Wagon News

Rise of the Stegosaurus

DB Cargo is to convert a further 29 BYA covered steel carriers into open wagons for the conveyance of hot rolled steel coils. This follows trials with the prototype conversion 966050, which was completed in March and subsequently deployed on a number of flows to gain feedback from Tata Steel.

With the retractable canopy and ends removed, the new side pieces fitted have earned the wagon the nickname of ‘Stegosaurus’ due to their resemblance to the plates on the back of the dinosaur.

Conversion of the production batch is now underway at DB’S Stoke wagon works which, by removing the internal dividers, will also allow the conveyance of steel slab if required.

More deliveries

Delivery of a new batch of Astra Railbuilt JNA-T box wagons commenced on July 29, with 18 of the 42-strong order moving from Dollands Moor to Wembley.

Finished in mid-blue with VTG logos, GBRF’S 92032 was in charge of 81 70 5500 958-971/973-976. Meanwhile, 10 more shortened HHA hoppers were released from WH Davis on August 10, 66599 hauling 370251/53/57/62/94 and 370359/67/72/80/92 from Shirebrook to Gascoigne Wood.

Weedkiller debut

Network Rail’s new loco-hauled weedkiller set was placed into main line service from August 9, GB Railfreight providing 73107 and 73109 to top and tail KFAS VTG95378-80. Forming the 3W75 15:03 Tonbridge West Yard-tonbridge West Yard, the sevenhour circuit was routed via Swanley, Sittingbourne, Victoria, Sevenoaks and Cambria Junction.

Beilhack overhauls

Two pairs of overhauled Beilhack snowploughs have been released in quick succession from the Kilmarnock workshops of Brodie Rail. First away on July 27 were ADB965580 and ADB965581, these heading for Doncaster West Yard via a layover at Carlisle and subsequent overnight journey via Hexham. 57002 and 57003 were provided as power, and they were in charge again on August 10 when the 7Z98 15:24 Kilmarnock-basford Hall was formed of ADB965576 and ADB965577. However, 57003 was removed at Kingmoor with problems during the layover, leaving 57002 to go it alone through the night to Crewe.

OTP on the move

Network Rail’s second Linsinger SF06-UK milling unit arrived in the UK during mid-july, DR79104/05 moving by road from the docks to the East Lancashire Railway to undergo commissioning. Meanwhile, extensively fire damaged Matisa B41UE tamper DR75410 was hauled from Tonbridge West Yard to Ashford plant depot by 73141 and 73201 on July 13, where it will be stripped for parts by Balfour Beatty and then scrapped.

HOBC for store

A number of Plasser & Theurer high output ballast wagons were moved from Eastleigh to Long Marston on August 2. Powered by 37425, the 6Y03 06:46 departure was routed via Reading West, Swindon, Bath and Yate, and included NPW-RT materials handling train power wagons DR92285 and DR92286. Also in the consist were MFS-SB swivel conveyor wagons DR92287-89 and MFS-D hopper wagons DR92295/96/98/99 and DR92300-02.

Dean Parsons After the failure of Transport for Wales Class 769 unit 769452 at Llanbradach while working 2D13 the 13:07 Penarth to Bargoed service on August 7, 37418 An Comunn Gaidhealach was sent from Rhymney to rescue the unit after all attempts to revive it had failed. The stricken unit was then hauled by the Class 37/4 to Rhymney, although the move was restricted to 5mph, causing considerable disruption to other services in the area. In fading evening light, the 769 is pictured being shunted at Rhymney after arrival from Llanbradach.

Chris Morrison DRS Regional Railways liveried 37425 Sir Robert Mcalpine / Concrete Bob passes Evesham with 6Y03, the 06:46 Eastleigh to Long Marston conveying a high output ballast cleaner for storage on August 2.

The prototype Stegosaurus wagon 966050 is seen at Stoke following conversion. DB Cargo