GBRF Class 57 Run Round & Split In Worcester Yard! | 5Q70 Long Marston – Wimbledon Park + 701049 |

On 23rd February 2026, I spent the day filming around Worcester, capturing an interesting mix of GWR services and a fascinating GBRF movement.

The highlight of the day was 5Q70 1413 Long Marston Gbrf – Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs, hauled by a pair of GB Railfreight Class 57s:
• British Rail Class 57 57303
• British Rail Class 57 57306

Earlier that morning, both locomotives had travelled together as:

0V70 0849 Leicester L.I.P. – Long Marston Gbrf

We also see:
• British Rail Class 66 66659 working 6V05 Round Oak – Margam T.C.

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🔄 The Worcester Yard Shunt Moves

On the return leg of 5Q70, the train arrives into Worcester Yard where things get interesting…

A full series of shunt moves takes place:

• 57306 detaches from the front
• Runs round the train
• Couples up to work 5Q70 onward to Wimbledon Park as the train reverses direction
• 57303 draws forward with SWR unit 701049
• 57303 then detaches and later works solo as 0M57 1553 Worcester Yard – Leicester L.I.P.

It certainly makes for great viewing — but it raises an interesting operational question:

👉 Why didn’t 5Q70 arrive at Worcester in top-and-tail formation to avoid the need for the run round?

Logically, it might have made sense for 57303 to lead from Long Marston with 57306 on the rear, eliminating the need for the complex shunt in Worcester Yard.

If you know the reasoning behind this, drop it in the comments — I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts!

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Thanks for watching — if you enjoyed this detailed operational movement, please like, comment and subscribe for more lineside action from around the Midlands and beyond.

#GBRF
#Class57
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