Rail Grinder visits Blackpool

The German rail grinder in use near the Lifeboat Station on Central Promenade

A Swiss made Meili VM8000 rail grinder belonging to Goldschmidt Thermit Railservice of Germany is in Blackpool this week. The vehicle was being used to grind the rails of the southbound track between the Tower and Central Pier on 20th March. When in use the VM8000 deploys four retractable rail wheels in order to run along the track, the road wheels being lifted clear of the ground. The grinding work was being done in between the normal Flexity tram service, with the vehicle raising its rail wheels and driving clear of the tram track on its road wheels to let each service car pass by.

Grinding the southbound rails opposite the Sealife Centre

The rail grinder in use near the Tower tram stop

A close up of the grinding mechanism and rail wheels

The rail grinder is operated via two remote control consoles

Blackpool's Newest Flexity

Flexity 018 at Anchorsholme Crossing

Flexity 018, which was newly delivered on 15th December last year, was noted in passenger service today. Here are a few views taken on the northern half of the tramway on Monday 19th March. The two new trams look quite smart in their factory fresh shiny finish, and they contrast quite markedly with the now faded purple cabs on the original sixteen Flexities.

Flexity 018 on Pharos Street in Fleetwood

Flexity 018 heading north along Lord Street in Fleetwood

Large Logo Class 37 at Preston

DRS 37402 about to depart from Preston Station on the 2C47 to Barrow-in-Furness

Direct Rail Services 37402, wearing the BR large logo heritage livery, was noted operating the 2C47 from Preston to Barrow-in-Furness on Monday 5th March.

DRS 37402 ready to leave Preston on the 1004 to Barrow