New Class 68s enter traffic with Direct Rail Services

Direct Rail Services’ latest two Class 68s entered traffic on May 3, although initially their maiden trips were as light locomotives.

First to leave Carlisle Kingmoor, where they have been undergoing commissioning since arriving on March 30 ( RAIL 824), was 68027.

It ran light to Mountsorrel before hauling the 0945 aggregates train to Carlisle, running via the East Coast Main Line and Tyne Valley.

On the same day, 68026 went north to Mossend light, returning with 68001 Evolution. It was expected to enter traffic on a Grangemouth-Daventry intermodal operated by DRS using pairs of ‘68s’.

Both locomotives were built by Stadler in Valencia, and are the first of a batch of nine ordered by DRS for delivery this year. They will be joined in due course by 6802868034. Up to 68030 have been undergoing testing at Valencia, ahead of shipping to the UK.

The two new locomotives are part of the fleet that will go on hire to TransPennine Express next year (68019-68032).

SEAN WHITE. Direct Rail Services 68027 passes Gateshead Metro Centre on May 4, with the 0945 Mountsorrel-Carlisle loaded ballast train. This is currently the highest-numbered Class 68 in traffic with DRS, having entered traffic the day before.