NEW MOVES AND CHANGES

■ Getting ready for the new season, Class 33/0 33053 was out on February 27 undergoing crew training at the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, while 33108 has been out and about on P Way duties at the Severn Valley Railway during lockdown.

■ 40145 enjoyed a trip out on the main line for Locomotive Services Ltd on March 8, working a Crewe – Euston ECS top and tail with 90002 Wolf of Badenoch. The 90 then took the train back to Crewe with the 40 on the rear. It has been confirmed by the Class 40 Preservation Society that 40145 is to remain with LSL for another year and will be repainted into green during this time. Sadly, it looks like there will be no ‘Staycation Express’ activity for the 40 this year as LSL has announced it will be a 2+5 HST set.

■ Following on from the recent departure of 37674 from the Wensleydale Railway comes the movement of 37503, which only arrived in late 2019. Although restoration had been ongoing (including an engine removal) it was, like 37674, not a fit for the railway’s new traction policy so it departed on March 8 for pastures new.

■ Great Central Railway-based 37714 is due to move to Loram at Derby for planned winter maintenance and some warranty work. August 25 is the 60th anniversary of 37714’s entry into traffic (as D6724) so there are indications that August 21 may see some 37 action at the GCR.

■ GBRf-liveried 50007 Hercules has been assisting with the testing of new Class 69, 69001, at the SVR. Meanwhile, keeping the flag flying for main line work, 50049 was in action on March 1 taking redundant HST Mk 3 coaching stock from Gascoigne Wood sidings to Sims Metal at Newport Docks for disposal.