North West Rail Operator Sells Locomotive Fleet

DRS sells four Class 57 locomotives after losing West Coast Main Line contract

DRS Sells Class 57 Fleet After Contract Loss

Direct Rail Services is selling its four remaining Class 57 locomotives after losing its West Coast Main Line Thunderbird contract to West Coast Railways. The tender opened April 24, with bids closing at noon on May 27, transit officials said. The sale includes locomotives 57304, 57307, 57308, and 57309, along with spare parts for Class 57s, Class 37s, and Mk 2 carriage components.

Context

The Class 57 locomotives served as Thunderbirds on the West Coast Main Line, providing rescue and backup services for stranded passenger trains. West Coast Railways won the Thunderbird contract late last year, ending DRS's role in the service. Of the original 12 Class 57/3s ordered by Virgin West Coast, six are now owned by GB Railfreight, four are operated by West Coast Railways, and two belong to Locomotive Services Ltd. The sale represents DRS's strategic shift toward its more modern locomotive fleet.

Fleet Details

After the sale, DRS will operate a fleet of 35 locomotives consisting of Class 66 and 68 diesels and Class 88 electrics, officials said. The company described the sale as a strong opportunity for operators, maintainers, heritage organizations, and specialist organizations to acquire proven rolling stock from a leading UK freight and logistics operator. The sale includes both operational locomotives and spare materials, providing comprehensive options for potential buyers. Officials didn't specify minimum bid amounts or expected sale prices.

Timeline

The tender process began April 24, 2026, with interested buyers having until 12:00 on May 27, 2026, to submit bids. Officials didn't provide details about when successful bidders would be notified or when locomotive transfers would occur. The company said it'll work with buyers to coordinate delivery and transfer logistics after the bidding period closes.

Impact

The sale marks the end of DRS's Class 57 operations and completes the company's transition away from older locomotive types. Potential buyers include freight operators, heritage railways, and maintenance companies seeking proven diesel locomotives or spare parts inventory. Moovit provides real-time updates for rail services across the UK, helping riders track train movements and service changes.