Virgin sign deal with DRS for class 90 usage

[Eagle]

It makes more sense using one class 90 than 2 57's under the wires

You're confusing two different things there.

The 57s were used for hauling Pendolinos off the wires, mainly to Holyhead but also on a few diversions (such as via Settle). Doesn't happen regularly anymore.

The 90s are used to haul the rake of Mk3 vehicles that Virgin acquired following the loss of a 390 at Grayrigg in 2007, and that has continued to be used on and off for extra timetabled trains (mainly on Fridays) as well as charter hire.

 

[carriageline]

When is this "due" to start? It has been out and about the last few nights (not sure about last night though!!)

 

[Beveridges]

You're confusing two different things there.

The 57s were used for hauling Pendolinos off the wires, mainly to Holyhead but also on a few diversions (such as via Settle). Doesn't happen regularly anymore.

The 90s are used to haul the rake of Mk3 vehicles that Virgin acquired following the loss of a 390 at Grayrigg in 2007, and that has continued to be used on and off for extra timetabled trains (mainly on Fridays) as well as charter hire.

57s still have regular pendo drags like the 5H00 Preston - Longsight

 

[Eagle]

Although that service is on its way out, as Pendolinos are now cleared for Golborne to Manchester so can get to Longsight under their own power.

 

[Beveridges]

When does that service finally end ?

 

[Eagle]

No idea. Presumably when enough drivers are trained on the new route.

 

[87015]

It appears 90034 tried to leave Crewe Electric today for Wembley. Didn't even make Crewe station before having problems.

You can paint a turd...

 

[carriageline]

90034 looks pretty smart tbf. It came in on one of the sleepers, and has been put on the mk3 set today.

 

[tcm1106]

Came down from Crewe yesterday (01/04) in a consist of 92s and 90s. I have some pics of the consist on the Trent Valley line that I'll try and post later.

 

[plastictaffy]

Just seen 90034 (and very smart it looks, too) leaving MKC pushing the Pretendolino southbound. Test run?

 

[DarloRich]

two poor snaps here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/darlo2009/13588773883/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/darlo2009/13588736925/

 

[61653 HTAFC]

two poor snaps here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/darlo2009/13588773883/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/darlo2009/13588736925/

That version of DRS livery looks far nicer than the 'over-busy' "Compass" livery, in my opinion.

 

[martinsh]

Here's a picture of it at Stafford last Friday

 

[Beveridges]

The livery is OK but I think the original D R S would have looked better.