Caledonian Sleeper

The first passenger-carrying trip using Caledonian Sleeper Mk 5s ran from Glasgow Central on April 10.

Invited guests were able to sample the new coaches. Built by CAF, they will enter traffic on Sleeper services between London Euston-Glasgow Central/Edinburgh, and Euston-Aberdeen/Fort William/ Inverness, replacing Mk 2s dating from the 1970s and Mk 3s dating from the 1980s.

The first trip departed Glasgow Central at 0957, running via Shotts to Edinburgh Waverley. It then ran to Portobello Junction (near Edinburgh), before returning to the capital. The next part of the trip was a run to Townhill Down Goods Loop (near Dunfermline), before returning to Glasgow Central via Falkirk High and Coatbridge.

The stock had been due in traffic last summer, but was delayed until October. A further delay was confirmed, with no official date announced for the first revenue-earning trains. This is now expected to be end of May or early June.

The trains are operated by GB Railfreight. Over the past 18 months, 12 Class 92s and six Class 73/9s have been modified to haul the new coaches. They have been fitted with new Dellner couplings and electronics, which include additional safety features, improved on-train communication and power upgrades to power the new stock’s air-conditioning, on-board showers, and catering facilities.

“We have worked closely to ensure that our guests will be able to experience the best possible service,” said Caledonian Sleeper Managing Director Ryan Flaherty.

GBRf Managing Director John Smith said: “The successful delivery of these locomotives and the drivers for the Caledonian Sleeper service demonstrates the value and skills in our rail service business.

“It has been an exciting partnership with Serco and CAF, and the end result is a transformed service for passengers. We’re very proud of our involvement in helping to secure this service between Scotland and England for years to come.”

As this issue of RAIL went to press, only seven of the 75 Mk 5s ordered had yet to be delivered to Scotland.

GRAHAM SCOTT. Caledonian Sleeper 73971 crosses Jamestown Viaduct (near North Queensferry) on April 10, with the return leg of the launch of the CS Mk 5s. The stock will enter traffic in the next few weeks, although an exact date has not yet been confirmed.