Rail Express Magazine 282 - November 2019 Back Issue

WE thought we had the moment of the month nailed in the lead up to press day, when GBRf ‘Tug’ No. 60026 emerged into the sunlight at Eastleigh Works, showing off its sparkling new blue livery, which really seems to suit the shape of the loco – or maybe I would say that as someone dating back to British Rail’s Corporate Blue era!

The icing on the cake, though, is the addition of retro nameplates in the style of the Class 44s – this one being Helvellyn, but we understand GBRf’s 10 ‘60s’ will be given plates matching those 10 original ‘Peaks’. This is a nice touch by the freight haulier, which has enthusiasts in its ranks all the way to the top, but it does not have to do these things and we must give them credit for making our hobby all the more interesting.

Then, however, Europhoenix went one better, when news emerged that it had acquired two Class 91s off-lease from LNER work – and not only that, they had already been reliveried at Bounds Green depot. It is amazing that they managed to keep this under wraps to all but a few – not just the deal itself, but the new look too. Class 91s have had some great liveries during their time on the East Coast route, not least No. 91110’s ‘Battle of Britain’ livery and No. 91111’s ‘Poppies’, but they really suit the new owner’s ‘Phoenix’ logo too.