Direct Rail Services

{{Infobox rail company

| logo = Direct Rail Services.svg

| name = Direct Rail Services Ltd.

| image = Railway at Scotchman's Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 4038144.jpg

| image_size =

| start_year = February 1995{{cite web |url = https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03020822 |title = Direct Rail Services Limited: Company number 03020822 |publisher = gov.uk |access-date = 29 May 2022}}

| end_year = present

| caption = DRS Class 66 container train at Scotchman's Bridge in 2014

| regions = Great Britain

| headquarters = Carlisle, England, UK{{cite web |url = https://www.directrailservices.com/contact-drs/ |title = Contact Details |access-date = 26 July 2021 |publisher = Direct Rail Services}}

| abbr =

| parent_company = Nuclear Transport Services (part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority)

| website = {{Official URL}}

| linelength =

| tracklength =

| notrack =

| gauge =

| oldgauge =

| el =

| speed =

| elevation =

}}

Direct Rail Services (DRS) is a rail freight company in Great Britain, and is one of the publicly owned railway companies in the United Kingdom.

DRS was created as a wholly-owned subsidiary of British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL) during late 1994 with the primary purpose of taking over the rail-based handling of nuclear material from British Rail. As early as 1997, the company began diversification into other operations, initially bidding for contracts to haul freight traffic for other companies such as Tesco and Eddie Stobart Group. Furthermore, DRS has branched into passenger services, these have included charters, such as the Northern Belle, and contracts with operators such as National Express East Anglia, Chiltern Railways, and Arriva Rail North. Additional rolling stock, such as the Class 57 and Class 88 locomotives, have been acquired by DRS during the 2010s.

In 2005, DRS was transferred from BNFL to the newly created Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). During early 2021, further restructuring led to DRS, along with sibling subsidiaries Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) and International Nuclear Services (INS), falling under a new NDA division, Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS).

History

=Early operations=

The origins of Direct Rail Services (DRS) can be traced back to the privatisation of British Rail during the 1990s; British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL) had a long-standing arrangement with British Rail for the latter to undertake the haulage of nuclear flask traffic, but the pending dissolution of British Rail led to BNFL considering other options. In October 1994, it was announced that BNFL had decided to perform rail transport and other railway-related services internally.{{cite magazine |title = RFS 20s in main line deal |magazine = Rail |issue = 238 |date = 26 October 1994 |page = 9}} For this purpose, DRS was set up as a wholly-owned rail freight subsidiary of BNFL, initially using a small fleet of five Class 20/3 locomotives.

Prior to 1998, DRS's nuclear haulage activities were exclusively related to the transporting of nuclear fuel rods from overseas to Sellafield for processing. During 1998, DRS took over the movement of fuel rods from various nuclear power stations across Britain, such as Heysham, Valley (for Wylfa), Bridgwater (for Hinkley Point), Berkeley (for Oldbury), Hunterston, Torness, Seaton Carew, Dungeness and Sizewell.{{cite magazine |title = DRS take over nuclear traffic |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 29 October 1998 |page = 6}}

File:Railway Line - geograph.org.uk - 596522.jpg

During 1997, DRS began to diversify into the haulage of other traffic, having secured a contract to operate milk traffic from Penrith to Cricklewood.{{cite magazine |title = Britain's first piggyback milk train starts running |magazine = Rail |issue = 308 |date = 2 July 1997 |page = 7}}{{cite magazine |title = DRS wins milk traffic haulage contract |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 15 August 1997 |page = 6}} In 2002, it commenced running intermodal freight trains from Grangemouth to the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal using Class 66/4 locomotives; it carries containers for both the Malcolm Group and Asda. In May 2020, DRS announced it had launched a new electrified freight route between the Daventry Freight Terminal and Mossend Yard, outside Glasgow.{{cite web |url = https://railinsider.co.uk/2020/05/22/drs-opens-up-new-all-electric-freight-route-from-daventry-to-glasgow-via-the-ecml/ |title = DRS opens up new all-electric freight route from Daventry to Glasgow via the ECML |publisher = railinsider.co.uk |first = Nigel |last = Wordsworth |date = 22 May 2020 |access-date = 29 May 2022 |archive-date = 25 October 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211025105350/https://railinsider.co.uk/2020/05/22/drs-opens-up-new-all-electric-freight-route-from-daventry-to-glasgow-via-the-ecml/ |url-status = dead }}

The ownership of DRS was transferred from BNFL to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), following the creation of the NDA on 1 April 2005 under the terms of the Energy Act 2004.{{Cite web |title = House of Lords - Science and Technology - Minutes of Evidence |url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldselect/ldsctech/999/7011605.htm |access-date = 10 September 2021 |website = publications.parliament.uk}}{{cite web |url = https://www.directrailservices.com/about-us/ |title = About us |publisher = directrailservices.com |access-date = 19 May 2022}} Since April 2021, DRS, as well as its sibling NDA subsidiaries Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) and International Nuclear Services (INS), have been operated by a newly created NDA division, Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS).{{cite web |title = The NDA will bring its transport and logistics expertise together |url = https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-nda-will-bring-its-transport-and-logistics-expertise-together |website = Gov.uk | publisher = Nuclear Decommissioning Authority |access-date = 3 March 2021}}

During 2006, DRS started a new service, the Tesco Express, on behalf of the Eddie Stobart Group in partnership with Tesco, the UK's largest food retailer, to move containers from Daventry north to Mossend and Inverness using a new dedicated low-emission Class 66 locomotive in Eddie Stobart livery, 66411 Eddie the Engine. A daily service from Grangemouth to Inverness followed in 2009, with another Class 66 in a promotional livery, this time 66414 James the Engine. The Daventry {{ndash}} Scotland Stobart contract transferred to DB Schenker in January 2010, along with the onward daily service to Inverness, though this reverted to DRS operation in summer 2011.{{cite magazine |editor1-last = Piggott |editor1-first = Nick |title = Blow for DRS as DBS wins Stobart Contract |magazine = The Railway Magazine |date = October 2009 |volume = 155 |issue = 1,302 |page = 8 |publisher = IPC Media |location = London |issn = 0033-8923}}{{cite magazine |last1 = Milner |first1 = Chris |title = DRS wins back Tesco train |magazine = The Railway Magazine |date = January 2013 |volume = 159 |issue = 1,341 |page = 86 |publisher = Mortons Media |location = Horncastle |issn = 0033-8923}} In January 2022, DRS and Tesco signed a three-year extension deal; by this point, the company was transporting roughly 12,000 containers for Tesco per month.{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2022/01/25/drs-signs-new-tesco-deal |title = DRS signs new Tesco deal |publisher = railmagazine.com |date = 25 January 2022}}

As of 2021, DRS has stated its intention to grow its presence in the rail freight sector, particular in Scotland.{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/drs-targets-growth-in-operations-as-part-of-nts |title = DRS targets growth in operations as part of NTS |publisher = railmagazine.com |date = 11 May 2021}}

=Passenger services=

File:47805 & 47818, Stretton (7222616846).jpg]]

In 2007, seven Mark 3 carriages from Virgin Trains were refurbished at the Oxley depot.{{cite magazine |editor-last = Sutton |editor-first = Phillip |title = Direct Rail Services buys passenger coach rake for possible charter use |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 127 |date = December 2006 |page = 4 |issn = 1362-234X}}{{cite journal |editor1-last = Fox |editor1-first = Peter |title = DRS unveils refurbished Mk 3s |journal = Today's Railways |date = September 2007 |issue = 69 |page = 65 |publisher = Platform 5 |location = Sheffield |issn = 1475-9713}}{{cite magazine |last = Milner |first = Chris |title = DRS launches luxury charter set |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 153 |issue = 1,277 |date = September 2007 |page = 71 |issn = 0033-8923}} The following year saw the coaches used to operate charter services under the Stobart Rail banner,{{cite magazine|last=Yearsley|first=Alan|title=DRS/Stobart launch new Pullman train |magazine = Today's Railways |issue = 76 |date = April 2008 |page = 74|issn = 1475-9713}}{{cite magazine |last = Bickerdyke |first = Paul |title = Stobart launches new charter operation |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 154 |issue = 1,284 |date = April 2008 |page = 67 |issn = 0033-8923}} however, the Stobart Rail operation ceased in July 2008.{{cite magazine |last = Yearsley |first = Alan |title = Stobart pulls plug on charter operation |magazine = Today's Railways |issue = 81 |date = September 2008 |page = 74 |issn = 1475-9713}}

In June 2009, DRS commenced operating rescue locomotive duties on the Great Eastern Main Line for the train operator National Express East Anglia, as well as hauling Class 90 electric locomotives from {{Stnlink|Norwich}} to {{Stnlink|Great Yarmouth}} on summer Saturdays.{{cite magazine |last = Milner |first = Chris |title = DRS launches Thunderbird contract |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 155 |issue = 1,300 |date = August 2009 |page = 75 |issn = 0033-8923}}{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/trains/current-trains/norfolk-s-seaside-special |title = Norfolk's seaside special |publisher = railmagazine.com |first = Richard |last = Clinnick |date = 12 August 2009}} This included Summer Saturday Wherry Lines services. DRS have periodically operated services on the Wherry Lines during periods of diesel multiple unit shortage. During October 2014, it commenced operating a two-year contract to operate services on the Wherry Lines under contract to Abellio Greater Anglia.{{cite magazine |last = Pritchard |first = Robert |title = DRS coaches in use on GA loco-hauled |magazine = Today's Railways |issue = 154 |date = October 2014 |page = 63 |issn = 1475-9713}} It was operated by top and tailed Class 47s hauling Mark 2s, top and tail Class 37s were introduced in mid-2015.

File:Class 37 and 68 st bees.jpg passenger stock at {{stnlnk|St Bees}} on the Cumbrian Coast line.]]

Between 30 November 2009 and 28 May 2010, DRS ran a service on the Cumbrian Coast Line between {{Stnlink|Maryport}} and {{Stnlink|Workington}} following a road bridge being destroyed by floods.{{cite web |url = http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/free-cumbria-floods-train-service-to-finish-next-week-1.711071?referrerPath=news/brave_river_rescuers_save_woman_s_life_1_621622=news/ |title = Free Cumbria Floods Train Service to Finish Next Week |publisher = News and Star |location = Carlisle |date = 21 May 2010}} {{Cite web |url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/free-cumbria-floods-train-service-to-finish-next-week-1.711071?referrerPath=news%2Fbrave_river_rescuers_save_woman_s_life_1_621622%3Dnews%2F |title=Ballet star shows off charity portraits |date=13 December 2000 |access-date=26 July 2019 |archive-date=7 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307140006/http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/free-cumbria-floods-train-service-to-finish-next-week-1.711071?referrerPath=news%2Fbrave_river_rescuers_save_woman_s_life_1_621622%3Dnews%2F |url-status=bot: unknown }} The trains were made up of Class 37s, Class 47s and Class 57s top and tailing DRS' Mark 3 carriages.

During April 2011, DRS commenced a five-year contract under which it provided Class 47 locomotives to haul the Northern Belle, a luxury passenger train.{{cite magazine |last = Marsh |first = Phil |title = Direct Rail Services to operate Northern Belle |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 157 |issue = 1323 |date = July 2011 |page = 73 |issn = 0033-8923}}{{cite magazine |title = DRS bolsters Class 47 fleet for passenger work |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 181 |date = June 2011 |page = 42}} By 2013, the company was operating 140 passenger charters annually, roughly 100 of which were for the Northern Belle.{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/trains/current-trains/introducing-the-drs-crewe |title = Introducing the DRS 'Crewe' |publisher = railmagazine.com |date = 1 May 2013}} By April 2018, the train was being hauled by Class 57s operated by West Coast Railways, the owner of the Northern Belle, instead.{{cite magazine |title = Northern Belle now has West Coast power |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 265 |date = June 2018 |page = 71}}

On 9 January 2012, a trial service was introduced for six weeks by the NDA for its workers, with DRS supplying a Class 37 to haul four Mark 2 carriages between {{Stnlink|Carlisle}} and {{Stnlink|Sellafield}}.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.rail.co.uk/rail-news/2012/loco-hauled-cumbrian-coast-commuter-services/ |title = Loco-hauled Cumbrian Coast Commuter Service |magazine = Rail.co.uk |date = January 2012 |access-date = 13 September 2012 |archive-date = 24 November 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121124042120/http://www.rail.co.uk/rail-news/2012/loco-hauled-cumbrian-coast-commuter-services/ |url-status = dead }}{{cite magazine |editor-last = Brown |editor-first = Murray |title = DRS begins its own service to ferry workers to Sellafield and return |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 189 |date = February 2012 |page = 7 |issn = 1362-234X}}{{cite magazine |editor-last = Piggott |editor-first = Nick |title = Sellafield workers train launched |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 158 |issue = 1,331 |date = March 2012 |page = 11 |issn = 0033-8923}} Although the trial was reported to have been a success, plans to introduce regular services from December 2012 did not materialise until May 2015. To operate these services, DRS purchased a fleet of Mark 2 carriages and had these overhauled at Eastleigh Works.{{cite magazine |last = Russell |first = David |title = Overhauled DRS Mk2s emerge from Eastleigh |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 204 |date = May 2013 |page = 51 |issn = 1362-234X}}{{cite magazine |last = Russell |first = David |title = Further DRS coaches emerge from Eastleigh |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 207 |date = August 2013 |page = 53 |issn = 1362-234X}}{{cite magazine |last = Pritchard |first = Robert |title = DRS launches refurbished Mark 2s |magazine = Today's Railways |issue = 142 |date = October 2013 |page = 68 |issn = 1475-9713}} In May 2015, the company started to operate some services on the Cumbrian Coast Line under contract to Northern Rail (later Arriva Rail North) using top and tail Class 37s which hauled Mark 2 coaches.{{cite magazine |magazine = Railway Herald |url = http://railwayherald.com/uknews/loco-hauled-services-to-return-to-the-cumbrian-coast |access-date = 9 January 2015 |title = Loco-hauled Services to Return to the Cumbrian Coast |date = 8 January 2015 }} On 27 July 2015, one of the Class 37s was replaced by a DBSO, with the other replaced at a later date.{{cite magazine |editor-last = Harris |editor-first = Nigel |title = Cumbrian top and tail 37s phased out |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 780|date = 5 August 2015 |page = 22 |publisher = Bauer Media |location = Peterborough |issn = 0953-4563}} On 29 January 2018, one set was made to be Top and Tail Class 68s, while the other stayed a Class 37 and DBSO. On 21 May 2018, there was only one set out, which was the Top and Tail Class 68s only running between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness. This service was ultimately replaced by Class 156 Diesel Multiple Units (transferred from ScotRail) on 28 December 2018, with special commemorative 'farewell' service being run for charity on 11 January 2019.{{Cite web |url = https://www.directrailservices.com/news-articles/2019/01/04/special-cumbrian-coast-service-to-commemorate-class-37s/ |title = Special Cumbrian Coast service to commemorate Class 37s |date = 4 January 2019 |website = Direct Rail Services |access-date = 16 January 2019 |archive-date = 16 January 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190116200742/https://www.directrailservices.com/news-articles/2019/01/04/special-cumbrian-coast-service-to-commemorate-class-37s/ |url-status = dead }}{{Cite web |url = https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/news/latest-news/2174-special-cumbrian-service-to-commemorate-class-37s |title = Special Cumbrian service to commemorate Class 37s |website = Arriva Rail North (Northern) |access-date = 16 January 2019 |archive-date = 3 January 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190103235603/https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/news/latest-news/2174-special-cumbrian-service-to-commemorate-class-37s |url-status = dead }}

In June 2014, it was announced that Chiltern Railways had signed a contract with DRS for the latter to provide six of its Class 68 locomotives to haul express passenger services, replacing Class 67s hired from DBS.{{cite magazine |last = Pritchard |first = Robert |title = Chiltern signs deal for Class 68s |magazine = Today's Railways |issue = 150 |date = June 2014 |page = 60 |issn = 1475-9713}} On 15 December 2014, the first of DRS-hauled Chiltern service departed Marylebone station; Chiltern noted that the Class 68s will be capable of hauling extended trains in the future.{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/class-68-makes-chiltern-railways-debut |title = Class 68 makes Chiltern Railways debut |publisher = railmagazine.com |first = Richard |last = Clinnick |date = 15 December 2014}} In addition to the locomotives themselves, DRS provided commissioning and maintenance services.{{cite news |title = Chiltern leases six Class 68 locos for Mainline services in £15m deal |url = http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Awards-contracts-appointments/chiltern-leases-six-class-68-locos-for-mainline-services-in-15m-deal |work = Rail Technology Magazine |date = 15 April 2014 |access-date = 12 August 2014}}

Depots

File:Crewe DRS - 66423 in maintenance bay.JPG

Direct Rail Services initially operated from a base at the nuclear reprocessing plant in Sellafield, but in 1998 moved into Carlisle Kingmoor depot which had been disused since 1987.{{cite magazine |title = Direct Rail Services to lease Carlisle Kingmoor diesel depot |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 21 |date = February 1998 |page = 6}}{{cite magazine |editor-last = Harris |editor-first = Nigel |title = DRS moves to Carlisle Depot |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 360 |date = 30 June 1999 |page = 12 |issn = 0953-4563}}

A second depot was opened at Crewe Gresty Bridge in March 2007. This is on the site of a former wagon works.{{cite magazine |editor-last = Sutton |editor-first = Phillip |title = DRS opens Crewe Gresty Bridge loco depot |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 132 |date = May 2007 |page = 5 |issn = 1362-234X}}{{cite magazine |editor-last = Piggott |editor-first = Nick |title = Thornaby to close – but new DRS depot opens |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 153 |issue = 1,274 |date = June 2007 |page = 8 |issn = 0033-8923}}

It also operates the Motherwell depot, where it carries out inspection work and re-fuelling.{{cite magazine |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/rail-features/exclusive-inside-direct-rail-services |title = EXCLUSIVE: Inside Direct Rail Services |issue = 842 |date = 18 January 2018 |magazine = Rail Magazine |access-date = 11 May 2021 |issn = 0953-4563}}

Fleet

The initial fleet of locomotives were five Class 20/3s which were overhauled at Brush Traction, Loughborough for their new duties.{{cite magazine |title = Nuclear power |magazine = Rail |issue = 263 |date = 11 October 1995 |page = 6}}

File:DRS locos at Eastleigh.jpg

In 1997, six Class 37/6s were purchased from international high speed passenger operator Eurostar.{{cite magazine |title = Direct Rail Services buys Eurostar locomotives and doubles its fleet |magazine = Rail |issue = 308 |date = 2 July 1997 |page = 6}}{{cite magazine |last = Marsden |first = Colin |title = Direct Rail Services traction fleet expands to 23 locos |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 143 |issue = 1,157 |date = September 1997 |page = 63 |issn = 0033-8923}} DRS would later build up an extensive fleet of Class 37 and 47 locomotives from various sources. In 2001, a number of Class 33s were purchased.{{cite magazine |last = Brown |first = Murray |title = DRS treatment for a Crompton |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 62 |date = July 2001 |page = 9 |issn = 1362-234X}} During 2004, three Class 87s were trialed, but returned to their leasing company after six months.{{cite magazine |last = Milner |first = Chris |title = DRS to use Class 87s on freight |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 150 |issue = 1,244 |date = December 2004 |page = 65 |issn = 0033-8923}}{{cite magazine |last = Milner |first = Chris |title = DRS hands back Class 87s |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 151 |issue = 1,252 |date = August 2005 |page = 74 |issn = 0033-8923}} During 2008, DRS initiated efforts to acquire Class 57 locomotives; by 2013, it operated nine former Freightliner 57/0s as well as 12 former Virgin Trains 57/3s.{{cite magazine |last = Milner |first = Chris |title = Two more Class 57s for DRS |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 154 |issue = 1,289 |date = September 2008 |page = 82 |issn = 0033-8923}}{{cite magazine |last = Milner |first = Chris |title = Remaining Class 57/3s snapped up by DRS and West Coast Co |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 159 |issue = 1,343 |date = March 2013 |page = 80 |issn = 0033-8923}}

On 12 September 2013, it was announced that DRS would be the launch customer for the new Vossloh Euro Dual dual-mode freight locomotive by Vossloh España. These would become {{Brc|88}}.{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/drs-orders-10-electro-diesel-locomotives-from-vossloh.html |title = DRS orders 10 electro-diesel locomotives from Vossloh |publisher = Railway Gazette International |date = 12 September 2013 |access-date = 15 September 2013 |archive-date = 17 October 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141017033402/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/drs-orders-10-electro-diesel-locomotives-from-vossloh.html |url-status = dead }}{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/fleet/2016/09/20/new-88s-set-to-displace-older-drs-locomotives |title = New '88s' set to displace older DRS locomotives |publisher = railmagazine.com |date = 22 September 2016}} DRS took delivery of the first of 15 new {{brc|68}}s in February 2014; these are diesel-only versions of the Class 88s which would arrive later.{{cite magazine |editor-last = Harris |editor-first = Nigel |title = First Direct Rail Services 68 delivered to UK |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 741 |date = 5 February 2014 |page = 17 |publisher = Bauer Media |location = Peterborough |issn = 0953-4563}} During October 2014, a further ten were ordered followed by another seven in July 2015.{{cite magazine |title = 10 More 68s for DRS |magazine = Modern Railways |issue = 793 |date = October 2014 |page = 18}}{{cite magazine |editor-last = Piggott |editor-first = Nick |title = DRS orders seven more Class 68s |magazine = The Railway Magazine |volume = 160 |issue = 1,373 |date = August 2015 |page = 6 |issn = 0033-8923}} In April 2015, two Class 68s commenced operating Fife Circle Line services for Abellio ScotRail. A further batch of six Class 68s (68020{{ndash}}68025) were delivered by on 5 April 2016.

File:Crewe Gresty Bridge DRS Open Day 21.jpg

On 8 January 2016, DRS announced it would sell 12 of its older locomotives, including one {{Brc|20}} locomotive (20312), six Class 37 locomotives (37503/510/521/608/611/670) and five Class 47 locomotives (47810/13/18/28/53) along with two of its Mark 2 coaches.{{cite web |url = http://www.directrailservices.com/news-articles/2016/01/08/sale-of-surplus-assets/ |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160126033324/http://www.directrailservices.com/news-articles/2016/01/08/sale-of-surplus-assets/ |archive-date = 26 January 2016 |title = Sale of Surplus Assets |publisher = Direct Rail Services}} By January 2022, the company was in the process of disposing of older rolling stock, such as Class 20s, Class 37s, Class 57s, and Mark 2 coaches, along with associated spare parts and other elements; this was reportedly one part of a wider fleet modernisation effort.{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2022/01/12/direct-rail-services-disposes-of-heritage-locomotives |title = Direct Rail Services disposes of heritage locomotives |publisher = railmagazine.com |date = 15 January 2022}}{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/drs-develops-strategy-to-eliminate-older-traction |title = EXCLUSIVE: DRS develops strategy to eliminate older traction |publisher = railmagazine.com |date = 20 August 2019}}

66301-66305 left DRS for GBRf at the end of 2022, as DRS restructured its fleet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/railways-illustrated/20220802/281767042960598|title=|via=PressReader}}

=Current fleet=

class="wikitable"

!Class

!Image

!Type

!Built

!Number

!Wheel Arr

!Notes

Class 57/3

|120x120px

| rowspan="3" |Diesel locomotive

|1998-04

| rowspan="2" |Co-Co

|Originally a fleet of 21 locomotives converted from Class 47s. Only 4 are operational with DRS as of 2024.

4 are used for Thunderbird duty on the West Coast Mainline
1 is awaiting disposal

Class 66/0,& 66/4

|120x120px

|2002-08

|19

|Originally a fleet of 39 locomotives. Only 19 are in use with DRS as of 2024.

Class 68/0

|119x119px

120x120px

|2013-17

|20

| rowspan="2" |Bo-Bo

|Originally a fleet of 34 locomotives. 20 are operational as of 2024.

14 were subleased to TransPennine Express before being placed into storage
6 are subleased to Chiltern Railways

Class 88/0

|120x120px

|Bi-mode locomotive

|2015

|10

= Past fleet =

class="wikitable"

!Class

!Image

!Type

!Built

!Number

!Wheel Arr

!Notes

Class 20/3, 20/9

|120x120px

| rowspan="7" |Diesel locomotive

|1957-1962,

1965-1968

|21

| rowspan="2" |Bo-Bo

|Fleet of 21 locomotives. All were withdrawn between 2004 and 2016.

13 were sold to Harry Needle Railroad Company with 10 in storage
6 were scrapped
2 were sold to Balfour Beatty

Class 33/0, 33/2, 33/3 Minimodal

|120x120px

|1960-62

|Fleet of 5 locomotives. All withdrawn in September 2005.

4 were sold to West Coast Railways
1 was scrapped

Class 37/0, 37/4, & 37/7

|120x120px

|1960-65

|20

| rowspan="4" |Co-Co

|Fleet of 20 locomotives. All were withdrawn between 2016 and 2024.

9 are in storage with Harry Needle Railroad Company
4 were sold to Europhoenix
3 were sold to Locomotive Services Limited
2 were sold to Harry Needle Railroad Company
1 was sold to Loram UK
1 was scrapped

Class 47/5, 47/7 & 47/8

|120x120px

|1962-1968

|16

|Fleet of 16 locomotives. All were withdrawn between 2012 and 2018.

6 were sold to Locomotive Services Limited
5 were scrapped
2 were sold to West Coast Railways
1 was sold to Rail Operations Group
1 was preserved by [https://www.facebook.com/D05pres?locale=en_GB D05 Preservation Limited]
1 was sold to Arlington Fleet Group, Eastleigh to be used as a shunter

Class 57/0 & 57/3

|120x120px

|1998-2004

|16