Freightliner locos No. 86638 and 86627 were the first electric traction to use the newly electrified line between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Shotts when they performed test runs on February 24. First No. 86638 ran light engine both ways between Holytown and Midcalder Junctions, calling at all stations, then the pair ‘top and tailed’ a flat wagon at full line speed. No. 86638 is pictured calling at Breich on the first run, the little-used station here now fully rebuilt after being faced with a closure threat in 2017. There are now five electrified routes between the two Scottish cities: via Carstairs, Shotts, Airdrie, Cumbernauld and Falkirk High. Network Rail
THE APRIL ISSUE OF RAIL EXPRESS IS OUT NOW.
