European Railroad Discussion > Caledonian Sleeper locomotives question

Does the power leaving Fort William run all the way thru to London-Euston or does it change when it combines with the other segments ?

Bill Miller
Galt, ON

It changes from diesel to electric at Edinburgh, and vice versa going north. Class 73 diesel runs north of Glasgow/Edinburgh, class 92 electric operate onwards to London. Class 73s used to be a hybrid electro-diesel operating in the south east or England on 3rd rail electrified routes but the ones on the sleeper have been repowered in recent times with a more powerful diesel engine. They sound like vacuum cleaners. Vroom.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/31/23 05:06 by exhaustED.

CCMF Wrote:
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> Does the power leaving Fort William run all the
> way thru to London-Euston or does it change when
> it combines with the other segments ?

If you haven't heard of it - you can check on a website called RealTimeTrains for actual allocations. Tonight's southbound Fort William portion is 66737 and 73970 for example.

You can search by station, service or locomotive/multiple unit number. Not all companies provide allocated motive power, but Caledonian Sleeper are amongst those that do.

Normally the Fort William portion is a Class 66 for traction with a 73 providing hotel power to Edinburgh, where it is then joined with portions from Inverness (also usually a 66+73 combo) and Aberdeen (usually a single 73). These 3 portions then form one train to London Euston which is worked by a Class 92 from Edinburgh to London.

The other Caledonian Sleeper service, that from Glasgow & Edinburgh to London Euston, uses electric power throughout, with Class 92s. The portions joining/dividing at Carstairs.