GB RAILFREIGHT NAMES LOCOMOTIVE 66745 ‘WIGAN SPRINGS BRANCH’

GB Railfreight (GBRf), the UK’s largest rail freight company, has named locomotive 66745 ‘Wigan Springs Branch’ in recognition of the vital role played by one of Network Rail’s key seasonal maintenance hubs.

Colleagues and guests from Network Rail and GB Railfreight gathered for the naming ceremony, which was attended by GBRf Chief Executive Officer John Smith OBE and Chief Operating Officer Ian Langton.

Following the start of GBRf’s operations at the site last year, Wigan Springs Branch has quickly become a key hub for the company’s Rail Head Treatment Train (RHTT) operations. The depot maintains ten Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) and supports GBRf’s five-year contract with Network Rail to help keep Britain’s railway running safely and reliably throughout the year.

From Wigan Springs Branch, GBRf operates six daily MPV circuits covering North West England and North Wales, including routes serving Merseyrail, Manchester and Blackpool. The team also maintains four locomotives based at Mossend in Scotland.

MPVs play a vital role in tackling seasonal challenges across the rail network. They remove leaf mulch and improve rail adhesion in autumn, apply anti-icing treatment to the Mersey rail during winter, and carry out weed-spraying operations during spring and summer. Under its contract with Network Rail, GBRf will continue delivering leaf-fall treatment, snow and ice management, and vegetation control services across much of the country until at least 2030.

Ian Langton, Chief Operating Officer at GB Railfreight, said:

“Keeping the railway moving throughout the year relies on the professionalism, commitment and expertise of our people to ensure people and goods arrive at their destination on time. The team at Wigan Springs Branch plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, reliable railway, helping passengers travel with confidence and ensuring freight reaches its destination whatever the conditions.

“Naming locomotive 66745 ‘Wigan Springs Branch’ is a fitting recognition of the hard work, dedication and pride shown by the team every day. Their contribution is essential in keeping the railway in the North West and Scotland moving safely and efficiently”