Stuck in the Middle.
7C77, the 1222 Wembley - Merehead empty box wagons on 17 March 2022 had 59204 up front and 66569 with a rake of empty hoppers tagged on behind, an alternative to double heading both wagon sets or running two trains.
I assumed that; as well as optimising available paths it also simplified shunting arrangements at Merehead which makes sense to use a powerful locomotive like a 59 that way. However people who know more about these things than I do suggest a darker reason (see James's comment below).
66569 is seen mid train as the double set passes Hungerford Common.
Stuck in the Middle.
7C77, the 1222 Wembley - Merehead empty box wagons on 17 March 2022 had 59204 up front and 66569 with a rake of empty hoppers tagged on behind, an alternative to double heading both wagon sets or running two trains.
I assumed that; as well as optimising available paths it also simplified shunting arrangements at Merehead which makes sense to use a powerful locomotive like a 59 that way. However people who know more about these things than I do suggest a darker reason (see James's comment below).
66569 is seen mid train as the double set passes Hungerford Common.