SPRINGBURN: A SPRINGBOARD FOR SCOTTISH STEAM
Jeremy Hosking’s Train Operating Company continues to broaden its horizons. Scotland is the next major target.
Springburn, St Rollox, the ‘Caley’. It’s had various monikers, but whatever you call it, BR’s former Glasgow Works is redundant.
But if you’re an expanding train operator whose ambitions and resources seem to know few bounds, acres of available railway – including an empty erecting shop and carriage works – are an opportunity.
Who would both want it and be in a position to take it up? I can think of just one organisation: step forward Jeremy Hosking’s
Locomotive Services Ltd. As I write, no deal has been finalised – in fact, I understand the initial ‘multimillion pound’ offer for the site was turned down (see News). But that doesn’t yet mean a deal won’t be done…
Springburn, which was mothballed last year after the end of work for ScotRail by its latest tenant Gemini Rail Services, has a history dating back to 1853; engines were built here into LMS days, with overhauls and maintenance continuing into 2019. In its entirety, the site includes a two-road erecting shop as well as the carriage facility, various other workshops and sidings. It is, in other words, a fully functioning works… latterly BR’s only one in Scotland.
As a rare survivor, Springburn’s preservation would be worthy in itself. Yet what does it offer the Hosking group? Firstly, it could help accommodate the organisation’s dizzying acquisition of stock. But it would also expand LSL’s reach northwards becoming, if you like, another pearl on a string that includes existing sites such as Southall and Crewe.
Indeed, LSL MD Tony Bush has described the works as a potential hub for activities in Scotland – obviating the “400-plus-mile round trip” empty stock moves from Crewe such as took place with the private charter to Fort William last February (SR491).
Yet by giving LSL a base right in the Central Belt where well over half of Scotland’s 5½ million people live, Springburn could also be a springboard for more expansion. And make no mistake, Jeremy Hosking’s group is increasingly a very serious player.
Think, for example, about the possibility of a ‘land cruise’ train. Pullman, inspection saloon and now Mk 3 Sleeper cars (SR499) are already in the collection.
Just imagine… Springburn as a basing point to access the Highlands (maybe with Royal Scot or ‘Black Five No. 45231 sub-shedded to Glasgow?). Perhaps a ‘Streak’ or ‘Scot’-hauled Sleeper north from London?
Fantasy? For most outfits maybe – but I’d certainly not bet against it.
SPRINGBURN’S PRESERVATION WOULD BE WORTHY IN ITSELF. YET WHAT DOES IT OFFER THE HOSKING GROUP?