WHAT? 60059 IN STORAGE?
And why have they stored their "Army Be The Best" 60? What's the point?
Decision re which locos to store are made on the basis of condition, faults, expenditure needed now or in the foreseeable future and so on, and not on whether the locomotive has had a recent repaint or name.
The issue is more "why repaint and name a worn out loco that is a marginal member of the fleet" than "why store 60059".
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I wonder if 091 will be back again in a few days? Thats what often happens with this one. I was very shocked too, leaving just 17 examples is it? then take off those from the 17 that are receiving attention. Is it now a case of get them while you can?
Remember, it's Jan/Feb. No RHTT traffic to increase demands on the fleet, plus the heaviest demand for locos is always the Autumn anyway, not least as a result of seasonal fluctuations in the movement of coal. I am not saying those things are specifically class 60 turns, but it has an effect on the DB fleet overall.
The effects of the recession are always likely to be felt first and most heavily on the older, more expensive, less reliable locomotives. Why operate with your more expensive locos when there isn't enough work for the more modern and efficient ones.
I am sure there won't be mass withdrawals. I am also sure you won't ever see 80+ 60s in active service again. I can't see much chance of the much trumpted expenditure on the 60s in the current climate.
