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[GB] Third time is the charm: TPE Class 68 head to Velim

Home Wabtec PowerHaul PH37ACmi (UK) Colas Rail [GB] Third time is the charm: TPE Class 68 head to Velim

ROG 47813 leads TPE-liveried 68019 and 68021 towards Dollands Moor in a second attempt to get the locos to the European mainland on 21 March 2018. Picture by Jack Meakin-Sawyer.


A month ago, we reported about Class 68 locomotives 68019 and 68021 being moved to the British entrance of the Channel Tunnel for further transfer to the VUZ Velim test ring in the Czech Republic:


"On March 6, Class 68 locos 68019 and 68021 were brought to the Dollands Moor Yard on the British side of the Channel Tunnel by the Rail Operations Group. Although further transfer through the tunnel did not go through (with the locos returning to the DRS depot at Crewe on the 9th), it shows that tests together with CAF Mark 5a stock at the Velim test ring are planned for the near future."


However, the move was not successful with the locos returning back to base from Dollands Moor fairly quickly. On March 21st, a second attempt was done with Rail Operations Group (ROG) bringing the locomotives to Dollands Moor, using Class 47 oldie 47813. The locos did make it to Frethun, on the French side of the tunnel, later on. Unfortunately, continuing issues regarding further transport through France resulted in the locomotives returning back to Dollands Moor.


Having a plan B in place, the locos were subsequently forwarded to Immingham for shipment to Cuxhaven, Germany, where they arrived on April 5th. From there, their journey to the Czech Republic will continue after they are put back on the rails from the transport trailers on which they arrived.


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