During 2015, there became a noticeable increase in the number of empty stock trains moving around the network for repair, refurbishment, or to be placed in store, carrying a 'Rail Operations Group' headboard. Just who the Rail Operations Group (ROG) was became apparent back in January when I first met managing director Karl Watts during a visit to Leicester MPD. The depot is operated by UK Rail Leasing, but inside the depot was Type 3 No. 37800, being refurbished for mainline use. Outside was Europhoenix-owned classmate No. 37884, which had been ROG's main loco since it was granted an operating licence some months earlier. Clearly, Karl had plans for ROG. The company was formed three years ago (2013) as a provider of specialist train operator services. It had desires to be a train operator, but at that time lacked money and expertise.
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