Specialist carrier Rail Operations Group has moved much closer to the launch of its Orion-branded fast freight operation. What used to be called parcels, and is now better described as light logistics, needs a fleet of fast trains that are compatible with the existing network and facilities. That is the thinking behind the purchase of former passenger stock, that last saw service on the prestige Heathrow services. It is entirely possible that the electric multiple unit stock may once again grace the platforms on this line, but the ‘cargo’ will be very different.
Several carriers have announced or are in the planning stages of launching light logistics services for the UK. Rail Operations UK Limited (ROUK) have broken ranks, and completed a deal to buy former passenger EMUs from Heathrow airport to convert them for light freight use. The sight of dedicated parcels trains was common on the UK network until the privatisation era of the 1990s. Since then, the sector has been unsuccessful and abandoned to road hauliers.
The details have been released of the sale and purchase agreement between ROUK and Heathrow Airport Limited, the parent company of Heathrow Express, the unique rail operator which was set up to service the purpose-built branch line into the international airport. Initially, that service ran non-stop between the airport terminals and Paddington station in west London. It was later augmented by a stopping service – called Heathrow Connect, for which these units were deployed.
ROUK has acquired the fleet of five designated Class 360/2 multiple units, plus a stock of spare parts. “The Class 360/2 units were previously used to operate the Heathrow Connect stopping services on the route between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington”, says the company statement. “The purchase of the units by ROUK follows on from the recent announcement that the company has ordered 30 Class 93 tri-mode locomotives”, they say. Gordon Cox, who is the rail operations group business development director, explained that his parent company had big ambitions for the industry. “ROUK have identified the potential of this well-maintained multiple unit fleet to assist in our transformation of UK rail freight logistics.”
I want to the class 360/2 units back on GWML again forever the class 345s don’t need to replace these trains there not that old