LNER has confirmed plans to temporarywithdraw Class 91 and Mk4 fleetsfromJanuary15 until June. In addition to the general downturn in traffic,other reasons behind the move include the partial closureof the ECML at Werrington Jctto install the new dive-under to Spalding, and several partial closures between Februaryto early June at King’s Cross. LNER has areduced fleet requirementfor the first six months of 2021, and says it is contracted to payfor the 65 ‘Azumas’whether it uses them or not.Bystanding down the Class 91s the companyclaims it will save on operating and maintenancecosts,too. Thesets will be kept in warm storage at Neville Hill and Doncaster,and the ‘G’exams on the fleet (91110/111 are at Doncaster) will continue, although not all will be overhauled by June.Bythen thereshould be clearer pictureofhow the railway is recovering. LNER also plans to transfer all Class 91 and Mk4 maintenance from Bounds Green to Neville Hill,with the period when the sets areout of traffic helping facilitate this.