use on test trains and the company's deicing trains. Network Rail's Class 57 fleet was also expected to occasionally operate with 171, 350, 375, 376, 377, 444 and 450s in response to emergencies, their primary operational area was the Southern Region. During early 2013, the organisation openly stated its target for emergency rescue operations in the region was to keep five Class 57s continuously available to respond; of these, two were fitted with tightlock couplings while three featured Dellner couplings instead. Typically, rescued trains would be hauled onto the nearest convenient station, but the Class 57 had sufficient capabilities to haul most trains through their original schedule if desired. To achieve the necessary compatibilities to work with various EMUs, the locomotives were outfitted with multiple types of adapter cables, pressure switches, and pickups to convey electricity and other services, such as pressurised air, to the rescued train. In July 2014, the leases were transferred to Direct Rail Services. Rail Operations Group During October 2018, the Rail Operations Group (ROG) confirmed a long term lease for two Class 57 owned by Direct Rail Services. In October 2019, it was confirmed that ROG would lease a third Class 57/3 from Direct Rail Services. In March 2022, it was announced that the lease of the three Class 57s would be terminated and the locomotives returned to Direct Rail Services. Virgin Trains West Coast During April 2002, Virgin Trains West Coast signed a deal with Porterbrook for the rebuilding of 12 Class 47s into Class 57/3s; these were to provide a fleet of locomotives for rescue duties as well as to drag electric trains along routes that lacked overhead wires to power them directly. The first of these locomotives were delivered in June 2002. After the discovery of structural defects, 47844 and 47849, which were to become 57307 and 57303, were replaced after they had been stripped down. After it was announced by the Strategic Rail Authority during June 2003 that Class 390 Pendolinos would operate along the North Wales Coast Line to Holyhead hauled by Class 57/3s, a further four were ordered to expand Virgin's fleet. Furthermore, it was decided to fit the fleet with Dellner retractable couplings; the original 12 Class 57/3s were also retrofitted as such from October 2003. From spring 2005, Class 57/3s were used to haul two daily Virgin services from Crewe to Holyhead, complementing the Class 221 Super