Shunter News
Alstom
Resplendent in its fresh coat of BR blue, 08451 was released from Eastleigh Works at the end of October, the low-loader making the long trek north to Glasgow to return the shunter to Polmadie. The 28th found 08887 undertaking the journey back south, this spending the weekend at Allelys’ Studley yard before being deposited at Wembley depot a few days later.
HNRC
Fresh from its overhaul, 08943 was transported from Barrow Hill to Leeds Midland Road around November 11 in order to undergo tyre turning on the depot’s wheel lathe. Meanwhile, the unserviceable duo of 08682 and 08905 have been retrieved from storage at Hope cement works and taken to Shackerstone, their arrival dates being October 28 and November 11 respectively.
Railway Support Services
The hire of 08757 by RSS has come to an end, with the Rail Express Systems-liveried shunter being returned to the Telford Steam Railway on November 3 in time for the line’s festive specials. Its place at Hams Hall was taken the same day by 08460, which was fresh off repairs at Wishaw. Also on the comeback trail is 08738, this too departing Wishaw in early November for test runs at the Chasewater Railway, it having not seen meaningful action all year.
RMS Locotec
Out of action for more than three years, 08613 is another set to return to use after lengthy repairs. Early November saw it moved from Wolsingham to Tyseley, again for tyre turning. When completed, it should head to Teesport, Middlesbrough, once more.
Preservation
With engine repairs completed, 08663 was returned to the Avon Valley Railway from Wishaw on October 31 following the end of its hire to RSS. Road transport was then utilised to transfer 08888 to the Gwili Railway, where it will remain for at least six months while Class 03 D2178 is stopped for an overhaul. Also on the move on October 25 was 03022, this returning to the Swindon and Cricklade Railway after a summer break at Midsomer Norton.