WEEK REVIEW ~ 17th December 2015
Harry here, covering the last Weekly Review before Christmas! And my last post this week!
Following on from a fire at London Marylebone station at approximately 20:30 on Friday 11th December, it's confirmed that the fire damaged the air-conditioning unit and part of the carriage itself. Thankfully no one was harmed. 82302 was the set for the record and 12094 (Banbury set) was involved.
Station Manager Paul Hobbs said: “The fire affected one of the train’s carriages but crews worked quickly to put it out. Around 500 people were evacuated from the station.”
Station Manager Paul Hobbs said: “The fire affected one of the train’s carriages but crews worked quickly to put it out. Around 500 people were evacuated from the station.”
37425 is making its way to Angkia, to replace 37405 which needs Maintenance. 37419/422 are on the short set. Abellio Greater Anglia Mark 3 coaches 12060 + 11070 are now away for repaint. 90009 returned from Overhaul and Repaint (with a new transformer, following power issues earlier this year) on Tuesday, as expected. This was followed by an exam on Wednesday at Crown Point, before being on test runs the following day - Which Andy L captured! It looka great, and will be even better when it's sunny! That's something to look forward to on its own ;-)
FLYING SCOTSMAN (BUILT IN 1923):
Since 1963 (when owned by Alan Pegler), the iconic "Flying Scotsman" has continued to be preserved, but it's just received an investment of £4.2 million to keep it alive! From January 6th 2016, it will undergo tests at the East Lancashire Railway, ahead of a mainline outing between Manchester/Carlisle (via Ribbleshead viaduct). Prior to operating from Kings Cross to York, at speeds of up to 100mph, it will be repainted into its traditional green livery on 10th February. The engine was bought for the nation in 2004 using £415,000 in public donations, a £365,000 gift from Sir Richard Branson and a £1.8m grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. The restored engine had been due to return to York four years ago, but it was delayed after cracks were found in the chassis.
Since 1963 (when owned by Alan Pegler), the iconic "Flying Scotsman" has continued to be preserved, but it's just received an investment of £4.2 million to keep it alive! From January 6th 2016, it will undergo tests at the East Lancashire Railway, ahead of a mainline outing between Manchester/Carlisle (via Ribbleshead viaduct). Prior to operating from Kings Cross to York, at speeds of up to 100mph, it will be repainted into its traditional green livery on 10th February. The engine was bought for the nation in 2004 using £415,000 in public donations, a £365,000 gift from Sir Richard Branson and a £1.8m grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. The restored engine had been due to return to York four years ago, but it was delayed after cracks were found in the chassis.
THE HST GROUP: Buffet 10206, SO 12092 and First Class 11074 have been bought by The 125 Group.
- 10206 is ex-Virgin, and was a spares donor and training vehicle in East Anglia although it never saw mainline use.
- 12092 is also ex-Virgin and National Express East Anglia, as well as ScotRail. However, it too did not ever go into public service in Anglia and was also a spares donor - one of the reasons its been sold on understandably.
- 125GROUP: 'Purchased from Porterbrook Leasing on 1st January 2015, 12092 was moved from Long Marston to Ruddington on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on 28th March 2015 and following repairs, safety checks and a heavy clean re-entered service on 11th July 2015. The vehicle is currently fitted with 76 standard seats featuring a mix of airline style and bays of four around tables in 2+2 configuration. The interior is in an excellent condition and the seat covers have all been removed and deep cleaned which has made a big difference to the overall appearance of the interior. The toilets are also in a good condition and are in working order.'
- 11074 has mostly been stored since used at Virgin Trains West Coast (before Pendolino days).
NETWORK RAIL:
In order to improve safety at level crossings, and to overall reduce the amount of vehicle collision incidents that occur on the network, more than 60 'open' level crossings have now been fitted with a new barrier system, to prevent cars passing onto tracks when they shouldn't. For example, the barriers at Brewster Lane and Matt Pitts Lane in Skegness (Lincolnshire) were introduced this month, as the final two of 66 crossings which have been upgraded as part of a three year national programme.
VIRGIN:
The fleet refurbishment programme has begun! The first HST has begun to be overhauled, due to be complete by the New Year!
