McLaren Rail

[xotGD]

Electrical issues are all ironed out on D1501, I was crew on it last weekend and it didn't skip a beat all day, very nice powerful loco

Nice to know that "Gateshead" is doing well.

 

[43096]

Iirc, HSTs with one power car was indeed the plan for WoEML services to replace the 50s, before the Class 159 came along.

Ah, the old HSTs to NSE thing. It may have been floated at the time, but there was never, ever any real chance of InterCity giving up their highest quality assets.

I think you are conflating two things. The NSE idea and InterCity’s plan to create 1+4/5 sets to replace Duff+Mark 2 sets on Cross-Country. Neither happened as the best use was to retain them as InterCity 2+7 sets.

 

[Forty29]

47367 arrived mid August.
D1502 was early September I think.

47367 is a bit rough, and may only turn out to be a source of spares, D1502 is in better condition (it was in use this weekend), but the last I heard it had a few electrical issues requiring attention.

Thanks for information.

 

[matt]

I see this is no longer being advertised

 

[pokemonsuper9]

I see this is no longer being advertised

Indeed, the entire category of mainline tours has disappeared from the site.

 

[Medicy]

I was just contacted by the operator who said the tour has been cancelled (booked on the Sunday positioning move London-Birmingham).

 

[Isle of Mull]

McLaren Rail, a new start up company, are planning to run a series of railtours named “the Shakespeare Express” between London Marylebone and Stratford upon Avon, quoted to be on five Saturdays throughout 2026 starting on 11 April. They will be using ROMIC’s HST fleet and fares start at £129 per person which includes an entry to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. They are advertised on Adventure 001 Experiences website.

Days Out, Flying Experiences & Adventures | From £29

Looking for a day out with the family? An adventure? Look no further, visit our website today for your next experience!

www.adventure001.com

Looking on the Adventures 001 website they also advertise a series of railtours also using the HSTs on Sundays to/from Oxford: https://www.adventure001.com/Activi...-Rail-Charters/152/Oxford-Rail-Explorer/LOC02



McLaren Rail are also the current owners of 47367 and D1501, preserved on the Chinnor Railway. Their website: https://www.mclarenrail.co.uk/

I don't know if this is problem is me, but, when I click those links they just bring me back to the website so I can't actually see anything about the tour or book it either.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

I don't know if this is problem is me, but, when I click those links they just bring me back to the website so I can't actually see anything about the tour or book it either.

They have removed that section of the website, and set it to redirect to the main page

 

[Isle of Mull]

They have removed that section of the website, and set it to redirect to the main page

Honestly it's a shame as I'd say it would have done well if it was well advertised.

 

[31160]

Oh shame I would have definitely done a brum to MYB on a HST

 

[fb2126]

Class 37 and '31' bought by experience days company

McLaren Rail buys two more locomotives to add to its growing pool.

www.railmagazine.com

Apparently they've bought a 31 and a 37, can anyone who's got access to the article say which ones?

 

[LUYMun]

D5627 (31) and D6916 (37) from Pontypool & Blaenavon.

 

[xotGD]

D5627 (31) and D6916 (37) from Pontypool & Blaenavon.

37216 xotGD? Dreadful! My machine.

 

[Forty29]

I heard had been bought a good few weeks ago but not confirmed at the time where they were going.
Chinnor only short ride by road or train for me so looking forward to seeing them operating, if indeed ready to run.
Also work being done on 47376 at the line to make operational, l think new batteries?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Apr 2026 ==

Announced yesterday 37216 is staying at Blanaevon for diesel driving experience.
31203 going to undisclosed new home.
47367 started second time and a short run at Chinnor despite battery problem killed two cells at first attempt.

 

[Forty29]

An update on 47367
The loco was collected by 20302/311 from Princes Risborough on 15/6 and taken to Worksop for a repaint and repairs to wheel flats.

 

[33117]

An update on 47367
The loco was collected by 20302/311 from Princes Risborough on 15/6 and taken to Worksop for a repaint and repairs to wheel flats.

Needs new wheelsets not them getting turned apparently it's been said elsewhere by a guy that worked on it at the mid norfolk.


Tyres are incredibly thin so imagine they'll be shelling out for a new set.

 

[rustbucket]

Needs new wheelsets not them getting turned apparently it's been said elsewhere by a guy that worked on it at the mid norfolk.


Tyres are incredibly thin so imagine they'll be shelling out for a new set

Yep, tyres were very thin - general consensus whilst at the MNR was you might get one go out of them on the lathe, but not a heavy one

 

[Forty29]

McLaren rail are apparently trying to acquire another class 47 on their Facebook page and are reaching out to any owners/ operators who are interested in selling them one.

 

[TastyMaltesers]

McLaren rail are apparently trying to acquire another class 47 on their Facebook page and are reaching out to any owners/ operators who are interested in selling them one.

The statement on Facebook;

We are looking to add another Class 47 (or Class 37) to the McLaren Rail heritage fleet.

If you know of a locomotive that may be available, or a preservation group considering a sale, please get in touch. We are particularly interested in a complete, restorable example with a future in heritage operation and driver experience events.

D1501 and 47 367 have already proved what a fantastic draw these locomotives are and we would love to give another one a secure long-term home.

Please message the page or email us with any leads.

 

[LUYMun]

They best get in touch with GBRF then, whom I believe are selling their three 47s.

 

[xotGD]

Some gen from Sunday regarding 37216:

"Undertook test run at the Blaenavon's Heritage Railway"

(Courtesy of Class37.co.uk)

 

[Harlequinuk]

They best get in touch with GBRF then, whom I believe are selling their three 47s.

Apparently current 47 users didn`t bid enough to make the reserve price. So likely they are very costly. Maybe A DRS 57?

 

[Isle of Mull]

. Maybe A DRS 57?

That’s a viable option and they can get more than 1

 

[43096]

That’s a viable option and they can get more than 1

A DRS 57 would cost substantially more than a 47. In any case, the DRS 57s have now reportedly been sold.

 

[Forty29]

Think have now been sold now well four of them have see a separate thread on the Traction and rolling stock section DRS locos.

 

[fgwrich]

Think have now been sold now well four of them have see a separate thread on the Traction and rolling stock section DRS locos.

Correct. On top of that, a Class 57/3 very much doesn’t fit into what McClaren Rail are after either which is a heritage loco.

Let’s face it (whether you’re a fan of 47s or not), people would turn up to a Pres line for a 47. They’re less likely to turn up for a 57/3.

 

[Forty29]

Yes agreed. A 57 is different kettle of fish!