Colas Class 56 Issues/Possible Future

[Rail Quest]

I've been hearing of several Colas grid faults in recent months, sounds like these are becoming a more common occurrence.

Of course, these locomotives have never been known for their reliability but it feels (to me at least) like things are getting worse for the class. This comes off the back of what feels like (again, to me at least) and increased use of the class and a decreased use of the class 70s in general.

What might the future hold for the Colas grids going forward? Is the option there to run a GBRf-style 69 conversion program?

 

[Spaceship323]

I see 56087, 56094 and 56096 have been withdrawn by colas, have these 3 not yet been fitted with ETCS?

 

[D365]

56087, 56094 and 56096 have been withdrawn by colas, have these 3 not yet been fitted with ETCS?

56087 is long term stopped. There is no finalised ETCS design for Class 56.

 

[Spaceship323]

NOT MY LIST, Credit to James Hartley (Posted on facebook)

 

[ExRes]

According to WNXX 087 has been out since 9/21 and 096 since 5/24 while 094 is a very recent arrival at Colwick, 078 could be the next to go

Interesting to see what's next for them, would Colas want 69s? could they be destined for stripping as spares for either Colas or other Class 56 users?

 

[Western 52]

These locos were used on the Baglan Bay to Chirk log trains, but I've not seen those trains run for a while. Have they ceased?

 

[Class15]

Wow. That is a lot of engines out of service. Have been a big 56 fan since I was very young, but it’s possible that (regrettably) their time is nearly up. I know the 69s will likely be working for years but it’s not quite the same.

 

[D365]

Have been a big 56 fan since I was very young, but it’s possible that (regrettably) their time is nearly up.

As far as I’ve been told, Class 56 Preservation Group is still intent on selling 301 to Cappagh Group (DCR).

 

[Rail Quest]

Interesting to see what's next for them, would Colas want 69s? could they be destined for stripping as spares for either Colas or other Class 56 users?

Definitely interesting. I have a feeling the long term future of the locos won't be with Colas, if they have much of a future. There's been multiple rumors surrounding Colas looking into hiring 60s and 66s to replace their grids so if either or something similar turn out to be correct, I'd imagine the locos would be put up for sale.

 

[ExRes]

Definitely interesting. I have a feeling the long term future of the locos won't be with Colas, if they have much of a future. There's been multiple rumors surrounding Colas looking into hiring 60s and 66s to replace their grids so if either or something similar turn out to be correct, I'd imagine the locos would be put up for sale.

They could be a target for DCR, 091 has been at Leicester for about a year with what's rumoured to be wheelset problems, 094 & 096 could help out with that situation, that would theoretically give DCR 091, 103 & 301 available


* Updated Wednesday 5th February *


Very quick reinstatement for 56094 as it worked 0Z30 Rectory Junction to Rugby DED today, no idea if it's for storage there or for work although with WNXX reporting that 7 out of 18 Colas 70s are currently unavailable there's a good chance it won't be at Rugby for some R&R

 

[ExRes]

Reported on WNXX that 56094 has arrived at Rugby to be used as Rugby Colas shunter and standby loco