Shunter News
Freightliner
After only a month at LH Group Services, 08624 was released from repairs during the first week of June and sent on its way to Trafford Park. As a result, the 19-month residency of 08530 at the Manchester container terminal came to an end, it heading back south to Bartonunder-needwood.
HNRC
After four years at the East Kent Railway, 08799 departed on May 28 bound for the Battlefield Line. Unloaded the following day, it is now undergoing contract repairs.
Meteor Power
Former Wolverton Works pilot 08629 ended its stay at the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway on June 3, having been based there since February last year. Taken to the road transfer pad at Knighton Junction, it was tripped the short distance to Leicester LIP six days later by 20118 and 20901. The loco was acquired by Meteor Power at the same time as 08649, which was last heard of undergoing conversion into a hybrid demonstrator at the firm’s base near Silverstone. It is understood that 08629 may have been sold to Europhoenix.
Network Rail
Early June saw Network Rail make 08417 available for sale via competitive tender. Out of service for several years, it was moved from the Derby RTC to Peak Rail back in March with the sale document stating that it is missing engine components. Bids were due to be submitted by early July.
Railway Support Services
A repaired 08460 was returned to Felixstowe on May 27 after a month away to allow a variety of repairs to be carried out at Wishaw. This included fitting a fully overhauled radiator assembly. In turn, 08846 was released to resume its hire duties with GB Railfreight at Whitemoor Yard. A new location for a RSS shunter is Whatley Quarry, to where 08730 was delivered from Wishaw on June 2. This is providing cover for the General Motors ‘switcher’ 120 which was transferred to Merehead by road during the same week.
RMS Locotec
With newly arrived 08870 bedded in, 08588 was collected from Great Yarmouth on June 10 and taken to Ilford depot in East London. This allowed 08871 to depart for Wolsingham and a general overhaul the following day after a stay of just over three years.