December 2004 News
Main line News
1). First Scot rail is now Active! The first train operated on 17th October 2004. First group is contracted to operate scot rail for 7 years.
2). The strategic rail authority has published the final invitation for tenders to operate the East coast franchise, currently operated by GNER. A variety of companies have applied, First London and North Eastern Railway Ltd, Danish state railways and intercity railways.
3). The route between Felixstowe and Nuneaton was officialy opened for the passage of 9ft6in high containers on 14th of October. This will allow for more continental interchange of container traffic.
4). In mid october the 376 electrostars entered traffic on the government operated South eastern trains services. These are very tram like inside with more space for standing passengers than seated. Which to be honest i find more helpful as a passenger as they can fit more people inside comfortably.
5). On 27th September 2004 Virgin launched its tilting timetable! The timetable does not tilt but its Pendolinos do and it has fgiven the west coast mainline a high frequency and high speed service.
6). In December the winter timetables were released. Most companies altered their timetables but South West trains controversially Re wrote their 40 year old timetable and have produced a totally new one.
7). Supermarket chain ASDA can now move more of its produce by rail with a grant for the construction of new loading and unloading facilities at Grangemouth and Aberdeen. Hopefully other companies will follow suit!
8). Liverpool lime street station is to have a face lift it has been revealed. The gateway area is to be totally transformed by 2008. The concourse shops are to be demolished thus revealing original gable end of the station.
9). The Bedford to Blethcley(Marston Vale) line has reopened. The line was closed temporarily for its total upgrade and improvement to signalling and track.
10). First North Western has opened a driver training centre in Bolton. Part of its role will be to instruct drivers how to brake the train on slippery rail heads such as when leaves are on the line.
Preserved News
1). On 11th September 2004 Duchess of Sutherland visited Crewe with the 'Anglesey coronation' Charter. The train then continued to Holyhead.
2). On 25th September 2004 'Locomotion' the National railway museums new out staiton was opened in Shildon, County Durham. There is the main train shed but also there is the Timothy Hackworth museum, who was engineer for the Stockton and Darlington Railway, on the same site.
3). A group has been set up to preserve the last remaining class 48! 5 locos were built in 1965 which had the external appearance of a class 47. Inside however they had a Swiss Sulzer V12 engine. They were later fitted with Standard Sulzer 12LDA28-C engines and classified class 47. For more info visit www.alextrack.co.uk/D1702/
4). The unique Wickham Railbus has recieved permission to be used in public service on the Middleton railway. It was originally built in 1958 as a track recording train.
5). The Duke of Gloucster No 7100 had problems with its firebox and a trip over the Settle and Carlisle line had to be cancelled in October. The problem was soon remedied once the firebox had fully cooled.
6). 'City of Truro' is believed to be visiting 2 preserved lines in 2005. It will visit the North Norfolk from July to September and in March will be visiting the West Somerset railway.
7). Bedale and Redmire stations on the Wensleydale railway have been opened. This gives an extra 4 miles to the newly reopened railway. The line now operates over 34 miles between Leeming Bar in North Yorkshire and Redmire.
8). 2-6-2 4566 prairie tank is to have a fast overhaul. It had previously been in storage for 9 years but there were found to be no serious problems with the locomotive. It is now at Bridgnorth works.
9). The East Lancs railway had motive power problems in October with just its Black 5 45337 the only operational locomotive. The other locomotives were either out on loan to other lines or were in need of repair.
10).Flying Scotsman LNER A3 had a good year after its teething difficulties and gave good service on the National railway museums charter services between York and Scarbrough.
