RHTT Season 2026

[XCTurbostar]

Looks like GBRF are collecting RHTT wagons for Whitemoor on Thursday:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/servic ... 3/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/servic ... 3/detailed

 

[Scotrail344Lad]

3S94 Bridgeton Yard RHTT Is Halfway Through Its Circut. First RHTT?

 

[Amos390]

3S94 Bridgeton Yard RHTT Is Halfway Through Its Circut. First RHTT?

Would appear so, what’s the locos on that?

 

[XCTurbostar]

Would appear so, what’s the locos on that?

GBRf operated MPV (DR98911 and DR98961)

3S94 Bridgeton Yard RHTT Is Halfway Through Its Circut. First RHTT?

I'm not certain of whether it was actually operating with liquids.

 

[train_lover]

3S94 Bridgeton Yard RHTT Is Halfway Through Its Circut. First RHTT?

Its a shakedown this week

 

[Amos390]

Just seen a RAIL article which outlines GBRf and Colas’ plans for RHTT locos, with some interesting things in there. It starts off outlining that Cold have taken in a triplet of 68s for RHTT and Thunderbirding:

One of the three Class 68s being hired by Colas Railas additional traction cover for the rail head treatment train (RHTT) autumn period will be based at Newark for Thunderbird rescue duties.

The ‘68’ is needed to release the two Class 67s (67023/27) normally based on the East Coast Main Line, which are to move to Swindon to work one of the RHTT circuits from the Wiltshire town. The other circuits from Swindon will be covered by the other two Class 68s Colas is hiring, as well as two Class 66/8s.

Colas has taken 68012/014/ 015 on short-term hire from Beacon Rail to give it extra capacity during the RHTT season.

Then explains what colas are doing with the grids:

Colas will also be using seven Class 56s to cover turns in the north west and north Wales, and 56078/090/113 have all been prepared and sent out on test to join the active fleet.

They will be joined by 56049 ‘Robin of Templecombe’ and 56051 ‘Survival’, both of which have been returned in traffic during the summer, as well as 56105 and recently reactivated 56096, which has been stored for two years.

And what colas are doing with the tractors, also hinting that this will be some of the first work for newly brought back 37116:

For the Yorkshire Wolds circuit, pairs of Class 37s are needed as the circuit included some weight restricted routes that need the lighter RA5 Type 3s, as opposed to the heavier Type 5s.

Colas has 37057/099, 37175, 37219/254 in its own fleet, with 37116 currently stopped for a heavy overhaul.


They will be supplemented by some of the Swietelsky UK fleet; 37405/419/422/424/425, 37607/610, with 37716 ‘Worksop Traction Depot’ expected to join the fold.

It finally describes what GBRf have in store:

The other operator of RHTTs is GB Railfreight(GBRf). It will use predominately Class 66s and ‘69s’ to work its circuits. All 16 of the latter are back in traffic after a handful of locomotives had short periods in store earlier in the year.

However, to release Class 66s, GBRf is expected to have some of its stored Class 60s reactivated.

60002/021/047/056/076/085/ 087/096 are all at Toton being assessed, and while 60047/087 have more serious issues, the other six should be able to return to traffic easily.

Of GBRf’s other two active 60s, DCRail is now hiring 60026 Helvellyn as a replacement for 60095 Whernside after it failed on July 25.

I have also attached the related article for those who are able to read it: https://www.railmagazine.com/news/thunderbird-work-for-class-68-hired-by-colas-rail

 

[D365]

And what colas are doing with the tractors, also hinting that this will be some of the first work for newly brought back 37116:

To clarify. The article that you have linked, and quoted, reads that 37116 is still stopped (at Worksop) currently undergoing its 10 year F exam.

It's ex DRS 37716, recently named "Worksop Traction Depot", which Swietelsky (HNRC) has been reinstating to mainline traffic following a brief cameo at the East Lancs Railway a few years ago.

 

[Amos390]

To clarify. The article that you have linked, and quoted, reads that 37116 is still stopped (at Worksop) currently undergoing its 10 year F exam.

It's ex DRS 37716, recently named "Worksop Traction Depot", which Swietelsky (HNRC) has been reinstating to mainline traffic following a brief cameo at the East Lancs Railway a few years ago.

So it’ll be it’s first job back since this exam then, it’s not quite in service just yet?

 

[XCTurbostar]

So one 68 is replacing two 67s on Thunderbirds?

I suspect a supplement of 37s to fill in for test train work from ROG and LSL too.

 

[Amos390]

So one 68 is replacing two 67s on Thunderbirds?

Would appear so, unless they have an odd number of grids and one of them is stabled there too?

I suspect a supplement of 37s to fill in for test train work from ROG and LSL too.

Could Europhoenix locos be used, maybe 407/423/901 which are in Leicester LIP currently

 

[CDM Transport]

So it’ll be it’s first job back since this exam then, it’s not quite in service just yet?

37716 will not be working the York 37 RHTT circuit. This year it is 3x Colas 37s.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Sep 2026 ==

I suspect a supplement of 37s to fill in for test train work from ROG and LSL too.

I'd suspect not, as Switelsky have 37422, 37424, 37607, 37610 and soon 37716 as 'spare' at the time of writing. Colas will hire all of these presumably and may not need any extra hires if they are only sending 3 37s off for RHTT work this year. Also 37116 will be back in traffic by the end of RHTT season hopefully so that will be able to get stuck in.

 

[Adrian Barr]

Just seen a RAIL article which outlines GBRf and Colas’ plans for RHTT locos

Looking at the 37s in the Colas pools, some of the anticipated hires have already been transferred into the Colas class 37 pool (it's possible some more might be added later; I haven't tried working out how many have been added vs how many are likely to be required).

37s in Colas pools - current TOPS locations
LOCO POOL LAST LOCN DESTN
37057 COTS 573Q30C802 DERBY RTC
37099 COTS STNGDNSDG (Sittingbourne Down siding)
37116 COTS WORKSP DY
37175 COTS 570E602D01 BARROWHCR
37219 COTS 570E602D01 BARROWHCR
37254 COTS 573Q211702 DERBY RTC
37405 COFS 573Q30C802 DERBY RTC
37421 COTS DERBY RTC
37607 COTS BARRWHSD
37610 COTS WORKSP DY
37612 COTS WORKSP DY

37116 is shown out of service for overhaul as mentioned in post #97, and 37612 looks like it would require similar heavy maintenance before it could go back into service. The rest are shown in "normal" status.

**

"Shakedown" was mentioned in post #95. I think the usual practice is for these "shakedown runs" to commence during September, once the RHTT sets have been distributed to their bases from York. The shakedown runs allow for proper in-service testing of the jetting and sandite equipment, which will have been out of regular use for a few months. During this time the sets will have received maintenance at York, meaning various things have been disconnected and reconnected - always a potential source of "gremlins." The period of shakedown running (usually running as required using the same schedules as the regular planned RHTT workings) is useful to iron out any problems and ensure the RHTT equipment is in good working order before the "sandite season" officially commences.

From what I remember, there's a phased introduction across the country (since the north gets colder before the south) where the Scottish circuits usually start running before the end of September, and the more southerly circuits start up maybe a week or so into October. Exact start and finish dates for different circuits can alter depending on the predicated weather and how quickly or slowly the leaves are expected to fall compared to a "normal" year.

 

[Scotrail344Lad]

Looking at the 37s in the Colas pools, some of the anticipated hires have already been transferred into the Colas class 37 pool (it's possible some more might be added later; I haven't tried working out how many have been added vs how many are likely to be required).

37s in Colas pools - current TOPS locations
LOCO POOL LAST LOCN DESTN
37057 COTS 573Q30C802 DERBY RTC
37099 COTS STNGDNSDG (Sittingbourne Down siding)
37116 COTS WORKSP DY
37175 COTS 570E602D01 BARROWHCR
37219 COTS 570E602D01 BARROWHCR
37254 COTS 573Q211702 DERBY RTC
37405 COFS 573Q30C802 DERBY RTC
37421 COTS DERBY RTC
37607 COTS BARRWHSD
37610 COTS WORKSP DY
37612 COTS WORKSP DY

37116 is shown out of service for overhaul as mentioned in post #97, and 37612 looks like it would require similar heavy maintenance before it could go back into service. The rest are shown in "normal" status.

**

"Shakedown" was mentioned in post #95. I think the usual practice is for these "shakedown runs" to commence during September, once the RHTT sets have been distributed to their bases from York. The shakedown runs allow for proper in-service testing of the jetting and sandite equipment, which will have been out of regular use for a few months. During this time the sets will have received maintenance at York, meaning various things have been disconnected and reconnected - always a potential source of "gremlins." The period of shakedown running (usually running as required using the same schedules as the regular planned RHTT workings) is useful to iron out any problems and ensure the RHTT equipment is in good working order before the "sandite season" officially commences.

From what I remember, there's a phased introduction across the country (since the north gets colder before the south) where the Scottish circuits usually start running before the end of September, and the more southerly circuits start up maybe a week or so into October. Exact start and finish dates for different circuits can alter depending on the predicated weather and how quickly or slowly the leaves are expected to fall compared to a "normal" year.

Very interesting information. Thanks

 

[HST125Scorton]

Looks like GBRF are collecting RHTT wagons for Whitemoor on Thursday:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/servic ... 3/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/servic ... 3/detailed

66734 is about to work 6L67 1023 York Thrall to Whitemoor with RHTT sets but consist is showing KFAs.

KFAs: 7093100078, 7093100011, 7093100102, 7093100094, 7093100110, 7093100128, 7093100037, 7093100086, 7093100060, 7093100052.

 

[Amos390]

66734 is about to work 6L67 1023 York Thrall to Whitemoor with RHTT sets but consist is showing KFAs.

KFAs: 7093100078, 7093100011, 7093100102, 7093100094, 7093100110, 7093100128, 7093100037, 7093100086, 7093100060, 7093100052.

Notes on Railcam suggesting that’s 4 sets in whole, do you know what combination these 4 are?

 

[HST125Scorton]

Notes on Railcam suggesting that’s 4 sets in whole, do you know what combination these 4 are?

I don't know which order they are in sadly, but going off Lincoln Railcam itself it looks to be like this..
2x 3 KFA Sets - 6 KFAs
2x 2 KFA Sets - 4 KFAs

 

[DavidB32NW]

Anyone know which operator will be doing the Lancashire RHTT Circuits, as last year GbRf Did Colne/Ormskirk runs, No RHTT Served the Blackpool Lines last year which meant trains had to run at reduced speeds?

 

[yorkshirerail]

Anyone know which operator will be doing the Lancashire RHTT Circuits, as last year GbRf Did Colne/Ormskirk runs, No RHTT Served the Blackpool Lines last year which meant trains had to run at reduced speeds?

Should be MPVs as usual

 

[Stuart-h]

Anyone know which operator will be doing the Lancashire RHTT Circuits, as last year GbRf Did Colne/Ormskirk runs, No RHTT Served the Blackpool Lines last year which meant trains had to run at reduced speeds?

It should be 3s08 (early morning turn) that runs to blackpool south. I was doing the middle part of the route last year.

 

[DavidB32NW]

It should be 3s08 (early morning turn) that runs to blackpool south. I was doing the middle part of the route last year.

Blackpool North lines will definitely need it this year as last autumn i was onboard a 323 coming into layton when the train brakes slipped due to leaf mulch on the tracks noticed no RHTT had even ran

 

[JKF]

Hoping the 68s work the Swindon-Hereford RHTT via Bristol area, would be nice to have a couple on the Portbury branch (possibly the first visit?). Last year was DB 66s (Hired in?), 2024 was GBRF including one with a Colas sticker on the side (see picture below). There was a run from Swindon up to Gloucester using the two 67s.


(Image shows 66791 in a dark blue GBRF livery with a large yellow diamond shaped colas sticker on the bodyside and a smaller one under the cab window, working the 2024 3S59 Hereford-Swindon RHTT circuit, coming off the Portbury Branch, viewed from the hump bridge near Bristol Freightliner Terminal)

Leaves are definitely coming down already, I collected 11 large bags full at work last week. Lime trees and hawthorn always start early.

 

[XCTurbostar]

More MPV moves on Friday to Effingham and from Tonbridge:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U02976/2026-09-11/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U02945/2026-09-10/detailed

 

[MboroFC]

When do RHTT diagrams start to kick in for the season please?

 

[XCTurbostar]

Typically, the first one starts in the second week of September - usually 3W74/75 (Kent)

 

[Scotrail344Lad]

When do RHTT diagrams start to kick in for the season please?

Scottish RHTT 3S94 Appears To Have Started - Although Not Running Every Day

 

[MboroFC]

Thanks both

 

[Freightmaster]

When do RHTT diagrams start to kick in for the season please?

Which specific train(s) are you interested in? (I have a record of all the 2025 start dates for each diagram)


MARK

 

[MerkadesVito]

Which specific train(s) are you interested in? (I have a record of all the 2025 start dates for each diagram)


MARK

Hiya, I'm interested in when the Coleham North Wales RHTT circuit will approximately start this year?
Cheers.

 

[endofthetunnel]

"Shakedown" was mentioned in post #95. I think the usual practice is for these "shakedown runs" to commence during September, once the RHTT sets have been distributed to their bases from York. The shakedown runs allow for proper in-service testing of the jetting and sandite equipment, which will have been out of regular use for a few months. During this time the sets will have received maintenance at York, meaning various things have been disconnected and reconnected - always a potential source of "gremlins." The period of shakedown running (usually running as required using the same schedules as the regular planned RHTT workings) is useful to iron out any problems and ensure the RHTT equipment is in good working order before the "sandite season" officially commences.

Just to add that every single RHTT wagon returns to York in the off season and is completely taken apart and stripped down. Motors are serviced, all jetters and pipes replaced, tanks completely drained and cleaned, plus all the required wagon maintenance.

Many areas create custom shakedown runs to allow testing of new routes, or staying closer to a maintenance depot in case issues arise, or just to make it a shorter day. The majority of RHTT circuits can be 14-18 hours from base to base which is a lot of effort if the jetter packs up 2 hours in.

 

[MboroFC]

Which specific train(s) are you interested in? (I have a record of all the 2025 start dates for each diagram)


MARK

Hi Mark. I'm mostly interested about the Teesside and North Yorkshire diagrams:

3J51-3J52
3S11-15
3J77-3J78/3S94

Thanks