24.02.03

Porterbrook has supplied heritage start up Wyvern Rail with four of its surplus to requirement Mk2 coaches.

Until 2002, the coaches were used as part of the prestigious Gatwick Express service and represent some of the very best rolling stock to be used by a railway revival scheme.

“We have been observing the excellent progress WyvernRail have been making and are delighted to provide practical assistance for what promises to be a very worthwhile and exciting project to restore passenger services to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway between Duffield and Wirksworth.”

WyvernRail received a baggage car with driving facilities on Friday and will take delivery of three air-conditioned passenger coaches before the end of February. Not only are they ideally suited for initial push-pull operations along the line, but can be readily adapted to provide luxury dining facilities as the line becomes fully operational.

“The arrival of these coaches moves us into the Big League and will provide the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway with the very best in passenger accommodation. We are delighted to accept Porterbrook’s kind offer of assistance and are proud to have received such support as the railway moves toward its first passenger services which we hope will be later this year.”

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Notes to Editors

• Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited (“Porterbrook”) is a leading player in the rail leasing market.
• Porterbrook has a rolling stock fleet of over 5,500 vehicles on lease or on order, which includes about 4,000 passenger vehicles. These are supplied under operating leases to 18 of the 25 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) within the UK. The company also provides ongoing train and tram maintenance services.
• Porterbrook has been highly successful in winning new train orders since privatisation, with over £1.5 billion in new business won - investing in over 1,400 new passenger vehicles and over 1,100 new freight locomotives and wagons, and in the refurbishment of much of its in-fleet equipment.
• In April 2000 the Porterbrook group of companies was acquired by Abbey National Treasury Services plc, part of the Abbey National Group.

For further information about Porterbrook contact Rupert Brennan Brown, Head of Communications on 01332 263251 (m: 07799 337052)