More Mk.3 stock heads to the scrapyard

Former Greater Anglia and GWR stock disposed of.

THE disposal of redundant Mk.3 stock to Sims Metals at Newport Docks is continuing and, by late March, more than 40 vehicles had arrived at the scrap metal processing site for scrapping.

Following on from the move of six coaches on February 20, another six former Great Anglia vehicles were dispatched for scrap on March 12.

No. 37401 Mary Queen of Scots was used for the move, the 5Z37/08.42 Norwich Crown Point-Sims, Newport. Included in the consist was TSO(B)

No. 10402, the first Mk.3a microbuffet to be disposed of. With Greater Anglia’s dispensation for operating Mk.3 slam-door stock expiring on

April 1, further disposals are expected in the coming weeks.

Of the three rakes disposed of from Long Marston in March, the first two were collected by No. 47813 Jack Frost. The move on March 17, which was made up entirely of catering vehicles, was hauled by

Nos. 20311+20314, which have been hired fromHNRC by Rail Operations Group.

Five coaches arrived on March 19 behind Nos. 37521/667 running as the 5Z15/11.11 Crewe-Newport Docks. All five were previously part of

LNER’s set EC64, and had been moved from Tyne Yard to Crewe on January 29 (Nos. 41062/154) and March 11 (Nos. 42123/125/335).

■ PORTERBROOK has donated a pair of Mk.3 coaches to Crewe Heritage Centre, which will be displayed with No. 87035 to show a short WCML train set. DVT No. 82118 and SO

No. 12114 have both recently been retired from service by Greater

Anglia, and will be moved to Crewe by Locomotive Services.