Network Rail takes on DRS Mk.2 coaches

Former ScotRail coaches join the national infrastructure manager’s fleet.

SIX Mk.2 ‘air con’ TSOs which last saw use with ScotRail on Fife Circle services in 2020 have been moved into Network Rail’s QRSV pool and taken to Cardiff Canton to be prepared for use with the company. The coaches were hauled south from Motherwell, where they had been stored since the cessation of loco-hauled services on the Cardenden loop, by No. 37716 on August 26.

RETENTION TANKS FITTED

Like the five former Caledonian Sleeper coaches leased from Eastern

Rail Services, these Mk.2s have an advantage over many other vehicles, as they already have retention tanks fitted, making them ideal for use on trains where staff are needed to be present. Their exact role has yet to be revealed.

DRS still has 20 Mk.2 coaches on its books (see table), although the only ones that have seen regular use over the past year are the four which are used as escort coaches, primarily on nuclear trains. The others have been surplus since their replacement in East Anglia and on the Cumbrian Coast, as well as in Scotland.

■ Four other coaches (TSO Nos. 5810, 5919, 6046 and BSO No. 9525) were sold by DRS to Loram earlier this year, of which the BSO is expected to join the Rail Operations Group fleet.

Cameron Walker DRS’ Class 37 No. 37716 threads the six Mk.2 coaches though Beck Foot, Cumbria, working the 5V22 Carlisle Kingmoor-Cardiff Canton ecs move on August 26.