Transfesa 'Blue Train' working in UK

[Fat Controller]

This train has been a fixture of freight operations via the Channel Tunnel since the very early days, working via the classic routes and the NL line to Dagenham. In recent years, the train has included varying numbers of 'Mega-Combi' boxes, as well as wagons that don't conform to Network Rail gauging. How does this train now reach Essex, and where are the Mega-Combi boxes unloaded, given they are out-of-gauge for the classic routes?

[Simon Lee]

Via the connection at the West end of Dollands onto HS 1 and the connection in Essex land into the yard at Ripple Lane exchange sidings.

 

Worked by Dollands crews. On real time trains there is a 2207 Q path this gives a flavour of what occurs.

[Fat Controller]

Via the connection at the West end of Dollands onto HS 1 and the connection in Essex land into the yard at Ripple Lane exchange sidings.

 

Worked by Dollands crews. On real time trains there is a 2207 Q path this gives a flavour of what occurs.

Thanks, Simon. Does the whole train work through via CTRL, or just the Mega-Combis?

[Simon Lee]

Both traffics pass via HS1, before the Mega boxes appeared, the "original" Ford train would run via HS1 as well, something like 0430 off Dollands. The DB Wroclaw train was also routed HS1, since I became a man of leisure not sure if that still runs.