Freightliner successfully trials running of aggregates service for Tarmac

Freightliner, a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), has successfully completed a trial running of a ‘Jumbo’ aggregates service between the Peak District and London for Tarmac.

Departing from the quarry at Tunstead in the Peak District, on Tuesday 16 March, a single class 70 locomotive hauled the 39 wagons and a class 66 locomotive to Wembley Yard in North London, where the train was split into two portions, with two separate trains going onwards to terminals at Battersea and Paddington.

After unloading the construction materials at the two terminals, the wagons were re-attached at Wembley Yard and returned to Tunstead as one train.

Working in partnership with Tarmac and Network Rail, Freightliner is now looking to carry out further trials of the jumbo train concept across this route.

Tim Shakerley, Managing Director of UK Rail Services at Freightliner said: “Freightliner has worked closely with Tarmac and Network Rail to demonstrate the viability of running jumbo services from the Peak District.

“Transporting more freight on each train boosts both improvements to the productivity and efficiency of services and drives further environmental benefits by reducing the carbon emissions of each tonne of freight moved.”

Charlene Wallace, Director for Freight, National Passenger & Customer Experience at Network Rail added: “Working in partnership going forward is going to be vital in helping maintain this level of success. Whilst passenger numbers are significantly reduced, we’ve been able to advance the benefits to be had with freight far quicker than ever before.”