A new arrival, new ideas...

Well, what can I say...? Without doubt the biggest news to report here is the new arrival of a Co-Co Diesel loco, Class 66 (66005) in EWS livery which will perform freight and mixed duties at Colcester. Its home will be at Colcester Depot and it will mostly be ferrying a few trucks and out of service coaching stock to various places. Colcester has been without a proper Diesel loco for such duties as the rolling stock has been more passenger/express/high speed orientated, however it was felt there was a gap in the fleet which we can say has now been filled...

In other news, a decision has been about the continuing problems faced with the gradients on the layout. After quite some deliberation its been decided that the gradients are to be removed, thus leaving Colcester with two independent loops - the two upper lines and a single lower line. Removing the gradients will provide space to install two storage yards, one on each level, which should make a difference to through services and commuter services, allowing trains to be "hidden away" for a time. The yard will also help to keep platforms 1 & 2 at Colcester clear for through services once the Garden loop is operational.

In many respects the omission of any storage yard on the layout from the start has caused some problems anyway, but the ongoing issues with the gradients far outweigh these and for that matter they need to go.

There will be further news on this soon, so watch this space...

Meanwhile, the GALLERY PAGE has been updated, so CLICK HERE

And to view the latest VIDEO which includes a review of the new Class 66, just CLICK HERE

Here is an image of the Class 66 to whet your appetite..!!!