07.07.16
Abellio Greater Anglia hires new train to replace damaged Class 170 unit
Abellio Greater Anglia has hired a new train to keep its services running over the summer months after another unit was damaged.
The train, consisting of two Class 68 diesel locomotives and three Mk2 carriages, will replace a Class 170 diesel unit, which is being repaired after it was damaged when it hit a tractor at a user-operated crossing between Harling Road and Thetford on 10 April.
Its brake cylinders and engine sump were ripped off and six passengers reportedly suffered minor injuries.
The Class 68, which is hired from Direct Rail Services, is the first to be used on a regular basis in East Anglia.
It will complete four journeys from Norwich to Great Yarmouth and back and two between Norwich and Lowestoft every weekday between 11 July and 30 September.
Abellio Greater Anglia said it is still looking for ongoing coverage beyond September, since the Class 170 is unlikely to be in service by then.
(Image c. Ryan Taylor)
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