GennY car debut brinGs diesel-free trip

So, Britannia has made it back as planned – but the recent lack of something else is maybe more significant.

Since Locomotive Services Ltd started passenger operations in April, you’ll have become used to a ‘47’ on the rear of all its blood and custard trains. But on December 8, the diesel was absent…

That was thanks to the very welcome addition of another Mk 1 to the rake – a generator car. It means that despite LSL still relying on a mixed set, including Mk 2s that need electric power, a ‘tail gunner’ is now redundant. Superfluous.

In fact, although unseen, the ‘47’ was still around in case backup was needed for Saphos Trains’ closing 2018 steam trip – but shadowing the ‘Pennine Moors Explorer’ rather than attached. Other than aesthetics, a benefit of that is dropping dead weight.

So, LSL MD Tony Bush reports, whether future jobs will take a diesel will be considered on factors such as whether shunt moves are needed at the destination. But, certainly, diesel-free trips are possible.

With Crewe continuing to turn out coaches, progress also continues towards being able to run a complete Mk 1 rake. That, though, is still around a year away.