DBC modifies ‘Megafret' fleet

DB Cargo has commenced modifications to its FKA ‘Megafret’ container flats, apparently adjusting the location of some of the container spigots.

The revised wagons are gaining the new TOPS code FOA, notably the second use of this code after the pair of BAAs converted in the 1980s and early 1990s to carry nuclear flasks from the experimental reactor complex at Winfrith.

The upgrades take about two weeks, with the first five examples arriving at the former Marcroft Engineering site in Stoke-on-Trent on February 5.

At the end of February, some 15 FKAs had been allocated to the new

FOA identity on TOPS, as follows: Arrive Stoke February 5, depart February 17 (Nos. 81 70 4908 015-0, 81 70 4908 028-3, 81 70 4908 097-8, 81 70 4908 135-6); Arrive Stoke February 5, depart February 19 (No. 81 70 4908 063-0); Arrive Stoke February 19, depart February 26 (Nos. 81 70 4908 0002, 81 70 4908 044-0, 81 70 4908 061-4, 81 70 4908 132-3); Others reclassified on TOPS (Nos. 81 70

4908 024-2, 81 70 4908 055-6, 81 70 4908 068-9, 81 70 4908 077-0, 81 70 4908 100-0, 81 70 4908 122-4).

■ WIA five-unit car carrier set (UIC code Seefoors) No. 85 70 4971 0075, which arrived at Stoke on January 13 (see last issue), departed on the Arpley ‘tripper’ on February 3 after its overhaul. It swapped places with

No. 85 70 4971 001-8, which returned to Warrington on the 17th, although its scheduled maintenance was not completed, reportedly due to a lack of new wheelsets. The WIA will return to the Stoke wagon works when the parts are available.