A NEWLY-opened locomotive maintenance and repair depot in Cambridgeshire witnessed a loco naming which paid tribute to the work of a training body set up to equip people with operating skills.

The ceremony to name a new Class 66 locomotive at March, Cambs, celebrated the arrival of five of the locos to First GBRf.

It also marked the company’s appreciation of the work of the IRO – the Institution of Railway Operators.

The locomotive naming on Friday 18 April coincided with the formal opening of First GBRf’s March depot, conducted by Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail.

First GBRf, working in partnership with Network Rail, has brought a considerable amount of rail employment back to the March area following many years of decline.

Now the depot, which First GBRf started operating in conjunction with Electro-Motive Services International Ltd (EMSI) in 2007, has created further new jobs in the town.

Unveiling the nameplate on locomotive 66728, Iain Coucher said: “It’s a great privilege to name this train in honour of the great work of the IRO. The Institution shows our industry at its best – working together in the interests of furthering skills and best practice for the railway.”

John Smith, managing director at First GBRf, said: “The IRO is doing much valuable work to increase the level of professionalism across the rail industry. At First GBRf we have enjoyed record growth within the coal market and the five new Class 66s locomotives will be used to support the commencement of new contracts with Drax Power, Alcan and British Energy.”

Chris Daughton, IRO chief executive, added: “First GBRf remains committed to encouraging and furthering staff development and we are pleased to be fostering an ongoing relationship with them.”

Locomotive 66728 forms part of First GBRf’s multi-million pound order of five new Class 66s, leased from Porter-brook, to support the company’s rapidly expanding stake in the UK coal market.

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