ATN Top and Tails

[Flange Squeal]

Hello all,

I was thinking back to the early 2000s when Arriva Trains Northern ran at least one Arriva-liveried rake of (I think generally four) Mk2 coaches, top-and-tailed by EWS 37s. I seem to recall they could be seen on Leeds to Carlisle/Knaresborough services. I was just wondering if anyone could confirm how many sets there were, did they run both routes at the same time or am I thinking of different periods, and finally why? I'm assuming it was some sort of unit shortage, but the fact they painted the coaches up implies it wasn't just a short term thing?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Darandio]

There was a unit shortage, the plan was to run the loco hauled set for 12 months so the decision was made to paint the coaches for that period. I believe it was just one set with four Mk2's in the formation and two spares.

 

[Whistler40145]

I believe it was mandatory for the 37/4s if working in top n tail mode in multiple had to be fitted with automatic fire extinguishers, otherwise the rear loco had to be manned

 

[Iskra]

There was a unit shortage, the plan was to run the loco hauled set for 12 months so the decision was made to paint the coaches for that period. I believe it was just one set with four Mk2's in the formation and two spares.

I concur that it was just one set. It ran a Harrogate Line service early morning and then went onto the S&C during the day I believe. I managed a return trip on the S&C with it at least once.

 

[JN114]

Here's the diagram still on wayback:-

diagrams : arriva northern class 37

web.archive.org

 

[Flange Squeal]

Thanks for the replies all, excellent stuff!