For DB Cargo UK, the future is now. The UK operator has agreed to help with their plan for the next three years through a contract with a specialised charter operator. Because of the agreement with the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, special trains will frequently cross Scotland’s famous Forth Bridge on the main route.
There were no additional intermodal flows or tonnes of aggregates transferred, so it is not the typical type of transaction that DB Cargo celebrates. A special engine and train portraying the past will travel the British railways for at least three years as a result of this arrangement. It is an important advancement for the charter business, which has been under pressure from numerous sources.
The Traction
An arrangement to run steam-hauled charter trains in the United Kingdom for three years has been announced by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and DB Cargo UK. The arrangement will allow DB Cargo UK to run the Aberdonian charter services to Aberdeen between Edinburgh and Glasgow, crossing the Forth Bridge and Tay Bridge along the route, starting in 2023 for three years with extension clauses.
These trains will use the brand-new, exact reproduction of an antique A1 class steam locomotive, 60163 Tornado. In accordance with the agreement, the parties may additionally operate extra charter trains between themselves on the network from Cornwall to northern Scotland. Along with other responsibilities, DB Cargo will likely offer backup traction for all services, either to run the coach stock’s electric systems or as a reserve locomotive for operational requirements. One of only two businesses still able to run steam locomotives on the nation’s mainlines is DB Cargo UK.
Massive Construction Project
Premature reports of steam traction’s extinction on the UK network appear to have been true. However, the obituary was published in 1968, the year when a steam locomotive pulled the final scheduled passenger train. Hundreds more locomotives have been independently restored since then, and they now serve as the foundation of the distinctive UK steam heritage railway business.
Some renowned marques, such as the A1 class, the former mainstay of prestige trains between London and Edinburgh, were completely lost in the drive to deactivate the British Railways steam traction fleet. The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, which undertook the enormous effort of creating a new prototype from scratch, corrected that oversight in 2008.
Enormous Success
Ironically, for a while, Tornado, a brand-new main line steam locomotive, was the newest locomotive on the British network. The Trust has used it to pull charter trains across the nation, and it has been a phenomenal success. Their mainline operations are supported by the deal with DB Cargo, and it will aid in expansion.
The Trust is now developing a second brand-new locomotive, a strong P2 class model that was first intended for rapid passenger travel between London and Aberdeen. The arrangement, which handles the preliminary tests and commissioning of this new steam locomotive, will also cover the new locomotive with the designation 2007 Prince of Wales.
Check And Launch
The Trust chair, Steve Davies, said that they are thrilled to have reached a deal with DB Cargo UK to run the Aberdonian trains for the next three years. This arrangement allows flexibility with different routes and operators while protecting their core operation. Additionally, it acknowledges the crucial task that, in around two years, will be undertaken after P2, Prince of Wales.
DB Cargo is turning to the past for the future. DB Cargo UK Account Manager Special Trains, Richard Corser, said that they are happy to continue the cooperation with A1SLT and will be undergoing considerable training to ensure the success of this agreement. They successfully assisted with the testing and commissioning of Tornado in 2008, and therefore they eagerly anticipate completing the same tasks for the newly constructed steam train Prince of Wales.
