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GRIDS ARE BACK! Three class 56s have returned to traffic with a new operator Fastline who are owned by Jarvis. Here we see two of the locos 56303 and 56302 passing through Harrow on the 2nd June 2006. Previously they were 56125 and 56124 but following an extensive overhaul and refurbishment at Brush they have been re-classified as 56 3s. Hopefully this new working from Yorkshire to Grain in Kent will result in them making regular visits to the Capital again. Photo from James & Martin's Picture Collection Copyright 'Jampics' m.hawkes7@ntlworld.com British and Foreign Railway Pictures Jampics Fotopic.

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Fastline 56301 passing Barnetby on 26/10/07 Photographer John Turner johnturner16@yahoo.co.uk

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Fastline Class 56/3 On Mon 28th May 2007, Pathfinder Tours ran the 'Retro Retracer' railtour from Bristol to Leeds & return featuring classes of locomotives that played an important role in the development of freight by rail during the days of British Rail. For the 1Z56 10:50 Worksop South Sidings - Leeds leg of the tour, Fastline supplied Class 56/3 - 56303 (ex 56125), which is pictured shortly after arrival at Leeds at 13:54.. Photo: Ross Aitken (aos@blueyonder.co.uk) Website: http://garagecat.fotopic.net

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'Grids' or class 56s have been active on a few workings this year, this being one of them a bi-weekly intermodal from Dollands Moor to Hams Hall pictured at Kensington Olympia on the 8th October 2009. The train is operated by French company Colas with hired in traction from Hanson. The loco 56312 'Artemis' is interesting not just because of its striking livery but that it is actually 56003 in disguise, making it the only 'Romanian' built class 56 operating on the Network. Photo from James & Martin's Picture Collection Copyright 'Jampics' m.hawkes7@ntlworld.com British and Foreign Railway Pictures Jampics Fotopic.

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The FORD 'BLUE TRAIN' that runs between Spain and Dagenham has recently gone over to Colas and on one of its first workings a class 56 made a rare appearence. Here we see 56311, that was previously 56057, about to leave the Barking to Gospel Oak Line at the latter and join the North London Line. The date was August 19th 2009. Photo from James & Martin's Picture Collection Copyright 'Jampics' m.hawkes7@ntlworld.com British and Foreign Railway Pictures Jampics Fotopic.