Busy times for HNRC
An engineering study and assessment of former Network Rail 73951/952 will be undertaken by their new owner, Harry Needle Railroad Company, to ascertain the best way to return them to traffic.
The extensively rebuilt electro-diesels were bought from Network Rail by HNRC last year and were moved to HNRC’S Worksop facility on January 12, having been stored at the Severn Valley Railway since last May. HNRC has suggested in the past that they could be used as super shunter locomotives once they have been reactivated.
Meanwhile, HNRC managing director Harry Needle told Railways Illustrated that work on other members of the company’s fleet continues. At Worksop, 37609 is currently undergoing bodywork and power unit repairs, while 37602 is in the process of receiving new wheelsets at Barrow Hill. Both Class 37/6s were bought from Direct Rail Services in recent years and are set to return to the main line for hire purposes. Also at Barrow Hill, HNRC is carrying out E-exams on 20311/314 before making them available for hire, while 20906 has returned from Hope Cement Works for new bogies and a new engine.
As for the company’s shunter fleet, 08700, which had been on hire at Ilford depot for many years, has returned to HNRC and, following repairs, has now begun work as the shed pilot at Worksop. Meanwhile, 08877 is due to undergo tyre-turning before receiving a D-exam and re-entering traffic.
Elsewhere, 08527 is undergoing repairs to a shifted crank as well as receiving an E-exam and 08653, currently at Shackerstone, is undergoing bodywork repairs and will also receive a new engine.
HNRC continues to also carry out work for other operators. At Worksop, new wheels are being fitted to 57002, which has been at the site for several months and is destined for Locomotive Services Group. At Barrow Hill, former HNRC locomotives 20901/905 are now owned by Balfour Beatty and are being prepared for their new owner.
LSG’S 37401 has also arrived at Barrow Hill for an E-exam, while the company’s 45118 is now nearing the end of its overhaul to return it to main line standards. The Class 45 is currently being fitted with GSM-R and undergoing load bank testing.