GBRF confirms conversion of Class 56s to Class 69s

[The_Train]

Reported on WNXX, 69004 worked yesterdays 2245 0Z69 Tonbridge West Yard to Abbey Wood (Crossrail) and 0440 0Z70 return trial run, the trial in anticipation of a 69 being outstationed at Abbey Wood for Crossrail cover and stock movements once the additional stock equipment fitted locos are available

So it wasn't to test loco hauled stock to be used for the extra services from Old Oak Common for the HS2 connection then?

 

[ExRes]

So it wasn't to test loco hauled stock to be used for the extra services from Old Oak Common for the HS2 connection then?

Extra services? you sad fool, didn't you know that 69s are going to be the HS2 traction provider

 

[Class15]

Extra services? you sad fool, didn't you know that 69s are going to be the HS2 traction provider

With some good old Mk1s behind please

 

[The_Train]

Extra services? you sad fool, didn't you know that 69s are going to be the HS2 traction provider

is that what the mods were? To allow 180mph running?

On a side note to this exciting development, has anyone heard how the preliminary checks on the Class 60 at Longport have gone for potential conversion work?

 

[33056]

Operational with FLOYD Hungary (3 locos):
56101/115/117

56117 has never worked in Hungary; 56101 is 659 001 and 56115 is 659 002 and are now owned by V-Hid

 

[gingertom]

With some good old Mk1s behind please

I'd heard 442s...

 

[The_Train]

I'd heard 442s...

Would make sense considering the amount of money spent refurbishing them......

 

[sprinterguy]

56117 has never worked in Hungary; 56101 is 659 001 and 56115 is 659 002 and are now owned by V-Hid

Ah, fair play - I'm not terribly familiar with the situation regarding specific UK locos on the continent, just assumed all three were operational.

 

[33056]

Ah, fair play - I'm not terribly familiar with the situation regarding specific UK locos on the continent, just assumed all three were operational.

Up until around five years ago, 56117 was round the back of the depot at Budapest-Keleti, still in Fertis livery and carrying its 56 number (it might still be there).
I believe it was meant to become 659 003 but nothing ever progressed with this.

 

[The_Train]

According to https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R03493/2023-06-03/detailed 69001 has ventured to Carlisle today. Is this the furthest north a 69 has gone? Anyone know what it's doing up there and any planned return workings?

 

[Class15]

According to https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R03493/2023-06-03/detailed 69001 has ventured to Carlisle today. Is this the furthest north a 69 has gone? Anyone know what it's doing up there and any planned return workings?

They’ve been to Scotland on weed killer trains.

 

[The_Train]

They’ve been to Scotland on weed killer trains.

Ah right! Maybe 001 has gone up to replace another on that job then?

 

[fgwrich]

They’ve been to Scotland on weed killer trains.

Indeed, They’ve (69002 / 005) recently worked the Slateford circuit. I believe they were swapped for RETB fitted 66s for the Inverness / Far North lines though. Not my video but here is the pair at Dalmeny:

 

[Class15]

Ah right! Maybe 001 has gone up to replace another on that job then?

Not sure about that but it’s possible.

 

[cj_1985]

Think 002 and 005 moved south, then over to Bescot. So no other 69s up north needing replaced

 

[Jacob Porrett]

69002 and 69005 are working 3Q98 today from Toton TMD to Coleham Depot.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

3Q98 with 69005/002 passing through Telford Central today (5/6/23)

 

[Jacob Porrett]

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U02225/2023-06-06/detailed 69005/002 tomorrow if anyone is interested.

 

[ExRes]

69008 solo on the late starting 0815 0O60 Longport FD to Eastleigh Works GBRf

 

[978wta]

Has 007 emerged from the paint shop yet?

 

[Sun Chariot]

Has 007 emerged from the paint shop yet?

..with a fetching brickwork livery?
007
The name's Bond.
Flemish Bond.

 

[Class15]

Has 007 emerged from the paint shop yet?

It did, rather a while ago, in BR blue.

 

[ExRes]

Has 007 emerged from the paint shop yet?

Numerous pictures on Flickr back to January/February

 

[Jacob Porrett]

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:65794/2023-06-06/detailed 69002/005 worked this today on a Colas working which is interesting.

 

[Class15]

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:65794/2023-06-06/detailed 69002/005 worked this today on a Colas working which is interesting.

I see Colas likes the look of more 56s, even if they’re not quite… 56s

 

[Jacob Porrett]

I see Colas likes the look of more 56s, even if they’re not quite… 56s

It was a bit strange really. 97303 worked last nights 3Q98 from Coleham to Coleham via the Marches line which I thought the 69s were going to do but obviously didn't. It was a GBRF working as well which was odd for a NR/CRF 97 to work on it.

 

[fgwrich]

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:65794/2023-06-06/detailed 69002/005 worked this today on a Colas working which is interesting.

Not necessarily crewed or operated by Colas though. If they’ve asked GBRf to work it for them (eg Colas didn’t have an operational loco or crew in the area at the time), it’ll be GB crewed throughout.

 

[The_Train]

It had been rumoured that Colas were going to lease a 69 or two as a test for their workload so this could be that. Maybe there will be some Yellow and Orange 56s heading into Longport soon........

 

[northernbelle]

It had been rumoured that Colas were going to lease a 69 or two as a test for their workload so this could be that. Maybe there will be some Yellow and Orange 56s heading into Longport soon........

Interestingly the 69s recently operating the weedkiller circuits in Devon have been crewed by Colas (assuming the branding on their HVs was correct!)

 

[Ashley Hill]

Interestingly the 69s recently operating the weedkiller circuits in Devon have been crewed by Colas (assuming the branding on their HVs was correct!)

69004 and 003 are in Exeter Riverside this evening.