Mid-spring start for TPE Class 68s to Cleethorpes
First TPE diagrams will follow the May timetable change, with more from December.
TRANSPENNINE Express has confirmed to The RM that it intends to begin using Class 68 locomotives on some services between Manchester and Cleethorpes “as soon as possible” after this year’s May timetable change.
Crew training with the class began some weeks ago. As with other Class 68 diagrams for TPE, they will haul/propel rakes of five CAF-built Mk.5a vehicles, which include a driving trailer at the opposite end, branded by the operator as ‘Nova 3’ sets.
All TPE services on the route, which run via the Hope Valley line and Sheffield, are currently worked by Class 185 diesel multiple units. TPE says a few will be taken over by Class 68/‘Nova 3’ rakes following the introduction of the May timetable, with more planned as part of the December timetable.
Future
The longer-term deployment of the Class 68s is, however, less clear. As reported in the February issue of The RM, TPE and its sister FirstGroup company Great Western Railway are seeking expressions of interest from manufacturers to supply a new fleet of 100mph-capable bimode locomotives, which would be able to take traction current from a 25kV overhead supply, as well as operating on nonelectrified routes using diesel or battery power.
“The Class 68s are currently used to provide power for our ‘Nova 3’ Mk.5a trains, and are reliable, powerful and flexible locomotives,” said TPE fleet director Paul Staples. “However, we want to explore options to operate these trains using more sustainable technology in the future.”
TPE said it could give “no timeframe” at present for the next steps of the process or when it would hope to introduce the new locomotives, if the project proceeds.
The Class 68s are owned by Beacon Rail and leased to Direct Rail Services, which currently sub-leases 14 locomotives to
TPE. A further two class members, also modified to work with the Mk.5a stock, are available as a contingency.