Shunter News

Arriva Traincare

At Bristol Barton Hill, 08516 was treated to a fresh coat of paint during December, it losing its obsolete LNWR grey in favour of Arriva’s two-tone blue livery. Now sporting Arriva Traincare lettering as well, the sparkling machine emerged outside in early January.

HNRC

Another of HNRC’S ex-ministry of

Defence shunters has been overhauled and repainted in all-over Porterbrook blue, 01529 now being located at Long Marston alongside 01544 in the same colour. The date of its arrival is believed to have been last August, following attention at Worksop after first departing Leeming Bar.

Locomotive Services

Absent since February 2019, 08631 was returned to Locomotive Services’ Crewe depot on January 6 after a long spell undergoing contract repairs at Wolsingham. Undertaken by RMS Locotec, the work included an engine lift so that the main generator could receive repairs and also traction motor attention.

Mendip Rail

A busy month for the Mendip shunter fleet began with the return of 08643 to Merehead on December 21 after six months away receiving attention at LH Group Services. Its return allowed 08296 (really 08787 but with its identity long ago mixed up) to make the opposite journey, where it was unloaded the next day. Closer to home, 08650 has transferred from Merehead to Whatley following its overhaul at Wishaw and return south in late November.