Anglia Short Set: DEVELOPMENTS
Jan 2015: Additional Mk2 coaches arrive in the form of 5919 and 5971, en-route from Crewe to Crown Point. As well as this, 47790 also transferred over on loan. Brake van 17159 was swapped for 9525 instead, which has more seats. Carriages on loan at this time: 5919/5971/5995 /6001/6008*/6117*/9525 (all in DRS livery). *: Spare, Stored at Dereham.
June 2015: 37405/25 both arrive to take over on the first short set (the only operational set at this time). The Class 47s, which previously hauled the set, were on their final trips on 16th June - Steve got some snaps of the 47s last full day. Andy.July 2016: Class 68s (016/22) take over on the second short set, hauling IC livery MK2 coaches. This is to cover for 170204 which is out of service damaged causing a lack of stock on rural services. SPRING 2017 UPDATE: The RAIB release the report into 170204s collision. This unit continues to receive repairs.
The 68 is used for the Norwich to Yarmouth via Acle (one service via Berney Arms, non-stop though to Reedham due to platform constraints) and Norwich to Lowestoft line. There are Anglia rail liveried MK2s on this set, 5921/5995 for the main seating and BSO 9520 for the emergency equipment and guards area.
On February 23rd 2017, the short sets both took a trip from Norwich south on the Great Eastern Mainline in passenger service - away from their usual patch because of a fault with the overhead wire electrics (infamous #StormDoris), meaning that the IC sets couldn't be used. The 37 set went on the 15:30 and the 68 set on the 16:00 down to Liverpool Street (both only going as far as Colchester). This is the third time this has occured, the previous occasions were both last year - the 37 set was on a railtour for charity, and the 68 set took a trip also down to Colchester before because there was a lack of stock. Harry.
March 2016: 82136 and 2 AGA Mk3s stand in on the 37 short set, whilst Mk2s go away for tyre turning.On September 8th, we bid goodbye to the Class 68 hauled set which is currently leased to Greater Anglia from DRS. This is because Greater Anglia are now at full capacity with their rural fleet. They added:
"The Class 68 locomotives have been used on some weekday passenger services between Norwich and Great Yarmouth/Lowestoft since Summer 2016, firstly to cover for a train needing long term repairs (170204) and latterly to provide cover during the roll out of Greater Anglia’s innovative Wheel Slip Protection modification programme for its Class 156 diesel units (an initiative which makes the trains’ wheels less susceptible to damage, thereby improving reliability, especially during the challenging autumn period when track conditions can be difficult)."
However, a farewell tour took place on Saturday 16th September, with proceeds going to the East Anglia Children's Hospices. This special charter will operate from Norwich (10:20d) to Ely (a11:28), Ely (11:15d) to Norwich (A12:55), Norwich (d13:33) to Liverpool Street (a15:34) and finally as 16:24 Liverpool Street to Norwich (a18:21).
A similar charter train was operated last April for the same cause, but that was operated by class 37s. Click here for more information.
OTHER SHORT SET POSTS, NOT INCLUDED HERE:
- Class 37s arrive for the Short Set, to take over from 47s.
