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Locomotive Services Limited

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Locomotive Services Limited[2] is a train operating company in Great Britain. The company operates rail tours using heritage steam, diesel and electric locomotives with support from associated companies and trusts.

Locomotive Services Limited
Founded2018
Headquarters
Crewe
,
England
Area served
Great Britain
ServicesTrain operating company
OwnerJeremy Hosking[1]
Websitewww.locomotiveservices.co.uk
D1935 moving 34046 Braunton to the West Somerset Railway in 2018

History

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In August 2017, Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) was granted an operating licence by the Office of Rail & Road allowing it to operate mainline trains in the United Kingdom.[3] Based at Crewe Diesel TMD, it is owned by Jeremy Hosking. It operated its first tour from Crewe to Kingussie in March 2018.[4]

It built up a fleet of Class 08s, 37s and 47s, mainly acquired from Direct Rail Services.[5] In December 2017, it purchased two Class 55s: D9000 and D9016.[6][7] The former is being restored at Locomotive Services' Crewe depot, whilst the latter has been cosmetically restored and transferred to the company's One:One Collection facility in Margate.

In August 2018, preserved Class 40 D213 Andania joined Locomotive Services on a three-year lease. In 2020, a Class 86, Class 87, two Class 90s and an InterCity 125 set were purchased.[8]

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Hosking formed Locomotive Services under Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust (RSLGT), a company dedicated to the maintenance and operation of steam locomotives owned by the trust, and also a number of other engines owned by Hosking. The company initially operated from a main base at Southall Railway Centre and also a summer outpost at Bristol Barton Hill.

LNWR Heritage Ltd

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In 2013, RSLGT acquired LNWR Heritage, a company specialising in the overhaul and restoration of steam locomotives, from Pete Waterman. Subsequently, merged into Locomotive Services in 2015, RSLGT came to an agreement with Network Rail to lease the former Crewe TMD close to LNWR Heritage's former base, which resultantly became Locomotive Services' main base. Having previously had locomotive overhauls undertaken by various companies across the UK, investment in Crewe TMD allows Locomotive Services to fully restore and maintain RSLGT's locomotive and coaching stock.

Locomotive Diesels Ltd

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Already formed under Locomotive Services to handle operations and maintenance of RSLGT's stock of Class 47 locomotives, which were purchased to assist and move both steam locomotives and coaching stock around the UK network, the division took more prominence after Hosking agreed to acquire two Class 55 Deltic locomotives in November 2017.[9] In January 2018, Locomotive Services announced that they had taken out a three-year loan agreement on a Class 40 locomotive D213 to operate on the mainline in the later half of 2018.[10]

Locomotive Storage Ltd

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After acquiring the former Hornby factory in Margate, Kent, the Trust formed Locomotive Storage Ltd, to enable safe and weather-secure storage of locomotives awaiting overhaul, away from the busy main site at Crewe. After refurbishment and the installation of seven tracks (the site is only accessible by road), the first stock to arrive on the site was a Class 503 in May 2018,[11] followed by former LNER Class A4 4464 Bittern on 1 June 2018.[12]

Train operating company

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In August 2017, the associated company Locomotive Services (TOC) Ltd obtained the required certifications, licence and agreements to become a UK train operating company (TOC) enabling the company to operate trains on the mainline network.[13] The first tour was operated from Crewe to Kingussie in March 2018.[4] It subsequently created the associated company Saphos Trains which runs tours and excursions, starting and ending mainly at present from Crewe railway station. Two Class 90s and an InterCity 125 set were purchased from Porterbrook.[6]

Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust

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Main article: Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust

The Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust owns several locomotives that are now available to be operated by Locomotive Services.

The Steam Dreams Rail Company

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In June 2022, it was announced that Locomotive Services had purchased Steam Dreams and LNER Thompson Class B1 61306 from former owner David Buck.[14] Steam Dreams now operates under the LSL umbrella, with the operator continuing to operate its own tours too.

Fleet

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The Crewe-based fleet includes steam, diesel and electric locomotives.

Steam locomotives

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Not all steam locomotives listed below are owned by RSLGT/Locomotive Services, as some are operating with Locomotive Services under an agreement. Not all are also mainline certified so are restricted to 25 mph on heritage railways, mainline permitted speed listed below.

Number Name Class Livery Owner Tops No Air Brks Location Photograph Present Status Mainline Certified Notes
4270 GWR 4200 Class 2-8-0 GWR Lined Green Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway   [15]
5029 Nunney Castle GWR "Castle" 4-6-0 N/A LNWR Heritage, Crewe   Under Overhaul[16] Overhaul anticipated for completion in late 2024.[17]
6024 King Edward I GWR "King" 4-6-0 BR Green, Late Crest (on completion) Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98824 Yes LNWR Heritage, Crewe   Under Overhaul On completion of overhaul

Maintained and operated by 6024 Preservation Society.[18][19]

6960 Raveningham Hall GWR Modified Hall 4-6-0 GWR Lined Green 98560 No One:One Collection   Awaiting overhaul Boiler ticket expired July 2021. Moved to Margate in September 2021[20][21]
35022 Holland America Line SR "Merchant Navy" 4-6-2 N/A Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98822 N/A LNWR Heritage, Crewe   Stored No Awaiting restoration from scrapyard condition.[22]
35027 Port Line SR "Merchant Navy" 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98827 N/A LNWR Heritage, Crewe   Stored No Awaiting major overhaul. To be fitted with boiler from 35022.[23][24]
45231 The Sherwood Forester LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 BR Black, Late Crest 98531 Yes LNWR Heritage, Crewe[25]   Operational Yes (2013 - ongoing)
46100 Royal Scot LMS "Royal Scot" 4-6-0 BR Green, Early Emblem Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98702 Yes LNWR Heritage, Crewe   Operational Yes (2016 - ongoing) [26]
60007 Sir Nigel Gresley LNER A4 4-6-2 BR Blue[27] Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust 98898 Yes LNWR Heritage, Crewe[28]   Operational Yes (2022 - ongoing) On ten-year partnership with SNGLT.[29]

Worked inaugural post overhaul railtour on 21 May 2022.[30]

60019 Bittern LNER A4 4-6-2 LNER Garter Blue 98819 Yes One:One Collection   Static Display No Currently stored at Margate.[31]

Planned to be moved to North Yorkshire for overhaul in 2024.[32]

60532 Blue Peter LNER A2 4-6-2 BR Blue[33] Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98832 Yes LNWR Heritage, Crewe   Operational Yes (2024 - ongoing) 60532 made its debut return to the mainline in May 2024 undertaking its loaded test run on 02/05/24.[34]
61306 Mayflower LNER B1 4-6-0 BR Apple Green Locomotive Services Group 98506 Yes Southall MPD   Operational Yes (2019 - ongoing) Acquired in June 2022 from David Buck.[14]
70000 Britannia BR Standard Class 7 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98700 Yes LNWR Heritage, Crewe   Operational Yes (2022 - ongoing) Withdrawn for repairs to motion following failure of its crosshead on 22 August 2023.[35]

Returned to service in March 2024 following completion of repairs.[36]

71000 Duke of Gloucester BR Standard Class 8 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest[citation needed] BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust 98800 Yes Tyseley Locomotive Works   Under Overhaul No, to be certified In February 2024, it was announced that the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust & the Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust had formed a partnership that will see the operation of 71000 on the mainline after its overhaul is complete.[37]

Diesel locomotives

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Locomotive Services Ltd & RSLGT Owned Diesels

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The locomotives owned by Locomotive Services Ltd and Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust are listed below.

Note: Marked names indicate that the loco is not presently wearing them.

Loco numbers in bold mean their current number.

Shunting Engines
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Class Pre-TOPS Number TOPS Number Name Livery Owner Image Currently based at Current status
Class 08 D3798 08631 - BR Blue Locomotive Services Ltd   LNWR Heritage, Crewe Operational. Returned to Crewe following contract repair work undertaken by RMS Locotec.[38] Use as a pilot at the LNWR Heritage site.
Mainline Diesels
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The operational mainline diesel fleet is entirely based at Crewe Diesel Depot. Some locomotives are off site either in storage, on hire or under restoration.

Class Pre-TOPS Number TOPS Number Name Livery Owner Image Currently based at Current status
Class 37 D6968 37401 Mary Queen of Scots BR Large Logo Blue Locomotive Services Ltd   LNWR Heritage, Crewe Acquired in December 2023 from DRS. Will return to operation after a major exam.[39]
D6970 37409 - ScotRail[40]   Operational, mainline registered. Returned to service in 2023.
Class 45 D67 45118 The Royal Artilleryman BR Blue Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust Barrow Hill[41] First test run completed as of 4/7/2024. Full mainline operation for tours will start on 27/7/2024[citation needed]
Class 55 D9016 55016 Gordon Highlander BR Green Locomotive Services Ltd   One:One Collection[citation needed]

Static Display. Acquired from former owners alongside 55022 for use on mainline railtours.[42] Select parts on loco (traction motors, engine, etc.) were taken off 55016 to be used on 55022 to return the engine to service. Following a cosmetic overhaul the engine was moved to the One:One Collection museum in Margate where it will be placed on display awaiting its turn in the overhaul queue.[citation needed]

D9000 55022 Royal Scots Grey   LNWR Heritage, Crewe Operational, mainline registered. Returned to service in September 2022 following overhaul.[citation needed]
Class 73 E6001 73001 - BR Blue   Ecclesbourne Valley Railway[43] Purchased from the Dean Forest Railway in 2019 for a potential return to mainline service. Currently on hire to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.[citation needed]

Class 43 (HST) Power Cars

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Locomotive Services own 7 class 43 powercars, with 5 currently in service. All powercars are used/to be used on the Midland Pullman luxury train service, with the exception of 43083.

Class TOPS Number Name Livery Owner Image Currently based at Current status
Class 43 43046 Geoff Drury 1930 – 1999
Steam Preservation and Computerised Track Recording Pioneer 		Midland Pullman blue and white Locomotive Services Ltd   LNWR Heritage, Crewe Operational, mainline registered. One of the first two powercars to be restored as part of a recreation of the Blue Pullman train for charter use.[44][45] One of two powercars fitted with a generator in the baggage compartment, used to power the fridges on the Pullman set.

Acquired from Porterbrook in 2020 following its withdrawal from service with East Midlands Railway.

43055 -   Operational, mainline registered. One of the first two powercars to be restored as part of a recreation of the Blue Pullman train for charter use.[44][45] One of two powercars fitted with a generator in the baggage compartment, used to power the fridges on the Pullman set.

Acquired from Porterbrook in 2020 following its withdrawal from service with East Midlands Railway.

Preserved Locomotives

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Not all diesel locomotives used by Locomotive Services are owned by them, some are on loan to the company for use on railtours. The privately owned locos are listed below.

Bold = Current number

Class Pre-TOPS Number TOPS Number Name Livery Owner Image Currently based at Current status
Class 40 D213 40013 Andania BR Green Private Owner   LNWR Heritage, Crewe

Operational, mainline registered. Recently returned to service following an overhaul and power unit replacement. After being located at Barrow Hill Engine Shed, the engine was moved to Crewe Diesel Depot in July 2018 for fitment of AWS, TPWS, On-Train Monitoring Recorder and GSM-R.[46] On long term loan to Locomotive Services from 2018.

Class 47 D1948 47712 Lady Diana Spencer BR Scotrail Blue Crewe Diesel Preservation Group   Owned by Crewe DPG. Used with the matching Scotrail push-pull set.[47]

Diesel multiple units

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Bold = Current number

Class Pre-TOPS Number TOPS Number Name Livery Owner Image Currently based at Current status
Class 141 - 141108 - BR Blue & Grey Locomotive Services Ltd   Eastleigh Works

Purchased for display at One:One Collection.[48] The unit is currently stored awaiting a cosmetic restoration prior to its transfer to Margate.

Electric locomotives

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Bold = Current number

Class Pre-TOPS Number TOPS Number Name Livery Owner Image Current location Current status
Class 86 E3191 86101 Sir William A Stanier FRS InterCity Swallow Locomotive Services Ltd   LNWR Heritage, Crewe

Operational, mainline registered. Previously used on Caledonian Sleeper trains which included bringing in the empty coaches to London Euston and Wembley Intercity Depot, as well as between Glasgow Central and Polmadie TRSMD and also on occasion taking the Caledonian Sleeper along the West Coast Main Line to Scotland. Both were purchased from AC Locomotive Group by Locomotive Services in November 2019 for use on future charter trains.[49]

86201
Class 87 - 87002 Royal Sovereign  
Class 89 89001 Avocet AC Locomotive Group   Brush Works, Loughborough

Under overhaul. Locomotive Services entered a partnership with the owners of 89001 in December 2021 which will see its overhaul through to completion, before operating the locomotive for a period of five years.[50]

Train Operating Company

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LSL provides locomotives, stock and crews for railtour organisers. LSL acts as train operating company to the following companies:

References

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  1. ^ "LOCOMOTIVE SERVICES LIMITED persons with significant control - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 15 October 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Company no 5237785". Companies House. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022.
  3. ^ "Licence granted for new operator". Rail. No. 835. 13 September 2017. p. 19.
  4. ^ a b "First LS tour". Today's Railways UK. No. 197. May 2018. p. 68.
  5. ^ "A growing fleet at Crewe Diesel Depot". Rail. No. 842. 20 December 2017. p. 31.
  6. ^ a b "Deltics sold – and could be put to work on new railtours". Rail. No. 842. 20 December 2017. p. 30.
  7. ^ "Two Deltics sold to Locomotive Services". Today's Railways UK. No. 193. January 2018. p. 67.
  8. ^ "Class 40 and 47/8 join Locomotive Service's ranks". Rail. No. 858. 1 August 2018. p. 31.
  9. ^ "Deltic Duo Joins the Fleet". Icons of Steam. 17 November 2017. Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  10. ^ "D213 Andania joins LSL mainline fleet". Icons of Steam. 14 January 2018. Archived from the original on 15 January 2018.
  11. ^ Bailes, Kathy (30 May 2018). "Last surviving Mersey Rail Class 503 train arrives at Locomotive Storage in Margate". The Isle of Thanet News. Archived from the original on 4 November 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  12. ^ "Record-breaking steam train arrives in Kent". June 2018. Archived from the original on 13 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  13. ^ "Locomotive Services LTD Becomes TOC". Steam Railway. 5 August 2017. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  14. ^ a b c Michael Holden (1 June 2022). "Steam Dreams and 61306 Mayflower acquired by Crewe based Locomotive Services Group". Rail Advent. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  15. ^ "GWR - Gloucestershire's mainline heritage railway - 4270 steams". 17 May 2014. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  16. ^ "Update on 5029's overhaul". Steam Railway. No. 549. September 2023. p. 76.
  17. ^ "Progress on 5029's ongoing overhaul at Crewe". Steam Railway. No. 549. September 2023. p. 76.
  18. ^ "'King Edward I' : BR 6024 King Class : 4-6-0". www.theonetoonecollection.co.uk. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  19. ^ Nick. "6024 Preservation Society | Maintaining No. 6024 King Edward I". 6024. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  20. ^ "'Raveningham Hall' : GWR 6960 Hall Class : 4-6-0". www.theonetoonecollection.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  21. ^ Bailes, Kathy (8 September 2021). "Raveningham Hall loco arrives at Margate's Locomotive Storage site". The Isle Of Thanet News. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  22. ^ "'Holland America Line' : BR 35022 Merchant Navy Class : 4-6-2". www.theonetoonecollection.co.uk. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  23. ^ "Bulleid Merchant Navy Class locomotive 35027 'Port Line'". www.bluebell-railway.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  24. ^ "'Port Line' : BR 35027 Merchant Navy Class : 4-6-2". www.theonetoonecollection.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  25. ^ "Light Engine Movement (Carlisle Upperby Sidings - Crewe HS)". RailAdvent. 28 September 2023. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  26. ^ "Royal Scot Trust". www.royalscot.org.uk. Archived from the original on 18 January 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  27. ^ Holden, Michael (24 January 2023). "Steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley unveiled in blue livery". RailAdvent. Archived from the original on 4 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  28. ^ "Light Engine Movement (Joppa Straight - Carlisle Upperby Sidings - Crewe HS)". RailAdvent. 27 November 2023. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  29. ^ Gary Boydhope (30 January 2019). "60007 joins Hosking fleet at Crewe". The Railway Magazine. Archived from the original on 27 February 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  30. ^ Holden, Michael (25 May 2022). "Steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley returns to mainline passenger service after £1 million overhaul". RailAdvent. Archived from the original on 4 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023. With its £1m overhaul complete, LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley returned to the mainline on the 21st May 2022.
  31. ^ "'Bittern' : LNER 4464 A4 Class : 4-6-2". www.theonetoonecollection.co.uk. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  32. ^ Holden, Michael (9 June 2023). "Steam locomotive 60019 Bittern set for overhaul in North Yorkshire". RailAdvent. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  33. ^ "Blue Peter for Severn Valley testing in BR Blue". Heritage Railway. No. 315. January 2024. p. 7.
  34. ^ "Loaded Test Run". RailAdvent. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  35. ^ "70000 undergoing repairs to motion". Steam Railway. No. 549. September 2023. p. 41.
  36. ^ "Loco Movement". RailAdvent. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  37. ^ "Operator confirmed for steam locomotive 71000 Duke of Gloucester". RailAdvent. 14 February 2024.
  38. ^ "Contract work completed on 08631". RMS Locotec. 25 November 2020. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  39. ^ "Five direct rail services class 37s get new owners". Rail Magazine. 27 December 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  40. ^ "Four day Severn Valley Railway gala to see Class 37 visit". RailAdvent. 31 January 2024. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  41. ^ "Class 45/1 Preservation Society: 45118" (PDF). 45133.co.uk.
  42. ^ "Deltic Duo joins the fleet". 29 November 2017. Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  43. ^ "Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Loco Roster". SpotLog. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  44. ^ a b "Midland Pullman". Midland Pullman. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  45. ^ a b Holden, Michael (1 August 2020). "LSL HST set for Pullman Blue Livery as new railtour announced". Rail Advent. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  46. ^ "Class 40 Andania joins the LSL TOC diesel fleet". 14 January 2018. Archived from the original on 15 January 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  47. ^ "Lady Diana Spencer". Crewe Heritage Supporters. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  48. ^ Evans, Gareth (12 June 2020). "Class 141 Pacer joins Margate museum collection". Heritage Railway. No. 268. Mortons Media Group Ltd. p. 25. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
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  50. ^ "89001's return to mainline status secured". The AC Locomotive Group. 20 December 2021. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
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