More Mk.3s for Northumbria Rail

HST trailers have joined the project led by Northumbria Rail to form a set of Mk.3 coaches for use with Class 442 DTS 77382. Most recently used by East Midlands Railway, former LNER buffet 40711 and TF 41095 have been transferred to a private site in Northumberland for initial storage, these moving in early October from Ely Papworth and Burton respectively.

Following its delivery and some improvisation, 40711 was able to take a bit of charge – enough to be able to check some of the general circuits on the vehicle. A compressor feed was also set up to the main res train pipe, which charged the systems on both 40711 and 41095. A couple of leaks from the levelling valves on the bogies were discovered but the air suspension did inflate. Both vehicles are in excellent internal condition. Northumbria Rail is also in negotiations for the possible acquisition of one or two Class 43 HST power cars to join its expanding fleet. The preservationists hope to be able to restore and run a train, using a HST power car at one end of their train of restored Mk.3 HST trailers and recently-preserved Class 442 DTS 77382 at the other end.

Northumbria Rail Northumbria Rail Looking in decent condition following their move to a private site, Northumbria Rail’s HST Mk 3 Trailer Buffet 40711 and TF 41095 are pictured on October 10. These coaches were last in service with East Midlands Railways but still carry Virgin Trains East COAST/LNER colours. The interior of the two new Northumbria Rail coaches are in excellent condition, retaining the Virgin Trains East Coast leather first class seating and interior. This is the saloon inside Buffet 40711 on October 10, after the vehicle’s batteries had been charged to provide lighting and power.