Driver training using Class 68s began on July 2, ahead of their introduction into traffic on Abellio Greater Anglia passenger duties between Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.
Direct Rail Services is supplying two Class 68s, three Mk 2f carriages and drivers to operate a second locomotive-hauled train set (RAIL 804). The DRS drivers will replace AGA drivers, and following the completion of training the ‘68s’ were due to enter traffic in mid-July. They are required as cover for a three-car Class 170/2 damaged in a level crossing accident near Thetford in April.
DRS sent 68016 Fearless and 68023 Achilles to Norfolk on July 1. They collected Riveira Trains Mk 2f Standard Opens (TSO) 5921/950 and Mk 2f Brake Standard Open (BSO) 9520 from Burton before heading to Norwich.
- For more on this, read RAIL 804, published tomorrow (July 6).
- For even more on this, read RAIL 805, published on July 20.
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Comments
James Miller - 05/07/2016 10:52
I can't help feeling that must be a very expensive way of filling in for a Class 170 train!
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FrankH - 05/07/2016 14:32
If they're being used to Gt Yarmouth and Lowestoft only they're not covering for a 170 unit. I thought the 170's went to the East Midlands and maybe beyond.
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BigTone - 05/07/2016 16:31
I think its the Cross Country class 170 that goes from Birmingham to Stanstead. I dont think AGA trains leave the region
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Gizzy - 05/07/2016 16:47
AGA Class 170s are normally used for Norwich to Cambridge and Harwich/Ipswich to Cambridge services, although 153 and 156 are also used....
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FrankH - 05/07/2016 22:53
Some of the Norwich - Cambridge, Cambridge - Ipswich services are timed at 100 mph, they must be on these as the 153/156 units would fall behind schedule.
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Gizzy - 06/07/2016 17:50
Max speed limit between Haughley Junction and Cambridge is 75 mph. There is a 30 mph restriction through the station at Bury St Edmunds. The only 100 mph running is on some sections of the line between Ipswich, Haughley Junction and Norwich. Class 90 and LHCS only run up to 100 mph to make up for lost time. Usually they run at 85-90 mph to save energy costs....
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Andrewjgwilt1989 - 10/07/2016 11:48
Abellio Greater Anglia could use few Class 66's with 3/4 Mk3 carriages+DVT to be used on London Liverpool St-Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth via Ipswich or Norwich, Sheringham via Norwich and Liverpool St-Norwich via Cambridge/Ely.
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Gizzy - 12/07/2016 11:39
Class 66 is a freight only loco, and cannot provide power for LHCS such as Mk3 coaches....
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Andrewjgwilt1989 - 12/07/2016 13:58
Class 68's could be optional as Class 68's are used on charters, Chiltern Mainline services and could be used on Liverpool St-Lowestoft, Norwich-Great Yarmouth & Liverpool St-Norwich via Cambridge/Ely.
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David - 18/07/2016 03:01
No point putting heavy trains on the Ely-Peterborough line as there are restrictions on units that aren't 'lightweight'.
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