GBRf
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First GBRf was formed in 1999 and is now part of FirstGroup plc, it recently changed its name from GB Railfreight.
Most of First GBRF's activity is in the southeast of England, however it now operates two freight flows into Scotland.
Under the deal First GBRf currently operates one northbound and one southbound train on the West Coast Main Line between Willesden in London, and Shieldmuir near Motherwell (calling at Warrington).
Additional services are run at Christmas to cope with peak volumes.
The trains are formed of Royal Mail's Class 325 EMUs, but Class 87 locomotives are also occasionally used to haul the these.
The trains are formed of 2-axle 'TUA' tank wagons hauled by a Class 66 locomotive.
Electric Multiple Units such as class 318 and class 320, need to be hauled by ETH fitted locomotives coupled to special translator vans - class 57s locos are hired in for this purpose.
External Links:
Most of First GBRF's activity is in the southeast of England, however it now operates two freight flows into Scotland.
Royal Mail
After trials operating over Christmas 2004 and into spring 2005, Royal Mail signed a contract to move mail by train until the end of March 2006, which was then extended to March 2007.Under the deal First GBRf currently operates one northbound and one southbound train on the West Coast Main Line between Willesden in London, and Shieldmuir near Motherwell (calling at Warrington).
Additional services are run at Christmas to cope with peak volumes.
The trains are formed of Royal Mail's Class 325 EMUs, but Class 87 locomotives are also occasionally used to haul the these.
Mud Oil
Since spring of 2005, First GBRf has run a twice-monthly trainload of drilling mud oils from Harwich to Aberdeen for Petrochem Carless.The trains are formed of 2-axle 'TUA' tank wagons hauled by a Class 66 locomotive.
Rolling Stock Movements
In September 2008, First GBRf started a 6-year contract to move rolling stock to and from Glasgow Works.Electric Multiple Units such as class 318 and class 320, need to be hauled by ETH fitted locomotives coupled to special translator vans - class 57s locos are hired in for this purpose.
External Links: