REDUCTION of the use of HST trains by GWR and the need to redevelop parts of Old Oak Common has brought the curtain down on the west London depot’s long association with the InterCity 125.
The workshops and loco depot, affectionately known as ‘The Factory’, was demolished several years ago as parts of the site were redeveloped and used for a Crossrail tunnel segment manufacturing plant.
On December 9, the depot serviced its last HST, formed of powercars Nos. 43093 Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018 and No. 43185 Great Western, the set leaving e.c.s. for Paddington.
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More recently, it has been used as the Crossrail EMU maintenance depot, with 33 sidings, which has been built partly on the site of the former steam locomotive depot and Coronation Sidings.
Redevelopment is the next stage in readiness for the new interchange station, which will open in 2026, and link HS2 with Great Western Main Line services.
Maintenance of the remaining HSTs used by GWR will be carried out at Laira depot.
Read more News and Features in the January 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!
