Ex-Anglia Class 90s transfer to LSL Crewe

THE substantial reduction in passenger traffic as part of the Government’s ‘stay at home’ message has allowed Greater Anglia (GA) to stand down its

Class 90 and Mk3 fleet and release two sets to Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) at Crewe.

GA had been increasing the number of Stadler Class 745/0 sets it was using on Norwich to London services and by early April had accepted seven of the 10 10car sets on order, but with a vastly reduced timetable in operation, needed only five sets.

In effect, the locos have been eased out of service quietly.

The first of LSL’s Class 90s –

No. 90002 – moved from Norwich to Crewe on April 6 hauling Mk3 trailers Nos. 10411, 10416, 11076, 12171, 12111, 11077, 10415 and DVT Nos. 82139 and 82143.

From this batch, vehicle

Nos. 10415 and 82143 are understood to be destined for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

The next day, No. 90001 was transferred, moving a rake of

Mk3s with a higher number of First Class carriages in the formation, which consisted of vehicle Nos. 11068, 11091, 11075, 11070, 11098, 11087, 12114 and DVT Nos. 82127 and 82118. Of this consist, Mk3 No. 12114 and DVT No. 82118 will transfer to Crewe Heritage Centre

A third movement of stock from Norwich on April 8 saw redundant Mk3 Nos. 12027 12041 12151 11094 12019 12115 12026 & 12012 hauled to Eastleigh Depot by DC Rail’s Class 60 No. 60055. There have been unconfirmed indications these vehicles will be refurbished for Chiltern Railways.

Seven ex-GA Mk3s were moved by DRS Class 37 No. 37402 from Norwich to Booths Rotherham on April 1 for scrap.

The vehicles for disposal were

Nos. 12170 12103 12016 12120 12099 12024 & 12141.

Another move in April saw six Mk3s move from Norwich to the Midland Railway, Butterley.

However, a substantial number of Mk3s are destined for scrap over the next few months.

The remainder of GA’s fleet of Class 90s – 13 locos – will transfer to Freightliner and are likely spell the end for the Class 86s.

KEITH PARTLOW DC Rail Class 60 No. 60055 Thomas Barnado climbs Belstead Bank, Ipswich, working 5Z56, the 09.33 Norwich Crown Point-Eastleigh, hauling eight surplus Mk3 carriages for reuse with Chiltern on March 8.

MATT HULL BRAD JOYCE Right: Class 33 No. 33202 moves three decommissioned Mk3s from Dereham to Kimberley sidings on the Mid-Norfolk Railway on April 2. At Dereham, the branding was removed from the carriages and the air-conditioning refrigerant removed. Left: Ex-Greater Anglia Class 90 No. 90001 with its Crown Point nameplate, but devoid of branding, passes Heamies Farm, between Stafford and Crewe, with 5Z90 from Norwich Crown Point to Crewe on April 7.