Class 93 undergoes further main line tests

A second bout of main line testing for the new Stadler Class 93s was carried out by Rail Operations Group in January, using 93001.

On January 10, the tri-mode locomotive ran light from Worksop to Crewe. Then overnight on January 13/14, it ran light between Crewe and Carlisle running as the 2226 Crewe South Yard-Carlisle and the 0151 return.

A rake of coaches was then moved from Castle Donington EMDC to Crewe by 37901 Mirrlees Pioneer on January 14, and that night 93001 worked in the same paths, repeating the trips the following night.

On January 16, the locomotive set off before being turned back at Carnforth, but on January 17/18 the locomotive made it through to Carlisle as booked.

On January 20, the Class 93 returned light to Worksop as the 1117 Crewe South Yard-Worksop Down Yard.

93002 is still waiting to make its main line loaded test run debuts, while the remaining eight locomotives (93003-010) will stay in Valencia until any modifications deemed necessary following analysis of the tests are implemented at the manufacturer’s factory.

It is still hoped they will all ship en masse to the UK later this year. Freightliner is understood to be interested in evaluating the locomotives for possible hire.

By Pip Dunn