Abellio Greater Anglia started using Class 68s this morning local trains (July 11). 

The locomotives and three Mk 2s are hired from Direct Rail Services. September 30 is when the hire period ends and a review carried out regarding fleet requirements. 

Direct Rail Services is supplying two Class 68s, three Mk 2f carriages and drivers to operate a second locomotive hauled train set. 

On the first day, 68016 Fearless and 68023 Achilles were used, with 68023 hauling the first train, the 0652 to Great Yarmouth.

DRS already supplies two Class 37/4s and three Mk 2s to GA for Norwich-Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft trains.

The second LHCS will be required until damaged Class 170 (170204) returns to GA. It is expected to be out of traffic for several months. 

  • For more on this, read RAIL 804, out now.
  • For more on this, read RAIL 805, published on July 20.