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73/9s Spread Their Wings

73966 passing Breich on a wet fatrenoon on 5th November 2015

(above) photograph by Gregory Beecroft

Once Southern Electric stock departs the Southern Electric system it is customary for this group to record its departure, and thereafter - depending upon merit - in less detail it may then cover any conversions/refurbishments, testing, and through to introduction to service, but no further unless of significant newsworthyness. GB Railfreight's 73966 in Caledonian Sleeper "midnight teal" livery entered service on 6th November 2105 working empty stock off the Edinburgh sleeper from Edinburgh to Polmadie via Carstairs. It is pictured here in typical Scottish "Dreicht" on the afternoon before making a return trip light engine Craigentinny to Mossend via Morningside and Shotts, passing Breich about 15:20 on the outward journey.  Note that the snowploughs have been removed from the locomotive whilst at Craigentinny.

Meanwhile, 73966's five less powerful sisters continue working on their home patch on infrastructure workings. Passing through Crowhurst on 14th October 2015 73961 tails 73962 with a Rail Head Treatment Train (RHTT) circular from Tonbridge West Yard via Maidstone and Ashford. Note that these locomotives retain their Southern MU connections.

(below) photograph by Chris Livings  

73961 tails 73962 through Crowhurst on a Tonbridge West Yard circular RHTT via Maidstone and Asford 14th October 2015