HST Power Car on M5

[HST274]

Not sure if this is the right thread but anyway. I've just seen a HST power car in, from what I could see, plain blue livery on the back of a lorry that was pulled over on the side of the M5 by the junction with the M42. I was just wondering if anyone knew where it might have come from and where it was going. Thanks for any help!

 

[43096]

Not sure if this is the right thread but anyway. I've just seen a HST power car in, from what I could see, plain blue livery on the back of a lorry that was pulled over on the side of the M5 by the junction with the M42. I was just wondering if anyone knew where it might have come from and where it was going. Thanks for any help!

43078 from Long Marston. Given the direction, possibly Newport bound - although I have absolutely no confirmation on that.

 

[TrainTrackJack]

43078 off to Newport Docks, not too sure on the origin.

 

[Merseyrailfan]

Why is it being taken by road?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Feb 2023 ==

Are 37s rebelling?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Feb 2023 ==

Other HSTs have been taken by rail to Newport?

 

[adc82140]

I guess it's been at Long Marston so long that it wasn't able to pass a fitness to run (happy to be corrected on terminology) test.

 

[43096]

I guess it's been at Long Marston so long that it wasn't able to pass a fitness to run (happy to be corrected on terminology) test.

Or has bits taken off it that preclude a rail move e.g. if the power unit has been removed. Or it is just cheaper by road.

 

[01d-and]

Late update . . . . . By 11.50 yesterday morning the lorry and 43078 were seen travelling south on the M5 by Gloucester Services.

 

[HST274]

Thanks all! I assume the lorry was moving again then soon after I passed it.

 

[fgwrich]

Or has bits taken off it that preclude a rail move e.g. if the power unit has been removed. Or it is just cheaper by road.

Not on 078 - That was as complete as it got. Just unwanted. But at least Porterbrook weatherproofed theirs, as shown by the exhaust port covers still fitted in various pictures while it travelled down the M5 / M42.

Thanks all! I assume the lorry was moving again then soon after I passed it.

It did, 078 (sadly) arrived in Newport Docks by lunchtime Friday. It was then placed next to the remains of 195 & 180, themselves on to of the remains of the recently delivered 91s.