This week, RailAdventure announced a new partnership with Hanson and Hall, with two HST power cars being unveiled at Eastleigh in the new RailAdventure livery.

We have managed to speak to RailAdventure to ask some questions about what their plans are for the immediate future.

When asked about when the first demonstration train will be operated, Milena Antoli from RailAdventure said that the first demonstration train would be combined with driver training and should operate in May or June ‘at the latest’.

Milena also confirmed that Willesden TMD will be the home depot for the HST power cars (43296, 43308, 43423, 43465, 43467, 43468, 43480 and 43484).

Whilst the first two power cars (43480 and 43484) have been launched, the second pair of power cars will be ready in May or June, according to Milena.

Driver training will of course need to take place before the HST power cars can be formally launched into service.

With the news that Hanson and Hall’s Class 31 No. 31106, and Class 50 No. 50008, will be painted into the new RailAdventure livery, Milena said that 31106 was currently undergoing an overhaul, but is expected to return to service in the new RailAdventure livery in September.

Milena has been ‘assured’ by Eastleigh’s Arlington Fleet Services Ltd that 50008 will be ready and painted ‘by the end of this month’ (April). Milena says 50008 will be in RailAdventure Grey, but without the RailAdventure logo.

DC Rail will operate the HST power cars until Hanson and Hall get their own operating license.

The so-called Habfis coupling adapter cars, due to be transferred to the UK for use with the HST power cars, are due to arrive in the UK in May, according to Milena.

Milena finished by saying that the first confirmed move for the HST power cars is set for early July.

Thanks to Leo Martin for the image of 50008 Thunderer, please see the rest of his collection on his Flickr here.

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