Out in the Open
Having been kept well and truly under wraps since it arrived at Crewe Diesel from Independent Rail Engineering on 10 August (still in undercoat), former Caledonian Sleeper Mk2 RLO Mk2 6705 "Ardnamurchan" is shunted in the Horse Landing sidings at Crewe looking somewhat different!
The Mk2 has been heavily modified to form part of LSL owner Jeremy Hosking's Private Train. It is reported to be his master bedroom coach with the end nearest the camera modified to have the doors removed and replaced with full-length windows and a viewing balcony/veranda in the gangway.
Along with 6705 is another exquisitely refurbished ex-Sleeper Mk2 RLO, 6708 which is now named Mount Helicon and contains The Hippocrene Bar. This has already seen service on Statesman Rail tours, but was being prepped for use as part of Mr. Hosking's Private Train for a long-weekend tour of the Scottish Highlands.
LSL depot pilot Class 08, 08483 "Bungle" was doing the shunting honours.
Out in the Open
Having been kept well and truly under wraps since it arrived at Crewe Diesel from Independent Rail Engineering on 10 August (still in undercoat), former Caledonian Sleeper Mk2 RLO Mk2 6705 "Ardnamurchan" is shunted in the Horse Landing sidings at Crewe looking somewhat different!
The Mk2 has been heavily modified to form part of LSL owner Jeremy Hosking's Private Train. It is reported to be his master bedroom coach with the end nearest the camera modified to have the doors removed and replaced with full-length windows and a viewing balcony/veranda in the gangway.
Along with 6705 is another exquisitely refurbished ex-Sleeper Mk2 RLO, 6708 which is now named Mount Helicon and contains The Hippocrene Bar. This has already seen service on Statesman Rail tours, but was being prepped for use as part of Mr. Hosking's Private Train for a long-weekend tour of the Scottish Highlands.
LSL depot pilot Class 08, 08483 "Bungle" was doing the shunting honours.