SIDELINES
Class 58 available for heritage railways THE Class 58 Locomotive Group (C58LG), on behalf of the loco owner, is inviting expressions of interest for operational opportunities and gala invitations for Class 58 No. 58023. At present, this is the only loco of the class operational in the UK, with the C58LG’s own example No. 58016 expected to be a further two years at least before it returns to service. No. 58023 was built in 1984 and was withdrawn from main line service in July 1999. While many of the once 50-strong class were sent abroad for further use, this example remained stored at Toton depot until acquired for preservation. It is privately owned and is currently located at UK Rail Leasing’s Leicester depot. The ‘Bone’ has recently returned to use following restoration at UKRL and previously at the Battlefield Line. It represents a unique opportunity for gala appearances and the C58LG is excited to support this chance to see and enjoy an example of this now rare and historic type of heavy freight loco in operation once again. Any expressions of interest in hiring this loco should be emailed to chairman@ class58loco.group.