UK rail industry rallies to support Ukraine
THE UK rail industry has joined together to facilitate sending more than a million items of aid to Ukraine, in response to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
UK Rail for Ukraine, a crossindustry initiative set up by volunteers in early February, brought together large quantities of humanitarian aid from across the country. A first aid train left the UK in April on a special DB Cargo service bound for Ukraine, carrying more than 1500 tonnes of aid, including non-perishable food, hygiene and medical products, and basic living equipment.
The aid was transported in 24 shipping containers loaded on a
500m train. DBC No. 60099, which hauled the train on the first part of its journey, has been given a special livery of a large Ukrainian flag and the slogan #WeStandWithUkraine.
Another special livery was revealed on April 6, when GB Railfreight presented No. 66708 with large blue and yellow side stripes and named the loco Glory to Ukraine.
This month’s Rail Express Modeller includes a special feature on modelling this loco – see page M24.