A new contract has been signed between Colas Rail UK and Network Rail.
The contract includes the provision of ‘Thunderbird’ Rescue and Recovery Locomotives between London and Newcastle.
These will be used along the East Coast Main Line to rescue broken-down trains, both passenger and freight.
They will be operated by two Class 67 locomotives based at Newark Northgate Sidings.
The contract is set for an initial 3-year term starting this month, with the potential for extension.
“We are honoured and excited to work for Network Rail Eastern Region to provide dedicated and 24/7 rescue and recovery services on the busy East Coast Mainline, and between London and Newcastle.
“Our Class 67s and pool of drivers will be on hand to deploy promptly from Newark Northgate Siding when and if required, to support various FOCs and TOCs”
Freight Operations Director, Sep Semsarzadeh
Responses
Great to hear this. Hope they pass through Durham, as Durham is my closest train station, so I can get photos of them passing or stopping. Love the part that says “The contract includes the provision of ‘Thunderbird’ Rescue and Recovery Locomotives between London and Newcastle” 5 4 3 2 1 Thunder Birds are go.
Thunder Birds are go