Ahead of deliveries of new rolling stock, DB Cargo UK is rationalising its existing fleet. The Doncaster headquartered operator is already well underway with its motive power rationalisation. Now, attention has turned to the wagon fleet, currently numbering around 5,000 units.
DB Cargo UK is modernising its wagon fleet, currently the largest in Great Britain. Around 2,500 units, about half of the existing fleet, is being removed from service. However, unlike the wholesale scrapping of the late sixties and seventies, these wagons are not destined to become razor blades. This is very much a recycling project.
Greater improvements in performance
DB Cargo UK went public last year with its rapid programme of rationalisation and renewal. More recently the company has announced that it will be continuing to work with Tata Steel at Port Talbot, after that stellar plant is refitted with electric arc furnaces. The that end, the carrier is refitting some rakes of specialist “BCA” wagons, to handle new loads of imported steel slab. They will also have the flexibility to carry scrap metal in the future.
“Our decision last year to rationalise our locomotive and wagon fleets has given us the ability to focus our energy and resources,” said Neil Ethell, their Chief Operating Officer. “I am confident this will lead to even greater improvements in our performance over time. “We are also recycling as many parts as possible – brake valves, brackets, strainers and distributors – which will be reconditioned and fitted to the BCA wagons undergoing repurposing at Stoke.
Locomotives more complicated
Going on quietly, if it’s possible to be quiet about dismantling rolling stock, a huge operation is underway to dispose of wagons deemed surplus to requirements. The disposal programme for locomotives is also underway. Although redundant motive power units are far fewer in number, the company admits the process is more complicated.
Around thirty of a target 98 locomotives have so far been put up for sale. “Negotiations are ongoing with several parties,” said Neil Ethel. “Some of those parties are interested in not only buying locomotives, but also giving us the contract to reinstate, overhaul and maintain them, providing us with new revenue opportunities.”
History all over again
Wagon disposals stand at around 900 out of 1200 tagged for recycling. Primary dismantling operations are at sites in Arpley in Warrington, Northwest England, and Tidal Sidings in Cardiff, South Wales. DB Cargo also has also issued formal invitations to tender for the disposal and dismantling of a further 200 wagons, currently stored in North-East England.
South Wales holds a historic place in British railway folklore. To the east of Cardiff, at Barry Island, a huge yard was reserved for scrapping redundant rolling stock and locomotives from the steam era, during the rationalisation and modernisation of the nationalised British Railways. It was from this business – Woodham Brothers – that many of the steam locomotives now running in Britain’s extensive heritage railway industry. Around 200 locomotives were saved from the breaker’s torch – because Woodham Brothers were overwhelmed with redundant goods trucks.