DCRail finalises purchase of Class 56 after fault-free running

Transfer of ownership of 56301 from the Class 56 Group to DCRail has been completed, after a period of ‘fault free’ running with its new owner. The ‘56’ accordingly moves into the DCRO pool.

The Class 56 Group, which still owns 56006 (based at the East Lancashire Railway), issued a statement saying it was “pleased to announce the successful transfer of 56301 to its new owners, DCRail” (part of the Cappagh Group).

The statement added: “We are incredibly proud to have been part of this locomotive’s story. Remarkably, we owned and operated 56301 for 14 years - just two years shy of the 16 years it was under British Rail’s ownership.

“Throughout those 14 years, 56301 travelled extensively across the network, to diverse and distant locations. The revenue generated from its main line hire work helped fund restoration and maintenance efforts, including work on 56006, the upkeep of 56301 itself, and the acquisition of tools and spare parts for 56006.

“Owning two locomotives was never part of our long-term plan. The time and effort required to manage a main line-registered locomotive was considerable.

“By selling 56301, we can now focus our full attention on 56006, ensuring its preservation and operational future. We wish DCRail every success with 56301 and hope to see it hauling heavy freight for many years to come.”