A golden train for a golden anniversary. Drax power station complex in Yorkshire, England, is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. Once powered by black gold – the former coal-fired power station is now given over to green biomass, and it is expected to be in service for decades to come. that means plenty more work for British rail freight operators, who have been celebrating in suitable style.
One of those operators, GB Railfreight, has decked out a commemorative locomotive and some of the specialist rolling stock. the train is easy to spot. It’s gold. For those seeking to celebrate on a smaller scale, the bespoke railway modelling firm, Revolution Trains, has been commissioned to provide 144:1 scale (British N gauge) models of the unique biomass wagons, and a class 66 locomotive, all in the eye-catching gold livery.
Key role in the country’s energy security
Celebrations at the weekend just passed had representatives from several organisations on site to take part in commemorative events.“Drax Power Station has kept Britain’s lights on for 50 years,” said Bruce Heppenstall, the Plant Director at Drax Power Station. As well as playing a key role in the country’s energy security, we employ around 1,000 people directly at Drax Power Station and through maintenance, logistics and other activities hundreds of contractor colleagues can also be on site during any one week.”
Bruce Heppenstall was eager to point out that the power plant relies significantly on a constant supply of biomass wood pellets, a fuel source which has replaced the coal for the massive furnaces that generate electricity for around four million homes. “We are one of the largest users of rail freight in the UK,” he said. “Our biomass wagons take pellets from the Ports of Tyne, Liverpool, Hull and Immingham. This element of our supply chain also supports 2,500 jobs across the country.”
Local charities among beneficiaries
Just like the precision models from Revolution Trains, the full-scale wagons for the constant merry-go-round of trains are custom built by British engineers. Britain’s only remaining independent manufacturer, WH Davis in Shirebrook, Derbyshire (part of Buckland Rail) recently provided a new rake for expanded operations. Les Bryant, their technical director, was among the invited guests and took part in one of those special events. “I was lucky enough to be invited on to the BLS special [Branch Line Society train] to celebrate Drax Powers 50th Anniversary. It was an excellent trip. The specials are run in conjunction with the Martin House [Children’s Hospice] Charity.”
GB Railfreight weighed in with their unique souvenir. “To celebrate Drax’s 50th anniversary, we gave them the perfect gift to mark the occasion, a gold locomotive,” said a statement from the carrier. “In recognition of our long-term relationship with Drax and their key role in energy supply in the UK, 66 301 was named ‘Drax Power Station 50’ to mark the occasion as part of the festivities. Congratulations to everyone involved including the Branch Line Society in their continued fundraising for Martin House Children’s Hospice.”
Just for once, the GB Railfreight managing director was pictured with representatives from the celebrations. References mentioning in the same breath the gold locomotive and John Smith’s hair conditioner were, we understand, met with immediate dismissal.