GBRF confirms conversion of Class 56s to Class 69s

[Jacob Porrett]

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U27165/2023-06-09/detailed#allox_id=0 This morning 97303 took the weed killer from Coleham to Bescot where it was cancelled.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:66915/2023-06-09/detailed Then 69005/002 took over from Bescot (and 97303) and took the weed killer back to Toton TMD.

Not sure what exactly happened today but there we are.

 

[Richard Scott]

Up until around five years ago, 56117 was round the back of the depot at Budapest-Keleti, still in Fertis livery and carrying its 56 number (it might still be there).

A mate of mine out in Budapest currently has just sent me a picture from Keleti depot and 56117 is definitely there.

 

[33056]

A mate of mine out in Budapest currently has just sent me a picture from Keleti depot and 56117 is definitely there.

Strangely enough, I am in Budapest as well (might have something to do with a certain 47!) and noticed that 56117 was still outside the shed looking like it was in exactly the same place that it was six years ago

https://jandjcottrell.zenfolio.com/p793718668/h91e0b6e9

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Bit uneasy seeing the pic of a bloke on top of a locomotive appearing to be doing something to the pantograph which is in contact with the overhead wire....

 

[The_Train]

Bit uneasy seeing the pic of a bloke on top of a locomotive appearing to be doing something to the pantograph which is in contact with the overhead wire....

Unless you're looking at a different photo, there are no wires above the panto, it is just in the up position

 

[43096]

Bit uneasy seeing the pic of a bloke on top of a locomotive appearing to be doing something to the pantograph which is in contact with the overhead wire....

It isn't. If you look at the previous photo, the OHLE terminates at the gantry before the loco. The pan is presumably raised as part of the maintenance being undertaken.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Ah yes, I've managed to enlarge it and see where the wires finish

 

[ExRes]

69008 worked 1154 0Y08 Eastleigh Works GBRf to Tonbridge West Yard GBRf this morning in its new livery, no surprises just basic GBRf with the whisker which, oddly, goes right through the electrical connector

 

[Sun Chariot]

69008 worked 1154 0Y08 Eastleigh Works GBRf to Tonbridge West Yard GBRf this morning in its new livery, no surprises just basic GBRf with the whisker which, oddly, goes right through the electrical connector

Photo of ex works 69008 passing my locality, in this thread https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/loco-hauled-around-havant.250146/

Does any forum reader know tbe timescale for the next 69's release post-painting?

 

[cj_1985]

Given most of the recent focus will have been on modifications to the already released 69s, finishing 009 would have been of far less importance.

I'd imagine now all the finished 69s have flown the coop, attention will be turned back to 009 and Co...
009 still need a test run before the subject of paint is even considered.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Given most of the recent focus will have been on modifications to the already released 69s, finishing 009 would have been of far less importance.

I'd imagine now all the finished 69s have flown the coop, attention will be turned back to 009 and Co...
009 still need a test run before the subject of paint is even considered.

Thanks for the insight - much appreciated

 

[D365]

Has there been any official (re)confirmation of the identities of the 56s destined to become 69010-016?

 

[Sun Chariot]

RTT today showed an "Eastleigh Works GBRf to Tonbridge West Yard GBRf". My optimistic self wondered if it would be a fresh 69 move... but it was "Broadlands".

Photo in this thread: here:https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/loco-hauled-around-havant.250146/
.

 

[ExRes]

Rumoured test run for 69010 tomorrow (Wednesday) 1014 0Z10 Longport FD to Bescot Up Eng Sdgs and 1244 0Z11 return



** Updated Wednesday 2nd August **


Non runner today but the schedule is showing again for tomorrow (Thursday)

* Reported on WNXX this evening that 69010 has not yet been registered for the mainline



** Updated Friday 4th August **


Now reported on WNXX that 56065 has been registered as 69010

 

[ExRes]

69010 reorted as out on test today with 66714 for company, 1015 0Z69 Longport FD to Bescot Up Engineers Sidings and 1317 0Z70 return

 

[BRX]

Tonbridge based 69s are still being used on the Southampton gypsum trains quite a bit but they are now also quite commonly being used on the regular Network Rail engineering trains between Hoo Junction & Eastleigh.

 

[Bedbugs52]

69010 heading to Eastleigh today tucked behind 66790 on the 10:24 Scunthorpe Trent Terminal to Eastleigh East Yard. I guess a visit to the works and a coat of paint awaits

 

[Sun Chariot]

Thanks for the intel. Looks like it'll arrive into Eastleigh (19:34 but currently 12 mins behind booked time) after sunset - so that thwarts my attempt of a photo down here.

 

[Jamesrob637]

Was a 69 in Preston over the weekend just gone?

 

[ExRes]

69009 out for a run today with 66729 for company on 1014 0Z68 Longport FD to Bescot Up Engineers Sidings and 1238 0Z69 return

 

[swhite01]

69010 heading to Eastleigh today tucked behind 66790 on the 10:24 Scunthorpe Trent Terminal to Eastleigh East Yard. I guess a visit to the works and a coat of paint awaits

69010 was in the yard on the Down side south of Doncaster station in the same area as the stored units, viewed from a down Newcastle service this morning and this afternoon the 1429 York Kings Cross. The loco appeared to be in primer... grey with yellow green panels in places ... small 69010 in white on drivers cab at south end ..

 

[The_Train]

69010 was in the yard on the Down side south of Doncaster station in the same area as the stored units, viewed from a down Newcastle service this morning and this afternoon the 1429 York Kings Cross. The loco appeared to be in primer... grey with yellow green panels in places ... small 69010 in white on drivers cab at south end ..

It remains in its undercoat pending a repaint. It did move to Eastleigh but quickly came back out with rumour being that it's needed on the RHTT circuit before any repaint could be completed

 

[Jacob Porrett]

It remains in its undercoat pending a repaint. It did move to Eastleigh but quickly came back out with rumour being that it's needed on the RHTT circuit before any repaint could be completed

Will 69010 be painted in GBRF colours or will it have a special livery?

 

[The_Train]

Will 69010 be painted in GBRF colours or will it have a special livery?

Nobody will be able to answer that until it comes out of Eastleigh following a repaint. Doesn't look like that will happen until next year now

 

[Sun Chariot]

69009 out for a run today with 66729 for company on 1014 0Z68 Longport FD to Bescot Up Engineers Sidings and 1238 0Z69 return

Has any forum member seen any more of 009? Has it been painted and released to traffic?

 

[156444]

Has any forum member seen any more of 009? Has it been painted and released to traffic?

69009 and 69010 are in traffic but in undercoat

 

[Sun Chariot]

69009 and 69010 are in traffic but in undercoat

Many thanks.

 

[soccermad]

The loco to become 69016 arrived at Longport today via road

 

[D365]

The loco to become 69016 arrived at Longport today via road

Which one is that please.

 

[ExRes]

The loco to become 69016 arrived at Longport today via road

If you're referring to 56303 then I wouldn't be too sure about that, not with a bent frame, 56009 & 097 which are stripped out at Longport are scheduled to become 69015 & 016