Refurbished GLV De-Icers

Since the beginning of November our contributors have had more chances to capture details of the refurbishment recently done at Eastleigh to the GLV De-Icers.

This photograph illustrates the typical GLV - EDL - GLV formation used for de-icing duties, in this case 68501, 73215 and 68504 are seen coupled together in Tonbridge West Yard on 10th November 2011.

photograph by Pat Seale

The next two photographs show both sides of 68501 in Tonbridge West Yard on 10th November 2011. This is the offside.

photograph by Pat Seale

And this is the nearside. the principal exterior changes are removal of the headcode box, new light clusters and a roller shutter door in place of the previous double doors.

photograph by Pat Seale

The above three pictures were taken from the public footbridge over the yard. The following five pictures were taken in the yard by PTS qualified staff with the permission of GBRf, and our thanks to GBRf for permitting us to display them.

Again illustrating the nearside and offside, this is the nearside of 68505 on 4th December 2011.

A minor diversion! Network Rail have taken over six Class 57/3 locomotives surplus from Virgin Trains for de-icing duties south of Thames with modified YEA wagons and to act as "thunderbird" rescue vehicles using an emergency coupling.

Taken from the footbridge over Tonbridge West Yard on 23rd November 2011, 57306 is putting up a display of clag, for some reason beloved of diesel fans.

photograph by Pat Seale

Back on the ground in the yard on 4th December, 57306 is again seen, but this time without the clag.

Network Rail's six locomotives were re-painted and had work done on them at Eastleigh by Arlington Fleet Services.

photograph courtesy of GBRf