Following a test run last Wednesday when 56301 (with 47749 in tow) ran from Leicester to Barrow Hill and back, the locomotive has been returned to operational status.
The locomotive has been out of traffic for over 4 years since returning from a hire period at Peak Forest in 2018 .
After a very long wait, the Class 56 Group are pleased to announce that 56301 is scheduled to take up duties with DCR from Monday 24th July. Actual duties are unspecified at this time but it is expected that trails will be undertaken to ensure 56301 works successfully in multiple working mode with DCR’s 56091. This is in anticipation of the pair being utilised on some of DCR’s heavier workings which are normally handled by their class 60 fleet. Of course 56301 is also likely to be used as a single locomotive and hopefully its reputation as a strong and reliable locomotive will be re established.
Followers of the DCR locomotive fleet will know that their sphere of operation covers locations such as King’s Lynn, Brandon, Peak Forest, Carlisle , Grain, Westbury to name a few , with all operations being based out of either Willesden or Chaddesden (Derby).
Workings will initially be posted on this website , and then repeated on our facebook page.
Hopefully 56301 will get to locations where a C56G members may have an opportunity to see one of their locomotives doing what it was designed to do.
Regards
C56G