ROUTINE inspection has revealed a crack in the mountings for the ETS (Electric Train Supply) module under a Class 68 on hire from DRS to Chiltern Railways.
Inspections of the all locos on hire to Chiltern revealed cracks in seven out of eight locomotives and as a result loco-hauled workings using two diagrammed sets ceased, and would be covered by DMUs. This would mean some trains are formed of fewer carriages.
Chiltern, which is adopting a safety first approach, is working with DRS, owner of the Class 68s which were built by Vossloh between 2013-15. Vossloh was subsequently bought by Stadler.
Class 68s from a second order are also used by TransPennine Express on passenger duties where there is an ETS requirement, and these were being checked as we closed for press, as were all other locos in the fleet.