37421 & 37424 Working the Anglia PLPR Train around Manningtree, 9th October 2026

A bit of coverage of the truncated October visit to the Anglia zone of the Network Rail Plain Line Pattern Recognition [PLPR] train. This visit included the coach with the Fraunhofer Wire Wear Inspection equipment that emits a blue light that is not visible in daylight but at night has been quite spectacular.

At Manningtree the sight of a Rail Head Treatment Train [RHTT] was unexpected, with GB Railfrieght 66316 & 66734 sandwiching the treatment vehicle. This train had stopped at the platform for the crew to investigate why the treatment generator had shut down.

The PLPR train had run about 30 minutes early through Manningtree on the way to Colchester - which i missed - and performed very well when I caught up with it on its return. During the final part of its visit the blue light was very visible as the train crossed the Cattawade causeway.




Trains:
3S10 19:38 Stowmarket D.G.L. to Stowmarket D.G.L. - 66316 & 66734
1Q99, 15:03 Cambridge Recp 1&2 to Welwyn G.C. F.D. - 37421 & 37424


[4K]
0:00 Manningtree, 3S10, 66316 & 66734
0:52 Manningtree, 1Q99, 37421 & 37424
1:16 Mistley, 1Q99, 37424 & 37421
2:05 Mistley, 1Q99, 37421 & 37424
2:48 Cattawade, 1Q99, 37421 & 37424
4:36 Thanks for watching!