Brighton Belle group waiting to do live rail tests after unit breaks cover

The trust which owns the Brighton Belle Pullman train is awaiting a date to take the EMU to Chester for its first live rail tests.

The restored four-car train made its first appearance on the national network since 1972 on January 28 when a pair of Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) Class 20s hauled it between Crewe and Chester on January 28 for the first of two days of ride tests.

The 5-Bel Trust, which owns the unit, said it had been “lovingly restored to original condition with modern safety features, an accessible toilet and two refitted modern kitchens”.

The unit is made up of carriages from all three of the original five-car sets built in 1932.

As RAIL went to press the trust had not been told of any issues from the ride tests and was awaiting a date to take it to Chester for the first live rail tests to ensure systems are operating correctly from the unit’s pick-up shows.

The 5-Bel Trust owns a fifth carriage and is reviewing the practicalities of restoring it. The trust said it would look to raise £1.5 million.

Once up and running it will again be the only Pullman EMU in the world.