Additions to Grand Central’s Class 90 fleet

GRAND Central No. 90026, shown off in its new paint scheme in the last issue (page 9), has seen a subtle livery modification done at Crewe DMD with the bodyside stripe being reworked in a richer shade of orange.

The ‘90’ was then joined in the new colours by classmate No. 90029, which was outshopped from Toton in midMarch, moving to Crewe on the 19th with Nos. 67006, 67016 and 66080. Its place at Toton was taken by No. 90020, the next locomotive destined to receive GC’s black and orange.

Meanwhile, the first few days of March saw training runs for the Grand Central open access service begin, with Nos. 90019 and 90036 ‘top and tailing’ six Mk.4s on a Crewe-Blackpool and return diagram, the pair working the set throughout the month.

Steve Sienkiewicz GC-liveried No. 90026 undertook its first loaded test runs in the new look on March 30, seen arriving at Kirkham& Wesham with the 5Z90/11.30 Blackpool North to Crewe. No. 90039 was attached to the rear of the train.