Ash Bridge
Established Member
Just seen a shot of one of the above workings, formed of a single class 37/6 with a rake of 6 former FGW Motorail vans, described as a driver training run, can anyone enlighten me anymore?
Thanks.
Thanks.
There is already a thread about this, it is because GBRF (or was it COLAS ) are taking over the NMT and their drivers need some practice at class 1 work.
There is already a thread about this, it is because GBRF (or was it COLAS ) are taking over the NMT and their drivers need some practice at class 1 work.
Ah, thanks for that, I'd searched before but couldn't find anything, (and still can't)
It is indeed Colas Rail - Quite a surprise (or not!) to see DB lose another chunk of work! Expect to see a few more Class 37s returning to the mainline soon, including HNRC BR Green 37057 and BR Blue 37207.
I see they're using DRS 37s but I thought Colas had their own, why would they not train on those?It is indeed Colas Rail - Quite a surprise (or not!) to see DB lose another chunk of work! Expect to see a few more Class 37s returning to the mainline soon, including HNRC BR Green 37057 and BR Blue 37207.
Neither can I!
@AshBridge I'd imagine all Colas's other 37s were otherwise engaged or undergoing maintenance. Just hope that the heritage liveries stay on the HNRC locos.
@AshBridge I'd imagine all Colas's other 37s were otherwise engaged or undergoing maintenance. Just hope that the heritage liveries stay on the HNRC locos.
It is indeed Colas Rail - Quite a surprise (or not!) to see DB lose another chunk of work! Expect to see a few more Class 37s returning to the mainline soon, including HNRC BR Green 37057 and BR Blue 37207.
I very much doubt Colas is procuring assets so that they can run a service at a loss. They maybe running services at a cost that means they can procure more assets though.
I very much doubt Colas is procuring assets so that they can run a service at a loss. They maybe running services at a cost that means they can procure more assets though.
Colas aren't a new entrant into the UK railfreight market. They've been running steel trains for over 5 years and the Carlisle - Chirk logs for over 10. Every time they pick up extra contracts, especially from DBS, somebody claims they are running at a loss. I don't believe it for one second.
Colas aren't a new entrant into the UK railfreight market. They've been running steel trains for over 5 years and the Carlisle - Chirk logs for over 10. Every time they pick up extra contracts, especially from DBS, somebody claims they are running at a loss. I don't believe it for one second.
37s get the job over 66's as they have a greater route availability. And cheaper to run (for infrastructure trains).Honestly can see DB losing yet more work.
More and more class 66's must be lying around, yes some are exported but not all.
Are we really going to get to the point where the class 37's in service are passing class 66's that are in storage?
Is that an orange box I see? Look's like INTERCITY Swallow Liveried ex Spa Valley Railway 37254 isn't far off returning to the mainline, possibly in it's current livery as well.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/captainkez/24273209715/