DRS reviews diesel locomotive ownership

DIRECT Rail Services is understood to be handing back five Class 66 locomotives to lessor Beacon Rail.

In a surprise move, Nos. 66301-305 are believed to be going off-lease as part of an ongoing modernisation and rationalisation exercise by the train operator that has already seen it sell off a significant proportion of its ‘heritage’ locomotives.

Separately, DRS has also tendered for the sale and lease back of 10 Class 37 locos.

The purchaser would lease the ‘Growlers’ straight back to DRS for an agreed term of around two years.