YORK-BASED Jarvis Fastline was a major supplier of track and infrastructure services to Railtrack and Network Rail during the first decade and a half of the privatisation era. It was responsible for the introduction of the innovative ‘Slinger’ sleeper distribution trains and also operated the original Harsco Track Technologies P811S track renewal train.
In order to expand its business, the company decided to enter the coal transportation sector, leasing 94 HYA bogie hoppers from General Electric Rail Services. Built in Romania by IRS (International Railway Systems), they were delivered in 2008 as Nos. 37 70 6791 000-2 to 093-7.
The operation was short-lived, however. Network Rail placed track renewal contracts with other firms, causing parent company Jarvis severe financial strain. Fastline was dissolved during March 2010 and the coal hoppers placed into long term store at Long Marston (Warwickshire). Now owned by Touax SA, they are scheduled to be converted into aggregate hoppers by WH Davis at Langwith Junction. Removal of the centre bay reduces volumetric capacity by a third from 90 cubic metres to 60 cubic metres, but maximum payload is increased from 74.6 tonnes to 77.6 tonnes. Modified wagons were intended to move to a new series Nos. 83 70 6957 000-5 to 093-0. However, many still retain their original identities.
Most of the Touax fleet was acquired through a takeover of General Electric Rail Services. The exceptions are batches of HOA/JNA hoppers and box wagons purchased new for lease to Mendip Rail. They are notable for their red livery and ‘Billboard’ style lettering. Now in service from Merehead/Whatley quarries are JNA’s Nos. 81 70 5500 804-6 to 858-2 from Astra Rail, Turnu Severin, Romania and HOA’s Nos. 81 70 6774 036-2 to 075-0 from Wagony- Swidnica in Poland.