56303: What's the latest news?

[DEAN MURPHY]

Anybody know the latest on this loco which is still dumped at Willesden sidings?
Many thanks
Dean

 

[ExRes]

Anybody know the latest on this loco which is still dumped at Willesden sidings?
Many thanks
Dean

It's not 56103 it's 56303, many questions have been asked in many threads and the simple answer is, nobody who knows anything is saying anything

 

[DEAN MURPHY]

Sorry pal I meant 303
All very strange

 

[fgwrich]

Ah, 303 with the droopy cab. Unless anyone wants to spend some serious money on it, I can see it going for scrap. I don't think it's moved since it had the rough shunt back in 2018?

 

[DBS92042]

It was ditched at Wembley yard, where the rough shunt happened, for a while and then it was moved across the way to Willesden DC sidings, where I think it still remains today.

 

[DEAN MURPHY]

It does, rotting away

 

[Cowley]

Thread reopened for @ExRes to update.

 

[ExRes]

Thread reopened for @ExRes to update.

Thanks @Cowley

Reported on WNXX today that the cloak of invisibility may finally be removed from 56303, "it looks like preparations are in hand for the extraction of 56303 (HTLX) from Willesden F", I believe such ideas have been suggested before without success but perhaps this time ........ I've always expected it to be stripped and cut on site but maybe someone has a cunning plan? No holding of breath out there please as I will accept no responsibility for anyone harming themselves

 

[50002Superb]

Good news.

I’ve tried to spy it a few times on a passing train to no avail.

 

[87015]

Good news.

I’ve tried to spy it a few times on a passing train to no avail.

Perfectly visible from WCML fasts. Still today where it has been at back of F Sdgs.

 

[50002Superb]

Perfectly visible from WCML fasts. Still today where it has been at back of F Sdgs.

I’ve done it a few times, F Sdgs doesn’t mean a lot to me I’m afraid

 

[87015]

I’ve done it a few times, F Sdgs doesn’t mean a lot to me I’m afraid

On the downside, low level sidings just to south of South Circular. It’s on the furthest siding, easiest to view on an up train IMO as you can look towards it before the mound of earth gets in the way.

Also been there so long google has it

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hWBe1BKEjLNQzRWaA?g_st=ic

 

[ExRes]

Reported on Class 56 Group facebook that 303 will be leaving Willesden by road transport tomorrow (Sunday) bound for Longport

 

[Class15]

Reported on Class 56 Group facebook that 303 will be leaving Willesden by road transport tomorrow (Sunday) bound for Longport

Anyone know when? Might be an interesting road movement to see.

 

[DEAN MURPHY]

Did the move happen?

 

[ExRes]

Did the move happen?

There's a picture on Flickr of it at Willesden which claims to have been taken today, it's up against the stops with three JNAs behind it



* Updated Monday 13th *


There is a contributor comment on se gen this morning that 303 "was reported to be on a low loader at Willesden DCR at 2200 on Sunday night"

 

[4SubAsociation]

Can confirm it has been moved. It was on a alleys road truck up the A14 near Kettering. Taken by Dave Housman

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Surely not a Class 69 conversion? (Sorry speculation)

 

[ExRes]

Surely not a Class 69 conversion? (Sorry speculation)

From the latest WNXX update

"56303 has been secured for component recovery by GBRf in connection with 56009 & 56097 going into the conversion program in place of 56081 & 56098"

 

[Towers]

We

From the latest WNXX update

"56303 has been secured for component recovery by GBRf in connection with 56009 & 56097 going into the conversion program in place of 56081 & 56098"

Well behind I know, sorry - what’s the reason for two candidate locos being subbed for two others?

 

[D365]

Well behind I know, sorry - what’s the reason for two candidate locos being subbed for two others?

Since 081 and 098 are in full working order, GBRf has opted to retain them as Class 56s. To replace them in the Class 69 programme, GBRf acquired 009 and 097, which I understand are not in mainline running condition.

Not sure what the intention is for 303 beyond "component recovery"; my ear isn't close enough to the ground.

 

[m79900]

We

Well behind I know, sorry - what’s the reason for two candidate locos being subbed for two others?

Because 081 and 098 are operational, and 097 and 009 are not. Why waste two good locos, when there's non operational ones to cannibalise?

 

[fgwrich]

Since 081 and 098 are in full working order, GBRf has opted to retain them as Class 56s. To replace them in the Class 69 programme, GBRf acquired 009 and 097, which I understand are not in mainline running condition.

Not sure what the intention is for 303 beyond "component recovery"; my ear isn't close enough to the ground.

Given its condition, I would be very surprised if 303 made a return beyond component recovery - I believe the damage extends beyond the cab to a bent chassis. 097 was sold minus various components which could be replaced, but with 2 operational 56s, why would GBRf want another?

 

[Wyrleybart]

Given its condition, I would be very surprised if 303 made a return beyond component recovery - I believe the damage extends beyond the cab to a bent chassis. 097 was sold minus various components which could be replaced, but with 2 operational 56s, why would GBRf want another?

I agree. I would say that
Given 081 and 098 are operational
Given the class 69 project is running late
Given it is currently RHTT season and power is at a premium
Given that the "new" 66s from Europe are still in works apart from maybe 66306

Then it is logical to acquire the carcase of 56303 and feed whatever parts from it that are useful into the class 69 project.

Incomplete 56009 and 56097 become 69015 69016 and everything is good

 

[ExRes]

'Interesting' comment on WNXX this morning, "initial inspection of 56303 indicates that the collision damage sustained at Willesden may not be as serious as first envisaged, which, subject to a full assessment, might be re-usable", we shall see in due course, I'm not really sure who actually owns 303 now and whose chequebook would fund any potential repairs, UKRL, GBRf, EMD?