveonceagain following reactivation work by new ownerFreightliner, 90040 leads classmate 90041 Pete Waterman OBE and 66568 throughIpswich working 4M63, the 09.12 Felixstowe North to TrafordPark on December 30, 2024. The former DB CargoClass 90 stillcarries the liveryofits former owner, but with Freightliner branding applied prominently.90018 wasalso purchasedby Freightliner from DB Cargo last year and this locomotiveiscurrently undergoing return to servicework at CreweBasfordHall Keith Partlow
Unit News
Electrostarcascade hits early snags
Despitemonthsofpreparation,none of the former StanstedExpress Class 379 EMUsweredeemed fit enough to enter traffic on GreatNorthern services from the December timetable change. Their condition has been found to be worsethan expectedafer almostthree yearsout of passenger use and further remedial work is required. Driver training is continuing though, and on January10379023 and379029 ranfromHornsey to King’s Lynn, wheretheywill be out-basedfor severalweeks while staf carryout the necessaryconversioncourse
Despitethe lack of Class 379s, the release of Class 387s to Southern has commenced, with 25 of the class nowexpectedtomovesouth of the Thames by the end of this year.This wasoriginally planned to be 387114129, former GWRsets387172-174 and the ex-c2c units387301-306,leaving 387101-113 with Great Northern, which wouldthenbefittedwith ETCS in-cabsignalling. However, while 387172-174 hadall transferred to Southern beforeChristmas,problems reconfiguring their sofwarehas seen their reallocation aborted and theyhavereturnedtoHornsey, at least until the problemscan be overcome. At least387172had received Southern logos on itsGWR greenbodysides beforethe transfer wasreversedand it has sincebeen notedwith Great Northern branding applied instead, as has 387173
Also movedsouth beforeChristmaswere387128 and387129, these arriving at Selhurst from Hornseyon
December 12.Their redeployment went as planned and theydebuted with Southern four days later, working 1J92, the 07.02 Bognor Regis to London Bridge. Theywerejoinedby 387123 and 387126 on December 21 andbothof these were in use by January2.
Completing the cascade arethe 13 Southern Class 377s thatwilljoin the Southeastern fleet by December.These have beenidentified as Class 377/1 sets 377121-133, all of which havethe unpopular three plus twopartial seating layout.377122 arrived at Ramsgate on November 30 and had been joined by 377121 by December 9, with both in trafic on Victoria to Ramsgate/Dover services on December 31.
South Western completes Juniper reformations
The programme to reconfigureand repaint 28 of the Class458 Juniper fleet forcontinued usewithSouth Western Railway has been completed. Thelasttwo sets were released from Alstom’sWidnes TechnologyCentre justbeforethe festiveperiod, with 458414 hauledsouth to Wembleyby 57310onDecember 16and onwards to Bournemouth thenextday.However, apoints failureatBranksome meant the train could notaccessBournemouth depot, so it wasreturned to Eastleigh to stable overnight before asecond successful attempt, this time worked by 57303, on December 18.
Less drama wasencountered forthe return of 458419 on December 23/24, 57303again beinginchargewithan overnightstopinWembleyYard. By earlyJanuary, 22 of the reformed four-car fleethad seen passenger use,
the latest to appear being 458405 on December16and 458403 on January8
This lef 458402/404/407/414/417/419 as the six sets still to carrypassengers in theirnew form.
Of theeight sets notincludedinthe programme, 458531 washauled away from Wimbledon between 37901 and 37510 on December 10, joining 458534 in storeatLong Marston. Also nowout of trafic and awaiting the same trip is 458532, which leaves 458529/530/533/535/536 in trafic These areexpectedtoremain in use until major exams become due or suficient Class 701s areavailable.
LNR ‘Desiros’stored
With all48ofthe three-carClass 730/0 Aventrasnow in trafic,London Northwestern hasremovedfurther Class 350/2 Desiros from traffic. By the end of 2024, sevenofthe Porterbrook-owned sets were of-lease and gathered together in WembleyYard.
First to join the already resident 350244 was350231, running south from NorthamptontoWillesden RailnetonDecember 18, beforemoving into WembleyYardfourdayslater. Theywerejoined by 350236 and 350245 from Camden carriagesidings on December 27, with 350240 and 350253 running south from Rugby the next day,this includinga stop at Northamptontocollect350251.
Of the fivesetscaught in floodwateratNorthamptonstation in late November,arepaired350242 was recorded back in trafic at thebeginning of Januarybut the other four units, 350113/233/254/377, remain out of traficateither King’sHeath depotorinNorthamptonUpSidings. As aresult, 350238 wasreleased from Wolverton on December 18 andwas back in trafic 10 days latertoprovide some degree of cover.
The stored units remain sporadically activetokeep them serviceable, with 350245 moving from WembleytoWolvertononJanuary 13, before anocturnal outing to Crewethree days laterthat included avisit to ManchesterAirport
Flexdevelopments
Recent weekshaveseena numberof developmentswith the Class 769 Flex conversions, with Porterbrook stillkeen to find ause forthe hybridformer Class 319s. Of the twoformer Transport for Wales sets at Brodie Rail’sKilmarnock workshops, 769002 ventured out on a test runtoDumfriesonDecember10in the company of 769959. Like769006, this is nowfinished in plain white and has been strippedofits interior. Both units, 769002 and 769006, appeared together on January9,running from KilmarnocktoEastriggs fortemporary store. Theirnextstopisexpectedtobe CreweElectric to havetheir pantographs refitted andACtractionsystem recommissioned.
Already at theCheshiredepotundergoing this work is 769421, which was extractedfromLongMarston on January3by37884. This former Welsh set is expectedtobeplaced on shortterm lease with Northern to cover upcoming overhaulsonits Class 769s. However, thefirst of Northern’s sets wasdispatched forthis work to commenceonJanuary14, with 37884 hauling769431fromAllertonbound forKilmarnock.However,the working gotnofurther than Oxenholme afer issues with both thelocomotiveand the unit’sbrakes, the setbeing lef in thestation’s tamper siding pendinga recovery attemptonJanuary20.
Meanwhile, at Wabtec, Doncaster, former GWRsets769935 and 769949 havebeen notedwith newset numbers applied pending anew role. The duo arenow numbered 769535 and 769549.
Simon Bendall and Andy Coward