Direct Rail Service loco at Dunkeld & Birnam?

[enginedin]

There is relatively* frequently a DRS loco at Dunkeld & Birnam, but I'm not sure I can work out why. If I had to guess I assume it's to rescue stranded broken down trains on the single track sections north of there, but why not have it at Perth where it could then also be used for the Aberdeen line more easily, and presumably closer to a driver (unless DRS conveniently have a driver who lives in Dunkeld!). Is there likely to be any other explanation?

* relatively is, of course, subjective - I notice it when I drive past but that might not mean it's there the majority of the time!

 

[hexagon789]

There is relatively* frequently a DRS loco at Dunkeld & Birnam, but I'm not sure I can work out why. If I had to guess I assume it's to rescue stranded broken down trains on the single track sections north of there, but why not have it at Perth where it could then also be used for the Aberdeen line more easily, and presumably closer to a driver (unless DRS conveniently have a driver who lives in Dunkeld!). Is there likely to be any other explanation?

* relatively is, of course, subjective - I notice it when I drive past but that might not mean it's there the majority of the time!

If it's 66122 it's been there since Saturday the 6th when it was removed to Dunkeld & Birnam after failing at Blair Atholl the previous afternoon (Friday the 5th July) with a seized traction motor, paralysing the Highland Main Line for the best part of 24 hours.

66122 was still observed at D&B on the 20th, so it wouldn't surprise me if it was still there:

Why is 66422 at dunkeld?

Just passed Dunkeld on my way Home and seen a DRS class 66 light loco parked up in the siding, I’m pretty sure it said 66422, there is no information of it heading there at any point, does anyone know how it got there and why?

www.railforums.co.uk

Its 66122 not 66422. Dumped there on Saturday afternoon by 68005 after suffering a seized traction motor at Blair Atholl on Friday afternoon while heading 4D47 Inverness-Mossend and blocking the Highland Main Line for 24 hours, needed a wheelskate fitted to allow recovery.

 

[Towers]

That’ll be leaving on a low loader, presumably - assuming it’s accessible there?

 

[TheLancsNinja]

If it's 66122 it's been there since Saturday the 6th when it was removed to Dunkeld & Birnam after failing at Blair Atholl the previous afternoon (Friday the 5th July) with a seized traction motor, paralysing the Highland Main Line for the best part of 24 hours.

66122 was still observed at D&B on the 20th, so it wouldn't surprise me if it was still there:

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/why-is-66422-at-dunkeld.270525/post-6843239[/UR

Having just been past on a Northbound service today, 122 is very much still sat there looking somewhat forlorn! As for recovery, Google Maps seems to indicate road access to the sidings is possible, but whether a wagon capable of carrying a 127 ton loco is able to manoeuvre in and out is another question entirely...

 

[hexagon789]

Having just been past on a Northbound service today, 122 is very much still sat there looking somewhat forlorn! As for recovery, Google Maps seems to indicate road access to the sidings is possible, but whether a wagon capable of carrying a 127 ton loco is able to manoeuvre in and out is another question entirely...

Oh dear, so it is 122 from a few weeks back then? I suppose it's quite an awkward thing to shift, both by rail and by road.

 

[marks87]

Having just been past on a Northbound service today, 122 is very much still sat there looking somewhat forlorn! As for recovery, Google Maps seems to indicate road access to the sidings is possible, but whether a wagon capable of carrying a 127 ton loco is able to manoeuvre in and out is another question entirely...

It's right next to the A9 and the car park access road seems wide enough. Maybe something to be done overnight with a closure of the A9 (local diversion through Birnham) to help with manoeuvring.

 

[matchmaker]

Lot of activity around it when I passed Dunkeld today.

 

[enginedin]

It's not there anymore...

 

[Morayshire]

Link to the other thread about this loco

It left Dunkeld on the 9th and limped as far as Stirling where it gave up. Now currently sat in the sidings - confirmed there today - see quote from the other thread below

Still there today. Just to the south of Stirling Middle in the engineering sidings.

 

[D365]

It appears that there is a concurrent discussion taking place here.