STEAM and diesel charters to Scarborough may have to be reduced if TransPennine Express (TPE) proposals to build a new maintenance depot at the Yorkshire resort come to fruition.
TPE has submitted plans for a light maintenance depot on the former Appletons Oil sidings to service its new Class 68+Mk 5a push-pull trains, which are due to be introduced in 2018.
However, the disused oil sidings can only be accessed via the Down excursion sidings and platform 1 of Scarborough station, which are frequently used by charter trains.
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The sidings also provide access to Scarborough’s turntable, which is essential for turning steam locomotives, and was funded by the local borough council to encourage visitors arriving by rail.
The West Coast Railway Company (WCRC) has formally objected to TPE’s proposal on the basis that it will restrict its ability to operate charter trains to and from the town.
WCRC operates many trains to the town throughout the year, including the ‘Scarborough Spa Express’.
Read more in the November issue of The RM – on sale now!
