69 003 the Bootle branch banker at Strand Road SB.
The GBRF class 69 used on the Bootle branch to assist the heavy biomass trains running from Liverpool Bulk Terminal to Drax Power Station is often referred to as the Bootle branch banker but in reality it hauls the train between Liverpool Docks and Tuebrook Sidings at Edge Hill while the booked train engine on the rear banks the service over the two gradients on the line. The uphill sections are from the site of Alexandra Dock Junction to Bootle Junction then Westminster Tunnel to the site of Anfield & Walton station both sections can cause freights to stall in poor weather conditions. The "banker on the front" is a much more effective method of operation and allows the class 69 to simply run light engine back from Tuebrook Sidings to the Docks after the train reverses and departs Tuebrook with the main train engine usually a class 60 now leading. Once back at the docks the class 69 then drop on the front of the next train over the branch rather than perform a complex move to gain access to the rear of the train. 69 003 is seen here at Strand Road Stop Board in the docks having worked 6E09 the 07.26 LBT to Drax as far as Tuebrook then returned light it is waiting to attach to 6E10 the 10.45 biomass to Drax which it will then take to Tuebrook with a class 60 pushing on the rear.
69 003 the Bootle branch banker at Strand Road SB.
The GBRF class 69 used on the Bootle branch to assist the heavy biomass trains running from Liverpool Bulk Terminal to Drax Power Station is often referred to as the Bootle branch banker but in reality it hauls the train between Liverpool Docks and Tuebrook Sidings at Edge Hill while the booked train engine on the rear banks the service over the two gradients on the line. The uphill sections are from the site of Alexandra Dock Junction to Bootle Junction then Westminster Tunnel to the site of Anfield & Walton station both sections can cause freights to stall in poor weather conditions. The "banker on the front" is a much more effective method of operation and allows the class 69 to simply run light engine back from Tuebrook Sidings to the Docks after the train reverses and departs Tuebrook with the main train engine usually a class 60 now leading. Once back at the docks the class 69 then drop on the front of the next train over the branch rather than perform a complex move to gain access to the rear of the train. 69 003 is seen here at Strand Road Stop Board in the docks having worked 6E09 the 07.26 LBT to Drax as far as Tuebrook then returned light it is waiting to attach to 6E10 the 10.45 biomass to Drax which it will then take to Tuebrook with a class 60 pushing on the rear.