Class 57s in Tonbridge Yard

[Ministry]

I've noticed a couple of 57s have been parked in the yard outside Tonbridge station for the last couple of days and I'm curious as to why they're there - as far as I know 57s don't generally venture into the Southern region.

The paintwork looked a bit faded, but otherwise they're very impressive looking locos, and it makes a nice change from the ubiquitous 66s (73s generally seem to congregate there as well, altho I never tire of seeing those).

 

[YorkshireBear]

I've noticed a couple of 57s have been parked in the yard outside Tonbridge station for the last couple of days and I'm curious as to why they're there - as far as I know 57s don't generally venture into the Southern region.

The paintwork looked a bit faded, but otherwise they're very impressive looking locos, and it makes a nice change from the ubiquitous 66s (73s generally seem to congregate there as well, altho I never tire of seeing those).

If im not mistaken they are some of the 6? class 57 thunderbirds that have been transferred to network rail to work special de icing trains across southern region.

 

[NIMBUS]

I've noticed a couple of 57s have been parked in the yard outside Tonbridge station for the last couple of days and I'm curious as to why they're there - as far as I know 57s don't generally venture into the Southern region.

The paintwork looked a bit faded, but otherwise they're very impressive looking locos, and it makes a nice change from the ubiquitous 66s (73s generally seem to congregate there as well, altho I never tire of seeing those).

Network Rail have taken on six of the former Virgin machines. Three went to Brush at Loughborough for modification (but not repaints - which are being done at Eastleigh), whilst three went to Eastleigh for repaints before going to Brush for mods.

You'll be seeing a lot more of them over the former Southern Region in the next few years.

 

[SimonC]

57301 & 57305