Speaking of the 57/3s. Good News! DRS Has finally taken 57310 back in house and has gone to Eastleigh to have it's power unit removed / repaired and most likely replaced. 312 to stay with FGW for the foreseeable future until 57605 comes back from RVEL, baring any major faults with 312 of course.
Is 57303 Still with FGW or did that disappear recently too?
See posts #113 and#115
I was not suggesting FGW use them right now today and I accept that the FGW drivers would need training on either the Class 67 or 68 which probably would take them about 4 months, but in the long run the class 67 or 68 locos would give FGW a lot better reliability than the class 57s.
Is it likely that 57312 will work tomorrow nights sleeper from London?
Any help would be appreciated!
Dean
Reported elsewhere by someone that 303 is stopped with a battery fault.
Thank you!
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Did 57312 manage to get back to London ok this morning?!!
I'm still trying to find out if it's workinh back to Penzance again tonight...!
Dean
57603 (1A40 loco) currently being used to assist failed freight (66176) from Treverrin Tunnel between Par and Lostwithiel.
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Don't know the complete details but line now clear.
So is it possible that 57312 will now work the sleeper from London Paddington tonight?
So is it possible that 57312 will now work the sleeper from London Paddington tonight?
57303 has been allocated.
1A40 43L start off Penzance due to the failed freight and awaiting 57603 to return from St Blazey. A couple of Videos are on the South West Railways and Heritage Facebook group.
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Link to one of the videos (Not mine)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ems9LeMTgE
A much bigger load than 57603 is used to!
That facebook group is a private group so can't look them up without being accepted to join the group.
Could that be a first, a 57 on a China clay working?
A much bigger load than 57603 is used to!
That facebook group is a private group so can't look them up without being accepted to join the group.
Fairly sure it's happened several times before, and usually FGW's 57/6 (or 3) are the only available loco in the area so therefore end up getting used.
As for the load - agree! Just hope it doesn't lead to any potential issues on tonight's sleeper though - That thing seems fragile enough at the best of times, usually failing with Low Power. And the first thing to usually go is the ETS = One nice and cool Sleeper, but at least it usually helps it a little to keep going!
Could that be a first, a 57 on a China clay working?
Last night saw 57303 on the up and 57312 on the down. Is this the first time both directions has been a hire in?
57312 failed just after departure from Penzance with loss of power last night on 1A40. The driver put down protection and then 08410 was taken off Long Rock depot to haul the train back into Penzance station. A HST was used as a sleeper replacement.
57602 dragged 57312 and the stock back to Old Oak Common this morning.
57312 failed just after departure from Penzance with loss of power last night on 1A40. The driver put down protection and then 08410 was taken off Long Rock depot to haul the train back into Penzance station. A HST was used as a sleeper replacement.
57602 dragged 57312 and the stock back to Old Oak Common this morning.
It reached OOC at 1704. If 57602 dragged it to OOC is there a loco for tonights up at Long Rock
Two 57's on the down sleepers this morning, 602 dragged 312 & stock back to Old Oak whilst 303 is on the up working tonight.
As a result of last night's failure Penzance were a HST short this morning so a 3 car unit was run empty (150/153 combo) Exeter to Truro to form a HST replacement for the 0825 service from Truro.