LE movements, ECS and test runs 2025

Yes according to one ex Burton worker, one was particularly stacked full of CDL parts from coaches previously ripped apart at Long Marston.

Also the Bogies on the Vans themselves are apparently quite useful, as they are B4 100mph by all accounts.

 

Paint 'em Blue and Yellow and with no windows or seats ideal for O'Leary to launch Ryanrail on the WCML. Pack them in standing or on perch seats & sell it cheap.

 

Contrary to popular assumption the SRPS stock is not restricted to a sole operator, evidenced by the Branch Line Society hire for the far north at the end of March & the SRPS’s own Route & Branches tour on 19 April, both of which are being operated by GBRF. That said, as you say the SRPS’s own requirements, including use at Bo’ness and the SRPS/LSL requirements take up much of the calendar!

 

Just as Oswald had confidently predicted, "Stealth transport, packed with compressors, air brake and CDL equipment. If only!" Mmm, if only I hadn't been joking!!

 

Who knows what else was in there, I was just fortunate to catch a conversation on Facebook describing the contents of one of them. In my seemingly long hopes I’d like to think the CDL parts would be headed for MK1s….But well I have my doubts.

 

If West Coast aren't planning to use them on MkIs, what else might they want them for?

 

Keep the MK2s going? Never a bad thing to have spares in stock I’d guess

 

We may find out - eventually!

 

If our hopes turn out to be well founded after all, I would have thought that the priority Mark 1 stock for fitting CDL would be the set used for GBXVII and the Jacobite sets. I have no idea how quickly the CDL equipment can be fitted but GBXVII kicks off in exactly two months' time and the Jacobite services begin on 7th April, so we've got a month and a bit to wait and see.

 

45212 passing Brock just after sunrise with the empty stock for the Mancunian.

 

ECS for The Mancunian passing Brock this morning, shortly after sunrise.........

 

Please does anyone know what’s on the LSL loaded test run from Crewe to Preston and back on Thursday morning?

 

One of my contacts mentioned that Tornado was doing a test this week. Times are on RTT

 

60532.

 

I assume these are the times for Britannia's move to NVR.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U46901/2025-03-11/detailed

Dave B

 

Thanks

 

60532 on a crew training run according to Locomotive Services Group Faceache page,

 

Left Crewe just after 9:00 and consists of support coach and 6 Intercity carriages with 47805 as tailgunner.

Dave B