LE movements, ECS and test runs 2026

only 8 this year, or is the 33 instead of a genny...

 

No, the class 33 eth supply is roughly 750v DC and air conditioned coaches need 1000v ac.
( Just returning one of Eastleigh's old girls to somewhere closer to home ? )

Cheers, Neil

 

Love the way that absoloutely nothing is interconnectable on the Railway...

 

They're fine on Mk1s, the problem is Mk2 and upwards had 1000V ETH rather than 750/800V. They were designed and built long before ETH was really taking off.

 

44871 moving Bury-Carnforth on Monday 20th. 5Z48, 12:45 from Hopwood GF.

 

The Southern Region specified 750v DC ETH for class 33s 1959 because that is what their electric locos (class 71) supplied from the third rail supply.

Meanwhile, the rest of BR perpetuated steam heating with assorted boilers and steam generators in diesel locos to varying degrees of success.

The “Gatwick Express” Mk2F coaches were modified to run on a wider range of ETH. Normally supplied from the GLV driving motor luggage van pick up shoes, but could also be heated by class 73s @ 750v.

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U83055/2026-04-20/detailed

 

Tornado heading back to North Road on Tuesday

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U80369/2026-04-21/detailed

 

Any updates on 44871's move to Carnforth

 

Just seen on RTT 0Z48 en route Cfth - Castleton, diesel pilot I guess.

 

Just passed Preston, 271 late, per RTT.

 

5Z48 44871 in steam but towed tender first by 37518. arrived Steamtown 2040. AN

 

5Z32 as 71000 with support coach passed Bushbury Jn on time in really nice sunshine on it's way back north.

No diesel as well!

 

A photo of 60163 Tornado heading home to Darlington from ELR with 5Z50 1401 Bury East Lancs Railway to Darlington North Road, passing Huddersfield station, possibly the first steam loco through for a number of years now.

Neil

 

A1 60163 Tornado passing through Mirfield at Sands Lane returning to Darlington.

 

34028 at Wennington

 

Crewe - Bishops Lydeard 28/4/26 (60mph path)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U76426/2026-04-28/detailed

 

60007 Sir Nigel Gresley + mk.1 35465. No diesel

5Z07 08:50 Crewe HS to Bishops Lydeard

On time departure from Crewe. <BJ>

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U76426/2026-04-28/detailed

 

East meets West !. 60007 at Sutton Bridge Jct this morning, just 4 minutes behind the preceding Manchester - Cardiff service.
Many years ago 'Gresley' was my first steam haulage down the Marches.

 

Sir Nigel passes the Shrewsbury and Hereford signal box at Leominster South. Greetings are exchanged.