Cheers for that reply !! Very Informative !
Thanks
Kris :)

I have some very good news for diesel fans. Tonight I logged off for a bit and went down to the pub in hale (The Railway, which has a picture of a Princess Royal class on the sign) which I rarely do now nowadays. I always carry a local timetable for services at the station, which is 30yrds away. Now at about 20:05 the barriers began to lower, so looking at the timetable I saw that now passenger train was scheduled, so instead of standing outside the pub and watching as normal I downed the half I was drinking and went to the station.

I thought that it could be a diverted train, a ICI mineral Freight, or if I'm lucky a steam movement. As it turned out the freight was correct, and to my surprise a very grubby 60039 charged through at full pelt towards Manchester. I savoured the moment as best I could despite the train's high speed.

As the flashing light rounded thew corner I did not leave streaight away, but closed my eyes and listened to the rails singing, until it was too faint to hear.

Seems a bit much perhaps, but I may have just witnessed hsitory, at least personally, as I may not see another working now. I think that their withdrawal from service is a huge mistake, but nothing I can do to stop DBS ruining our railway.
I hope and pray one is preserved, and I have never said that about a diesel before.

The class 60: surely the best diesel locomotive to be produced by this country to date.

According to Railway Herald one has just been refurbished and repainted in Tata colours for a new contract.

I've seen two 60's this week in Manchester at the Aggregate place near Salford Crescent. I have to admit it's made my week. :)

It's nice to see any British built loco on the mainline, specially Brush ones. :)

As far as I know about 15 class 60's are going to be re-furbished,60099 has already had attention and has been repainted in the new "TaTa" colours (Silver with Blue Logo) also 60015 is reported as undergoing a re-furb.It appears that certain trains require the higher power tractive effort that a 60 has but not a 66.So you may still see members of this class of loco about.:)

This has made me ever so happy I must say.
Ideally all 100 members of the class would be kept, but that remains to be seen.

Steam for Ever !! Such a touching posting. So Glad you enjoyed seeing that Loco :)
Kris

20 for sale according to 'Rail Express' magazine, check out the cover! Including 60081 in GWR livery.

I hope some one buys one.
Kris

You get the odd DBS Tug through Burton Joyce near me. I have one on you-tube that I filmed. I understand they run between Lindsey Refinery & Kingsbury