DIESEL-HAULED NWCE AFTER A4 FAILS AND IT IS NO-GO FOR 46233
Published at 00:00 on Sunday 5th August 2012
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The new-look is seen as LMS 'Duchess Coronation' No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland stands outside the West Shed on 3rd March. John Whitehouse
RH has been advised that A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa failed its fitness to run exam prior to its booked turn on todays 'North Wales Coast Express' from Liverpool Lime Street to Holyhead.
The train has been diesel-hauled on the outward leg, and No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland was expected to work to Holyhead during the day to haul the return leg as far as Chester, in order to ensure that the passengers get to enjoy some steam mileage. However, the train ended up being diesel-hauled in both directions reportedly due to a Network Rail timing issue. The full details are awaited.
The Duchess would have had to come off the train at Chester, as it cannot operate on the 'North Wales Coast Express's booked route back to Liverpool through Helsby and Frodsham because of a gauging issue with a bridge in that area.
