Members of Colas Rail‘s Northwest On Track Maintenance (OTM) Team recently named a tamper in honour of one of their colleagues who, due to an underlying health issue, passed away last August whilst carrying out machine maintenance in London.

The naming was in honour of their colleague Nathan Hayes and was carried out at the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum at Preston in Lancashire.

Colas 08 4X4 Unimat Tamper No. DR73942 was named after Nathan who died at age 33 on the 7th of August 2023.

Nathan started his working life as a mechanic at Rigbyes Citroen, but joined Colas Rail UK in 2020. He quickly developed the specialised skills of both a tamper operator and skilled fitter and was capable of repairing any of Colas’ track machines and sending them back into service.

Nathan was hard-working, professional, and a happy individual, and was a credit to his team.

He will be sadly missed by all at Colas Rail UK and across the railway industry.

Attending the naming ceremony along with the Colas Rail team were Nathan’s family, including his wife, Lucy, daughters Emily and Alice, parents Derek and Kath and sister Lauren, as well as many family members and colleagues.

Although Nathan had only been with Colas Rail for a short time, he made many friends and was an integral part of the Northwest regional team as well as being respected and liked by all who knew him.

We would like to thank Ribble Steam Railway and Museum for facilitating the day with the use of their facilities and providing two BR Mk.1 carriages for a buffet lunch. All their volunteering staff were fabulous in helping to organise the day.

Damian Fitchett, Assistant Regional Operations Manager