Colas Rail receives final four Class 70s from GE

THE final four Class 70s on order for Colas Rail arrived in the UK early on April 18, Nos. 70814-17 being unloaded from the Atlantic Cartier at Seaforth, Liverpool, later that day.

Initially left on their transport trailers, the quartet were eventually craned off and railed on April 24, the same day as they were transferred to the operational COLO pool. However, commissioning proved to be a rather leisurely affair, with all four staying at Seaforth until May 3 when they were moved to Crewe.

March arrivals Nos. 70811 and 70813 were put into service during April, the duo departing Liverpool Docks on April 5 as the 0Z70/15.15 working to the unlikely destination of Shrewsbury Coleham Depot. Reallocated to the COLO pool at the same time, they were on the move again some 48 hours later when No. 97304 hauled both of the GE machines and No. 56096 to Crewe Basford Hall.

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