Traction News
While much of the attention over the last few weeks has understandably focused on the demise of the CrossCountry High Speed Train fleet, another six Class 43 Castle Class power cars have been stood down by Great Western Railway since the last issue of Railways Illustrated went to press, with a further four placed into temporary store on the West Somerset Railway (see page 15), reducing the number of active Castle Class power cars to 17.
Taken out of service at the end of August were 43040 Berry Pomeroy Castle and 43192 Trematon Castle, with 43009 Nunney Castle, 43010 Lydford Castle, 43016 Powderham Castle and 43172 Tiverton Castle succumbing over the first few days of September.
As well as the two previously reported moves to the WSR, 43040 and 43172 – now devoid of nameplates and GWR branding – moved under their own power on September 12, taking Mk.3 trailer set GW14 (49114, 48140-142) to St Philips Marsh for store.
While staff at Laira were preparing some of the power cars for handing back to leasing company Angel Trains, the reduction of GWR Castle Class HST diagrams from September to just three during the week has allowed the operator to reduce the number of active power cars and Mk.3 trailers in its fleet, with rumours circulating of a further cull before the month was out.
In terms of the 64 Mk.3 HST coaches that were modified with sliding doors for use on GWR Castle Class services, as of September 18, 24 remained in service with GWR,
