47. Orion logistics test run-03.08.21

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2021 > 47. Orion logistics test run-03.08.21

Orion is in the process of launching its new logistics service to link London with Scotland via the WCML. As part of the exhaustive preparations, a test run took place from Euston to Hams Hall near Birmingham. At the moment, the converted class 319 is not running under its own power but is being hauled by a ROG Class 57. Running in daylight hours, something that I don't think that it will be doing when in full operation, I nipped out from home before breakfast to see it pass.

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Images 1-8 of 8 displayed.

66558, 04.10 Crewe Basford Hall-Felixstowe North (4L89), site of Roade station
On an incredibly dull August morning, something that characterised the whole month during the summer of 2021, 66558 passes the site of Roade station. The Freightliner Class 66 is leading the 04.10 Crewe Basford Hall to Felixstowe 4L89 service that was well loaded on this particular morning.
Keywords: 66558 04.10 Crewe Basford Hall-Felixstowe North 4L89 site of Roade station Freightliner

57312 & 768001, 08.44 Wembley HS-Hams Hall (5Q66, RT), site of Roade station
Orion has ambitious plans to transport smaller freight items between, initially at least, Glasgow and Euston. It has been undertaking many test runs and filming a slick promo as part of the launch, see.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9TCt8pMS4s A daylight test run is seen passing through Roade as the 5Q66 08.44 Wembley Yard to Hams Hall with 768001 being towed by 57312. The unit is a former Thameslink unit 319010 that has been completely stripped and fitted out to carry small freight items that are moved on integrated trolleys.
Keywords: 57312 768001 08.44 Wembley HS-Hams Hall 5Q66 site of Roade station Orion Logistics

768001 & 57312, 08.44 Wembley HS-Hams Hall (5Q66, RT), site of Roade station
Former Thameslink 319010 is seen passing Roade being towed by 57312. It has now been converted into a bi-mode unit that has been stripped out and prepared to carry freight between Euston and Glasgow. It is seen running as the 5Q66 08.44 Wembley HS to Hams Hall. I suspect that when Orion starts its commercial operations later this year the opportunities to photograph its trains will be limited as they will be running through the night.
Keywords: 768001 57312 08.44 Wembley HS-Hams Hall 5Q66 site of Roade station Orion Logistics 319010

66701, 03.10 Felixstowe North-Trafford Park (4M18, 6E), site of Roade station
GBRf's 66701 leads the 4M18 03.10 Felixstowe to Trafford Park heavily loaded Freightliner service past the sight of Roade station. Considering that it is the beginning of August it is an incredibly dull and grey morning with the camera struggling and having to operate at an ISO of 3200, something more akin to taking photographs in January!
Keywords: 66701 03.10 Felixstowe North-Trafford Park 4M18 site of Roade station GBRf

90044 & 90041, 02.50 Felixstowe North-Garston (4M45, 44E), site of Roade station
Wearing its parent company's Genesee & Wyoming livery 90041 leads 90044 in the more conventional Freightliner paint scheme. The pair of Class 90s are leading the 4M45 02.50 Felixstowe to Garston service past the site of Roade's former station. On what was a ridiculously dull August morning the bright orange and yellow colours certainly lift the lighting a little!
Keywords: 90044 90041 02.50 Felixstowe North-Garston 4M45 site of Roade station Freightliner

66523, 03.39 Garston-London Gateway (4L32, 6E), site of Roade station
66523 heads the 4L32 03.39 Garston to London Gateway Freightliner service past the site of Roade station. Notice the buddleia growing close to the track, a feature of much of the railway network particularly at this time of year when it is in full flower and attracting many butterflies, see......https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28196221
Keywords: 66523 03.39 Garston-London Gateway 4L32 site of Roade station Freightliner

66589, 03.00 Felixstowe North-East Midlands Gateway (4M86, 84E), Roade cutting
After continuing my local walk the sun finally began to burn its way through the veil of cloud that enveloped the sky on this mid-summer morning. 66589 leading the 4M86 03.00 Felixstowe North to East Midlands Gateway is in the shade with the sun just illuminating the western wall of the cutting.
Keywords: 66589 03.00 Felixstowe North-East Midlands Gateway 4M86 Roade cutting Freightliner

66525, 04.59 Trafford Park-Felixstowe North (4L41), site of Roade station
Back where I started out an hour ago at the site of Roade's former station and what a difference in the weather! In the intervening time, the sun has really got to work and the cloud is rapidly being burnt off. 66525 emerges from Roade cutting leading the 4L41 04.59 Trafford Park to Felixstowe Freightliner train, the sixth freight to pass in that time.
Keywords: 66525 04.59 Trafford Park-Felixstowe North 4L41 site of Roade station Freightliner

Images 1-8 of 8 displayed.