Arriva Trains Wales has introduced a locomotive hauled service from Holyhead to Cardiff and return. The train uses Arriva Trains Wales owned MkII stock and a MkIII RFM vehicle. Cargo-D sources the main RFM, 10249, through Chiltern Railways. Cargo-D is also providing a back up RFM vehicle, 10202, in case of any emergencies. The other vehicles in the set are 1 MkII BSO and 2 MkII TSOs. All vehicles have benefitted from re-carpetting, new seat covers, internal and external respray and and general refresh which brings these vehicles really up to date. It also shows what can be achieved with such vehicles. The train is top and tailed by matching liveried Class 57/3 locomotives leased from Virgin Trains.
RESCO Railways carried out the refresh of the MkII vehicles (BSO 9521 and TSOs 5965 and 5976) at Eastleigh, while Cargo-D contracted Nemesis Rail of Barrow Hill to re-commission the RFM 10249.
It is possible that Arriva Trains Wales may introduce a corresponding Cardiff - Holyhead and return service to complement the current Holyhead - Cardiff - Holyhead round trip. The train operates from Monday to Friday and departs Holyhead at 05.33, returning from Cardiff at 16.18. The train is routed via Chester, Crewe, Shrewsbury and Newport. A full breakfast is served on the outbound service and dinner is available on the return.
The service is due to launch on December 15th and is underpinned by the Welsh Assembly Government as a 'premium' service.
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