Coaching Stock News
Riviera sells Mk.1s
Riviera Trains’ decision to cease using Mk.1 coaches except for catering and staff roles was confirmed on January 10 when 57012 transferred 11 vehicles from Burton Wetmore to Carnforth.
Included in the working were FOS 3097 and 3119/21/23/41/46/47/49, along with TSOS 4991/98 and 5009. All these vehicles have been sold to West Coast, with the company set to undertake the fitting of retention toilet tanks and central door locking to allow continued main line operation – modifications Riviera was unwilling to fund.
Meanwhile, another of the former EWS/DB Mk.2f coaches acquired by Riviera has been disposed of. FO 3318 moved from Burton to J Watson & Sons Ltd of Stafford back in early November for scrapping.
LSG Eastleigh arrivals
A transfer of Midland Pullman vehicles from Crewe to Eastleigh Works on January 9 saw 47593 in charge of power cars 43046 and 43055, along with Mk.3s 40802, 41059, 41162, 41182 and barriers 6336, 6348, 6393 and 6394. However, the Type 4 expired at Leamington Spa, necessitating the dispatch of 47805 to recover and take the train forward more than three hours late. The locos returned north the following day with the barriers, 6336 and 6348, being deposited at Reading Traincare on the way. An unusual arrival at LSG’S Crewe depot on January 9 was Mk.2e BSO 9502, the British Pullman staff coach coming north from Stewarts Lane behind 66136.
Crosscountry overhaul
A set of Crosscountry Mk.3s was sent north from Laira to Doncaster on January 10 to receive an overhaul at Wabtec, 43207 and 43285 working north with 41194, 42037/52, 42342/70/76, 44021 and 45004 before the power cars returned alone to Devon the next day.