Coaching Stock News
Fife Circle Mk.2s for Locomotive Services
Locomotive Services has further expanded its coaching stock fleet with the acquisition of five Mk.2f TSOS previously employed by DB Cargo on the Fife Circle locomotive-hauled workings. Last used by passengers in 2015, the vehicles have spent the intervening years stored variously at Mossend, Doncaster, Milford Junction and, most recently, Worksop, where at one point they were sold for scrap. However, November 29 saw a newly-reinstated 37409 haul 5922, 5924, 5959, 6036 and 6152 from Worksop to Crewe, the transfer also featuring 20096, 20107 and 57303.
The five Mk.2s were then forwarded to Eastleigh Works on December 6, although the move encountered problems at Stafford after 37521 failed in the station, with 37409 coming from Crewe to take the train forward. At least some of the coaches are expected to be refurbished as part of a new blue/grey charter set being assembled by Locomotive Services.
Meanwhile, to create room at Crewe, six former East Midlands Railway high speed train trailers were transferred to Carlisle Upperby on November 30 for continued storage, with 37521 and 37409 working north with Mk.3s 40221, 41063, 41117, 42100, 42220 and 44047 between barrier coaches 6393 and 6394. Notably, the two barrier coaches now carry Locomotive Services logos on their existing faded Porterbrook blue livery.
Yarmouth arrivals
Although no further Mk.3 HST coaches have been shipped abroad from Yarmouth Docks, November 13 saw another rake of former Crosscountry trailers arrive at the carriage sidings from Barrow Hill to await onward transfer. Brought in by 37611, the train featured TS 42368, 42371, 42372, 42373, 42376 and 42378, along with TGS 44072 and TCC 45001 and 45004. The same day saw 37667 arrive at Yarmouth from Eastleigh Works with 40902 sandwiched between barriers 6393 and 6394, Locomotive Services having seemingly sold on the Mk.3 buffet.
Mk.4s move on
The seven Transport for Wales Mk.4s that were moved from Landore to Warrington Arpley on November 8 were forwarded to the Arriva Traincare depot at Crewe five days later by 66083 and 66114. TSOS 12434, 12447, 12452, 12454 and 12461 will now be prepared for a return to traffic as part of lengthened Mk.4 sets. Meanwhile, having acted as barrier coaches for the move, TSOE 12215 and DVT 82220 were then used to return TSO 12477 to South Wales on the afternoon of November 13, the two Class 66s top-and-tailing the three Mk.4s as far as Margam for an overnight stop, reaching Landore the following morning.
Vintage acquisition
The last Mk.1 FO on the books of Riviera Trains has been sold to Vintage Trains, 47773 being utilised to transfer chocolate and cream-liveried 3110 from Burton to Tyseley on November 30.