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With EWS determined
to rid itself of its older inherited traction, many
were surprised when the relatively modern Class 58's
were the first to go. The first Class 58 was
unveiled at Doncaster BREL Works on the 9th December 1982.
The 50 Class 58s were designed for freight traffic,
mainly MGR coal traffic, so they were built with
only train air-brakes and slow speed control. The
first batch of 58001-58009 entered services on 6th
February 1984.
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They were all allocated to
Toton depot, following BR policy to
centralise locomotive maintenance at one
location. They are mainly used on MGR trains
which emanated from the East Midlands pits
to the power stations in the area, as well
as some long-distance flows, such as to
Didcot.
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EWS has secured a number of
foreign infrastructure contracts with French
and Spanish operators. Initially Class 37's
were supplied, but now that the newer Class
58 has become surplus to requirements here at
home, EWS has begun to reinstate several
members of the class. 58025, 58029 and
58030 are having their tyres turned at
Canton after
having arrived from Eastleigh depot.
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Early in 2003, 58041/043 were removed
from the scrap lines at Eastleigh Depot and taken
inside for preparation for a hire deal to GIF in
Spain to replace accident damaged 37885/899. After a
repair time of just a few weeks, the locos were
painted and moved to Dollands Moor under their own
power ready for transport to Spain which took place
a few days later.
These locos are on a different hire agreement to the
37s in that they will stay in Spain indefinitely
once the construction works have finished. Ownership
will be retained by EWS but they will be operated
and managed by GIF.
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