Modified MRAs
The first set of MRA side-tippers to be fitted with a dust suppression system was collected from Shirebrook by 37901 and 37418 on May 11 and taken to Toton. The project is a trial between Network Rail and WH Davis to reduce the amount of hazardous dust created when the wagons discharge large quantities of ballast to create track beds. Generator wagon 501305 has seen one of its ballast boxes converted into a 5000-litre water tank and pump with pipework installed to the rest of the wagons, 501325/353/354/355, in the fixed set. Prior to tipping, the ballast will be heavily sprayed with water which should eliminate the dust clouds.
Biomass extras
Construction of 30 additional IIA-D biomass hoppers for Drax Power was well advanced at WH Davis in late April, with 83 70 0698 226 to 233 completed and ready to go, and five more in various stages of assembly. These are identical to the existing fleet of 225 wagons.
MoD evaluation
WH Davis is carrying out an evaluation on three of the Ministry of Defence’s vehicle-carrying fleet to determine their condition and options for the future of the Warflats and Warwells. Long-stored MODA95297, MODA95540 and MODA95573 were all extracted from MoD Ludgershall in late March and moved to Shirebrook by road for the assessment to take place.
Recent years have seen the use of both wagon types decrease as military vehicles increase in size and weight, and while the Warflats date from 1979 to 1981, the basic structure of the Warwells is now some 80 years old, although they were modernised in the early 1980s.
Flask overhauls
Brodie Engineering has secured a long-term contract from DRS to overhaul the present fleet of 40 FNA nuclear flask wagons at its Kilmarnock workshops. Built by WH Davis, 11 70 9229 001-040 will cycle through the programme over the next few years.
New deliveries
Another 40 FEA-G intermodal flats for GB Railfreight have arrived in the UK in recent weeks, these once again being formed as twin sets. On April 24, 66721 and 66707 double-headed the 4Z20 02.30 Dollands Moor-Peterborough with 81 70 4663 081-100 in tow, from wh
