Considering a place where trains find care? That’s Coldhams Lane Depot in Cambridge. It is more than just a place for trains. Coldhams Lane TMD has a story to tell.
Coldhams Lane Depot sits on the eastern side of the Fen Line. You will find it just north of Cambridge Station. The depot code was simply CA. This code was used from 1973.
The depot opened in 1958. It replaced a steam depot. The old depot was next to Cambridge Station. That steam depot stayed open until June 18, 1962. Until 1987, Coldhams Lane Depot housed various DMUs. These included Class 101, 105, 114, and 120. It also provided a home for Class 08 shunters.
After British Rail privatization, Rail Express Systems used the depot. They used it for maintenance. However, it temporarily closed in 1996. Central Trains reopened it less than two years later.
Cambridge University Railway Club had a tradition here. They named shunting locomotives “EAGLE (CURC)”. When RES closed its operations at Coldhams Lane, the club presented the nameplate to the retiring depot manager. It was a token of appreciation.
Today, Coldhams Lane Depot houses CrossCountry Class 170 Turbostar trains. It is their allocated home.
A fun fact involves a Class 08 shunter’s return to Cambridge. This happened after many years. Railway Support Services gained a new contract. The shunter, No. 08511, arrived on February 23. Getting it unloaded was quite a task. It involved temporary tracks and rerailing jacks. The shunter supports Greater Anglia. It transfers Class 317 EMUs. These go between the carriage sidings and the depot. The depot is used for modifications.
Coldhams Lane Depot has seen changes. It started with steam engines. It moved to DMUs and now Turbostars. It stands as a testament to railway evolution. It has supported different operators. The depot remains a key part of Cambridge’s railway scene. The Cambridge University Railway Club contributed to the history of Coldhams Lane TMD. Their tradition added character to the depot.