More ex-LNER Mk 4s now stored at Worksop

Another rake of former LNER Mk 4s arrived at Worksop for storage at Harry Needle Railroad Company’s facility on June 6, taking the number of Mk 4s there to 129.

It has been suggested that up to 60 could leave in the next few weeks. They are likely to be sent for scrap.

The latest set to arrive was

BN03, formed of Kitchen Buffet Standard (RSB) 10320, Open First (FO) 11277, 11403, Open First Disabled (FOD) 11303, Trailer Standard End (TSOE) 12201, Trailer Standard Disabled (TSOD) 12301,

Trailer Standard Opens (TSO) 12401/459/478 and Driving Van Trailer (DVT) 82219.

This leaves ten of the original 30 rakes of Mk 4s still with LNER, although it’s understood that a further three could move to Worksop this year.

LNER is planning to retain 13 Class 91s and up to ten rakes of coaches to cover for its increased timetable that is due to come into force from December 2021.

The ‘91s’ and Mk 4s are owned by Eversholt Rail and have been replaced by Hitachi Class 800/801

Azumas. Currently seven ‘91s’ are stored at Doncaster Royal Mail Terminal (91104/112/113/116/118/ 129/131), while 91103/132 are at Bounds Green. 91108 has been stripped at Wabtec Rail, Doncaster.

The next two scheduled to be removed from traffic are

91121 and 91126 Darlington Hippodrome. Others to leave

LNER are 91117/120 (at Leicester, destined for export to eastern Europe with Europhoenix) and 91122/128 (also at Leicester and used for Midland Main Line electrification testing).