CFPS remains committed to main line operations

DESPITE the cessation of its contract with Locomotive Services earlier this year, the Class 40 Preservation Society has affirmed its commitment to running No. D345 (40145) on Network Rail metals, and says it is speaking to several parties who are interested in using the loco on the main line.

A new engineering team has been appointed, headed by a couple of people who are already well known in the diesel preservation world – David Peacock, who was previously CFPS engineer prior to 2010, and Alex Williams, former head of mechanical engineering for the Deltic Preservation Society. Later in 2022, it will be 20 years since No. D345 regained its main line certification.

The new team have also set a target of three years to have

No. 40135 back in service – the splitbox ‘Whistler’ has been stopped at Bury with a damaged crankshaft since 2020. A power unit lift and full engine strip will be required.

Outgoing CFPS chairman John Stephens, who received a standing ovation at the AGM on April 23, thanked the various members who have stepped forward to form a new committee to help share the workload in running the Society.

One of the first decisions to be made by the new team relates to the future of No. 40106 Atlantic Conveyor, and whether it should return to the East Lancashire Railway at the end of May as planned, or remain at the Severn Valley Railway, where its steam heat capability has resulted in it seeing frequent ‘Thunderbird’ use in recent months.