The first passenger train to cover the recently reopened East West Rail line from Calvert to Bletchley ran on February 15, when West Coast Railways 33029 and 33207 Jim Martin worked the ‘Verney Venturer’ charter promoted by Pathfinder Railtours. 47802 was provided for train supply.
The first passenger train to cover the recently reopened East West Rail line from Calvert to Bletchley ran on February 15, when West Coast Railways 33029 and 33207 Jim Martin worked the ‘Verney Venturer’ charter promoted by Pathfinder Railtours. 47802 was provided for train supply.
The train had started at Bristol Temple Meads and ran via Nuneaton and to Bletchley, before taking the new line to Bicester Village, where there was a break for nearly 90 minutes.
The train then headed to Acton and returned to Bristol Temple Meads via the Midland Main Line and Oakham.
The 12-mile new line has been railed on the original trackbed, which closed in 1993 after the last booked freight trains using it were withdrawn.
It forms part of the East West Rail project which ultimately could see the railway from Bedford to Cambridge relaid.
The first Class 196s to be sub-leased by West Midlands Trains, for use by Chiltern Railways on the route have also appeared as part of the driver training programme.
Three two-car units, 196008/011/ 012 ran empty from Tyseley to Bletchley depot on February 14, with the first training trip on February 25.
A total of six units are being sub-leased.
By Pip Dunn
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GARTHY11 - 27/02/2025 07:38
Great news now we must ensure the Aylesbury link line is delivered. Crazy not too. Not only will it finally give Aylesbury many more journey opportunities it opens up diversionary routes along with freight opportunities. This line doesn't need to be upgraded to 100mph. It's already mostly there and a first stage 60mph would suffice and be cheap to deliver. It's an an absolute must. Aylesbury is basically cut off and with traffic levels at an all time high it's time to deliver this much sought after project. Bung in a HS2 station at Calvert and a western curve to join EWR and look at what that opens up ! Come on Heidi !! Go for it.