DIRECT Rail Services has told The RM that the Class 68s which were subleased from it by TransPennine Express to operate its‘Nova 3’Mk. 5a rakes of coaching stock will be handed back to owner Beacon Rail in May.
Aspokesman said:“There are currently no plans to retain any of the former TPE 68s within the DRS fleet.” Fourteen locomotives, Nos. 68019-032, had been hired by TPE. Four (Nos. 68019/020/022/031) were used by DRS between October and January to temporarily augment its fleet. The most recent work for TPE-allocated Class 68s has included moving‘Nova 3’sets for storage.
Class 68 No. 68026 Enterprise is seen at Wolverhampton on February 8, while moving TransPennine Express Mk. 5a ‘Nova 3’ stock from Longsight depot to Long Marston for storage. This locomotive is one of 14 subleased to TPE which will be handed back to owner Beacon Rail in May.
CHRIS MILNER