Pair of Class 68s rehired by DRS for short-term use are returned to owner

Two off-lease Class 68s that Direct Rail Services rehired for short-term cover for the Railhead Treatment Train season (68024/025) have been returned to Beacon Rail for a second time.

Fellow off-lease locomotive 68019 has been undertaking main line tests as part of the hand-back procedure.

Meanwhile, 68019-032 could find a new lease of life with Chiltern Railways if its proposal to take ex-TransPennine Express Mk 5 coaches comes to fruition.

And after more than two years sidelined at Carlisle Kingmoor, 88008 Ariadne finally returned to traffic in late December.

After undertaking initial light engine tests, it joined 68034 Rail Riders 2020 on a Coatbridge to Daventry intermodal train which was diverted via the East Coast Main Line.