Yoshi at Chester with West Coast Railways (WCR) Class 33 No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 behind him awaiting departure of Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” 1Z35 1610 Chester to Eastleigh – 09/12/2023
December 1st 2023 to December 10th 2023
Lots of catching up to do before we reach the end of 2023 – so here is part one of Yoshi’s December adventures. More next week!
Winter Is Coming
The first Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) of the 2023/24 season ran over the Bournemouth to Weymouth line on Saturday 2nd December 2023. Because of a points failure at Brockenhurst, this was running over 30 minutes late on the outward leg and was delayed over an hour on its return to Eastleigh East Yard.
The first Snow & Ice Treatment Train of the 2023/24 season saw GBRf Class 66 No.s 66303 and 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ working 3Y88 0900 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth. The SITT is seen here at Hamworthy – 02/12/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66303 leading on 3Y88 0900 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth passing Hamworthy – 02/12/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ bringing up the rear of the outward working of 3Y88 0900 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth at Hamworthy – 02/12/2023Nameplate of No. 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ – 02/12/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ at the rear of 3Y88 0900 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth SITT at Hamworthy – 02/12/2023
Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) in Dorset – 02/12/2023 (Additional video clips courtesy of G Barrett and @da_buckley967)
Yoshi’s Northern Adventure
Yoshi with Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ at Scarborough – 05/12/2023
Back in June this year, Caroline arranged to meet up with her old school friends in Liverpool on Saturday 9th December for a pre-Christmas reunion. I was, of course, happy to volunteer my services as chaffeur as I envisaged a day of watching trains in the North West while Caroline caught up with her chums. As we got closer to the date and with announcements from TransPennine Express (TPE) confirming their decision to discontinue the use of its “Nova 3” locomotive-hauled train sets – comprised of a Class 68 locomotive and Mk5a coaches – effective from the December 2023 timetable change, my brain started working overtime at the possibility of getting one last chance of seeing these trains. If we were heading to the north west, why not take a slight detour!
Class 68 No. 68021 ‘Tireless’ having arrived at Scarborough working 1U63 1703 York to Scarborough (set TP10) – 05/12/2023
The story of the “Nova 3” programme dates back to the original tender invitation for the TPE franchise, where the Department for Transport (DafT) had initially specified the procurement of coaches, expecting the future operator to repurpose redundant five-car third-rail Electric Multiple Units (EMU) for use with diesel locomotives. However, in December 2015, FirstGroup, the eventual winner of the franchise process, opted to order brand new train sets from Spanish manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF). These became the “Nova 3” sets; 52 standard Mk5a carriages and 14 Driving Trailers were built which were formed into thirteen 5-carriage sets (65 coaches intended for regular service, with the 66th coach being a spare Driving Trailer). The trains commenced service on the Liverpool – Scarborough route on 24th August 2019, powered by modified Class 68 locomotives subleased from Direct Rail Services (DRS).
Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ stands at platform 1 Scarborough awaiting time to depart with 1U64 1548 Scarborough to York (set TP06) – 05/12/2023
From their introduction, the “Nova 3″ sets were beset with multiple challenges, including technical issues, slow driver training progress, the impact of Covid-19, and noise complaints from local residents living near the maintenance facility in Scarborough. In July 2023 it was widely reported that faults were discovered in some of the Mk5a coaches, including body cracks around the yaw damper and anti-rollbar bracket area. All these issues limited the fleet’s usage, with very few sets being in service on a daily basis and much of the fleet remaining in storage. FirstGroup’s management of the TPE franchise faced scrutiny and controversy, particularly over the high level of cancelled services and abuse of an operational accounting process, widely deemed to have been used to conceal the true level of missed services. These revelations eventually led to the UK government taking control of the service through their Operator of Last Resort provision. Subsequently, an extensive review of TPE’s operations was conducted, leading to the decision to terminate the “Nova 3” programme prematurely. From December 10th 2023, the Mk5a train sets will be placed into warm storage by TPE until April 2024 at which point they will be returned to their leasing agent. It is hoped that another operator might express an interest in taking over the vehicles.
“None 3” Driving Car of set TP06 leading 1K42 2043 Scarborough to York – 06/12/2023
So, early on Tuesday 5th December, with Yoshi safely secured in the back seat of the car, we set off North and destination Scarborough. I had hoped that five “Nova 3” sets would be in operation during our stay in the North Yorkshire seaside town, but alongside TPE clearly running down the trains and the Aslef union drivers overtime ban meant that on most days only two sets were working.
Class 68 No. 68026 ‘Enterprise’ 1U75 1934 Leeds to Scarborough (set TP11) – 06/12/2023Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ 5K42 1956 Scarborough TMD to Scarborough forming 1K42 2043 Scarborough to York (set TP06) – 06/12/2023Class 68 No. 68021 ‘Tireless’ having arrived at Scarborough working 1U63 1703 York to Scarborough (set TP10) – 05/12/2023Class 68 No. 68027 ‘Splendid’ at Scarborough at the rear of 1U56 1348 Scarborough to York (set TP13) – 05/12/2023Class 185 DMU No. 185101 the following days (06/12/2023) 1U24 0548 Scarborough to Leeds with 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ standing at platform 1 awaiting time to depart with 1U64 1548 Scarborough to York (TP06)- 05/12/2023What should have been a Class 68 working, Class 185 DMU No. 185145 awaits departure working 1U36 0845 Scarborough to York – 06/12/2023Class 185 No. 185101 out of use awaiting the following days (06/12/2023) 1U24 0548 Scarborough to Leeds – 05/12/2023Northern Trains Class 170 DMU No. 170459 having arrived with 2C00 0542 Sheffield to Scarborough – 06/12/2023Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ having arrived with 1U67 1803 York to Scarborough (set TP06). Class 37 No. 37407 ‘Blackpool Tower’ at the rear of RHTT 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 05/12/202337407 ‘Blackpool Tower’ on RHTT duties working 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 05/12/202337266 ‘Victorious’ on RHTT working 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa which reverses at Scarborough – 05/12/202337419 ‘Driver Tony Kay 1974 – 2019’ 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 06/12/202337419 ‘Driver Tony Kay 1974 – 2019’ 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 06/12/2023DRS Class 37 No. 37407 ‘Blackpool Tower’ getting ready to depart with 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 06/12/2023
We stayed in Scarborough until Thursday, but before departing for pastures new, we enjoyed a trip over to York in order to sample the “Nova 3” coaching stock, which we found very comfortable and I was impressed with the acceleration of the Class 68 locomotive in charge of the train. I asked a number of TPE staff, from drivers, despatch, ticket office and train guards if they would miss the Class 68’s and Mk5a carriages and was quite surprised that only 10% expressed any disappointment of their impending demise. The phrase “more trouble than they are worth” cropped up numerous times!
Settling down with a latte for a train journey from Scarborough to York – 07/12/2023Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ at York at the head of 1U39 1103 York to Scarborough (set TP06) with No. 68026 ‘Enterprise’ 1U40 0948 Scarborough to York (set TP11) in the background – 07/12/2023Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ at York working 1U39 1103 York to Scarborough (set TP06) – 07/12/2023LNER Class 91 No. 91119 ‘Bounds Green InterCity Depot 1977 – 2017’ in bay platform 6 at York having arrived with 1N81 0906 London Kings Cross to York (set NL13) – 07/12/2023
Wednesday was probably our best day where the weather was concerned and we took the opportunity to walk a section of the closed Scarborough & Whitby Railway. The line opened in July 1885 and closed in March 1965 as part of the Beeching Axe. The 21 miles of line traversed the picturesque coast between the two towns serving eight stations. The route, now a multi-use path, is known as “The Cinder Track”.
The start of the Cinder Track at the Scarborough end of the trail which is located next to a Sainsbury’s supermarket – 06/12/2023The Trail sets off north through a series of cuttings, passing under several bridges, into suburbia, before skirting alongside the playing fields, at the site of the former Northstead Carriage Sidings – 06/12/2023 (CS)By 1972 all of the railway track had been removed, however, the route remains as a designated trail for walking, cycling and even horse riding. The pathway was made from cinders rather than crushed stone which gives the route its name the Cinder Track. – 06/12/2023The bridge which once carried the railway over Scalby Beck – 06/12/2023We walked as far as the village of Burniston where we were pleased to find “The Three Jolly Sailors”, a Grade II listed pub which was previously a farmhouse dating back to the early 19th century, where, although packed out with pensioners enjoying early Christmas dinners, the staff found us space at the bar for eagerly anticipated refreshments – 06/12/2023There was only one bar stool in the pub, but I was very kindly allowed to use a broken chair (at my own risk) alongside from which I enjoyed my sandwiches and most excellent bowl of chips which I begrudgingly shared with Caroline. Yoshi was served sausages in his own little dish. He may also have had a chip or three – 06/12/2023 (CS)
We arrived in Liverpool on Saturday morning after spending a couple of nights with friends near Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. Our first port of call was the Museum of Liverpool and its Land Transport section which is home to Liverpool & Manchester Railway (LMR) 0-4-2 No. 57 ‘Lion’ built by Todd, Kitson & Laird of Leeds. We wrote about this particular locomotives’ starring role in one of my favourite films “The Titfield Thunderbolt” (1953) in March this year and I enjoyed seeing her again. ‘Lion’ actually appeared in three films, the other two being “Victoria the Great” (1937) and “The Lady with the Lamp” (1951).
The Museum of Liverpool, designed by architects 3XN and engineers Buro Happold and built by Galliford Try at a cost of £72 million, opened to the public on 19th June 2011 – 10/12/2023‘Lion’ on display at the Museum of Liverpool with a carriage from the Liverpool Overhead Railway behind which is fixed at the exact height of the original railway – 16 feet above the ground. – 09/12/2023
The LMR ordered two locomotives to haul luggage trains in 1837 as part of a larger order of 6 steam engines, which were named ‘Lion’ and ‘Tiger’. In 1859 ‘Lion’ was sold to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and installed as a stationary pumping engine at Princes Dock. She was rescued by members of the Liverpool Engineering Society in 1928 and after restoration at the Crewe railway works she took part in the centenary celebrations of the LMR in 1930, hauling a replica train. During the period prior to the Second World War, ‘Lion’ stood on a plinth at Liverpool Lime Street railway station but was removed in 1941 and placed in storage at Crewe railway works, out of sight apart from her film appearances and railway publicity events. In 1967 she was loaned to the Liverpool Museum by the Liverpool Engineering Society. This was changed to an outright gift in 1970.
‘Lion’ at the Museum of Liverpool – 09/12/2023
In 1980 ‘Lion’ took part in the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway at Rainhill under her own steam. Afterwards, she made a number of working appearances at railway heritage centres and museums until 1989 when ‘Lion’ was withdrawn from steaming for conservation reasons. Following a survey in 1992 which showed that her original structure would need substantial modification if she were to be steamed again, the Trustees of National Museums Liverpool decided, on the basis of her internationally important status, to conserve her for static display only.
A view of the Liverpool Overhead Railway carriage on display at the Museum of Liverpool with Liverpool & Manchester Railway 0-4-2 locomotive No. 57 ‘Lion’ below – 09/12/2023
I really enjoyed the visit to the Museum of Liverpool and learning about the Liverpool Overhead Railway, the world’s first electric elevated railway, built in 1893 to ease congestion along seven miles of Liverpool’s docks. After saying goodbye to Caroline as she went off to meet her friends, Yoshi and I headed to Liverpool James Street Merseyrail station as I had ambitions to catch up with Class 507 EMU No. 507001 which has recently been outshopped in a retro British Rail blue livery wrap as a special project celebrating 45 years of service from the Class 507 and Class 508 trains in a collaboration between Merseyrail, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Angel Trains, and Stadler. The first Class 507 arrived at Birkenhead North Depot in 1978 with No. 507001 commencing revenue earning service with the very first Merseyrail train working the 0739 departure from Southport to Liverpool Central in November of that year.
The Class 507/508’s are being replaced by new Class 777 units and rail enthusiast Robert Hampton is aiming to save one of the iconic units for future generations to enjoy by starting The Class 507 Preservation Project.
Yoshi and I availed ourselves to a Merseyrail All Area Daysave ticket for the bargain price of £5.95. Having determined which diagram No. 507001 was working we sat at Liverpool James Street for the unit to pass through. Yoshi was often quite vocal at the passing trains and as we were there for a little while, having just missed 001 on our arrival at the station, a friendly Merseyrail station employee checked we were OK, which was kind. He instantly appreciated why we were waiting and told us all about the services No. 507001 had been running that week.
Class 508 EMU No. 508120 at Liverpool James Street working the 2N30 1407 service to New Brighton – 09/12/2023Class 507 EMU No. 507023 forms the 2W27 1342 departure from Liverpool James Street to West Kirby – 09/12/2023Class 777 No. 777005 pauses at Liverpool James Street as the delayed 2C28 departure for Chester – 09/12/2023Class 507 No. 507001 in retro BR Blue / Merseyrail wrap stands at Liverpool James Street forming 2N31 service to New Brighton – 09/12/2023
After photographing No. 507001 we jumped on the next train to Chester as another of our objectives that day was to record the return departure of Pathfinder Tours “The Chester Christmas Cromptons” headed up by West Coast Railway Co.’s (WCRC) Class 33 Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 which were bound for Eastleigh.
Class 507 No. 507018 at Chester having arrived with 2C31 Chester to Chester service via Liverpool – 09/12/2023West Coast Railways Class 33 No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 at rest in Chester sidings having arrived with Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” from Eastleigh – 09/12/2023West Coast Railways Class 47 No.47826 at the rear of Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” waiting to run ECS into platform 3 for the return run to Eastleigh – 09/12/2023Class 197 DMU No. 197101 at Chester working 1H90 1443 Llandudno to Manchester International Airport. uilt by CAF, based on its “Civity” platform. They are currently operated by Transport for Wales (TfW), split into 51 two-car units and 26 three-car units. – 09/12/2023Class 221 Voyager DMU in Avanti West Coast livery No. 221108 (once named ‘Sir Ernest Shackleton’ while with Virgin Trains) at Chester working 1A64 1438 Llandudno Junction to Crewe – 09/12/2023Northern Trains Class 195 DMU No. 195117 forms 1E68 1529 Chester to Leeds. from the Civity family manufactured by CAF, owned by Eversholt Rail Group and currently operated by Northern Trains. A total of 58 units have been built; 25 two-car units and 33 three-car units – 09/12/2023Class 150 DMU No. 150131 works Northern Trains 2H32 1556 Chester to Manchester Piccadilly service. The 150’s were developed and constructed by British Rail Engineering Limited at York Carriage Works between 1984 and 1987 for use on regional services across the UK – 09/12/2023West Coast Railways Class 33 No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 at Chester awaiting departure of Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” 1Z35 1610 Chester to Eastleigh – 09/12/2023With the sun setting behind them, West Coast Railways Class 33 No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 at Chester awaiting departure of Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” 1Z35 1610 Chester to Eastleigh – 09/12/2023
After watching the Crompton’s heading South, we returned to Liverpool on one of the new Class 777 units.
Class 507 No.507001 was on the New Brighton circuit on the day of our visit, so we couldn’t resist taking an evening trip from Liverpool to New Brighton and back. The unit is seen having arrived with 2N43 16:53 New Brighton to New Brighton and formed the subsequent departure 2N47 17:53 New Brighton to New Brighton – 09/12/2023Yoshi appreciated the retro British Rail /Merseyrail livery of Class 507 No. 507001 at New Brighton – 09/12/2023Class 507 No. 507001 at Liverpool James Street platform 1 arriving with 2N43 16:53 New Brighton to New Brighton – 09/12/2023 Class 319 EMU’s first introduced by British rail in 1987 are currently being phased out. Originally their last day of service with Northern Trains was to be 9th December 2023, but they have a slight reprieve as the planed withdrawal of the NT Class 319 fleet has be delayed until January 2024. No. 319385 is stood out of service at Liverpool Lime Street. It should have been working service to Wigan – 09/12/2023Yoshi with Northern Trains Class 319 No. 319385 at Liverpool Lime Street – 09/12/2023London North Western Railway Class 350403 ready to depart Liverpool with 1G65 1833 Liverpool Lime Street High Level to Birmingham New Street. The Class 350’s are members of the Desiro family and were built by Siemens Transportation Systems between 2004 and 2014 – 09/12/2023TPE Class 185 No. 185125 awaiting departure from Liverpool Lime Street with the 1K33 1854 service to Hull. Because of disruption on the network due to high winds that evening, the service left 51 minutes late – 09/12/2023Yoshi with the Royal Liver Building behind. Opened in 1911, the building was once the purpose-built home of the Royal Liver Assurance group, which had been set up in the city in 1850 to provide locals with assistance related to losing a wage-earning relative. One of the first buildings in the world to be built using reinforced concrete, the Royal Liver Building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city of Liverpool with its two fabled Liver Birds, which watch over the city and the sea. Legend has it that if the two birds were to fly away, the city would cease to exist – 10/12/2023The Fab Five! The Beatles statue, by artist Andrew Edwards, on the Pier Head in Liverpool depicts the larger-than-life Fab Four casually strolling along the River Mersey. The Beatles Statue was donated by the musical group’s home venue, The Cavern Club, and was unveiled in 2015 on the 50th anniversary of their final public appearance in the city – 09/12/2023The Great Western Railway (GWR) warehouse and offices at Liverpool. The GWR never ran trains to Liverpool though it offered through passenger fares to the city via the Birkenhead Railway (which it operated jointly with the London & North Western Railway (LNWR), in competition with the Cheshire Lines) and connecting ferries from its terminus at Woodside. Goods were transported by barge across the River Mersey from Morpeth Dock and landed at the Manchester Dock where this warehouse was built around 1890, incorporating earlier offices from the 1850’s. The Manchester Dock was filled in during 1928 using spoil from the construction of the Kingsway road tunnel leaving the GWR buildings high and dry beside the Canning graving docks, inaccessible by rail or water. Once restored to their former splendour, the buildings form part of Liverpool’s World Heritage site – 10/12/2023
On our way home, we had a planned stop in Shrewsbury for a visit to the Christmas Market being held in the prison, which was closed in 2013 and is now a visitor attraction. The prison is located adjacent to Shrewsbury railway station, and I couldn’t resist a quick visit!
TfW Class 153 DMU No. 153353 arriving at Shrewsbury with 1W55 0856 Swansea to Manchester Piccadilly – 10/12/2023MPV No. DR98955 arrives at Shrewsbury as the 3S02 0940 Kings Norton On Track Plant Depot to Kings Norton On Track Plant Depot RHTT working – 10/12/2023Shrewsbury Severn Bridge Signal Box (1903) built in LNWR style, the impressive Grade 2-listed three-storey redbrick building is a marvel of Edwardian engineering, standing imposingly at the south end of Shrewsbury station where lines to Hereford and Wolverhampton diverge. It is the largest surviving mechanical signal box in Great Britain and is rail-locked within a triangular site that will make access difficult for any future reuse. However, Network Rail currently believes replacing the current mechanical semaphore signalling system in the area with colour-light signals would not be economical and envisages it remaining in operation until at least 2030, and possibly as long as 2050 on current plans. We shall be back! – 10/12/2023
VIDEO CLIPS
Video clips from our recent travels:
Class 68 locomotives on the TPE Scarborough / York diagram during their final week of service – December 2023
An hour at York watching; 68026 ‘Enterprise’ 1U40 0948 Scarborough to York (set TP11) 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ 1U39 1103 York to Scarborough (set TP06) 801207 (LNER) 1E07 0832 Edinburgh to London Kings Cross 802203 (TP) 9M10 1001 Newcastle to Liverpool Lime Street 66118 6M16 0540 Wilton EFW Terminal to Knowsley Freight Terminal 170460 2C33 1110 York to Leeds 195129 1B25 1123 York to Blackpool North 91119 ‘Bounds Green InterCity Depot 1977 – 2017’ 1N81 0906 London Kings Cross to York (set NL13) 802219 9E09 0924 Liverpool Lime Street to Newcastle / 180105 1A64 0954 Sunderland to London Kings Cross 185112 1P68 0951 Saltburn to Manchester Airport 800201 5Z60 1050 Doncaster Carr Iep Depot to Newcastle 802219 1S10 0930 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh 801229 1E08 0900 Edinburgh to London Kings Cross 170472 2C85 1142 York to Leeds 68026 ‘Enterprise’ 1U43 1203 York to Scarborough (set TP11) – 07/12/2023
Rail Head Treatment Trains at Scarborough and Shrewsbury during the final days of operation in 2023
“The Chester Christmas Cromptons” railtour departing Chester -09/12/2023
For The Record
06/12/2023 and 07/12/2023 – DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66111 and 66192 worked 6N70 2304 Eastleigh East Yard to Branksome and the associated return 6N70 0410 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard. A further engineers possession train scheduled for the following night run by GBRf was cancelled.
10/12/2023 – Network Rail Video Inspection Unit VIU3 No. 153385 worked 2Q30 1540 Eastleigh East Yard to Westbury Down T.C via Bournemouth
That’s all folks! All that remains is for Yoshi and I to thank you for visiting our page and wish you a very Merry Christmas 2023. We plan on being back for our final blog entry of the year next week. So, until then – Be seeing you!
Yoshi and Class 68 No. 68026 ‘Enterprise’. The “Nova 3” set was scheduled to hang about at Scarborough all day before working 1U72 1748 Scarborough to Leeds (set TP11) – 06/12/2023
Yoshi at Kidderminster enjoying the last gasp of autumn sun with Class 52 Western diesel hydraulic No. D1040 ‘Western Queen’ in the background – 02/10/2022
Hello Dear Reader! It’s been a relatively quiet week on the rails in Yoshi’s manor. Engineers trains for the Chetnole track upgrade came and went, utilising the same locomotives on a rota as at the start of the work. Because of the their early departures via Dorchester South, Yoshi and I remained snuggled up in our bed. We had planned on seeing the final two trains depart via Yeovil Pen Mill on the Friday evening, but the rain and winds put us off as we didn’t fancy hanging around for them to make an appearance on an open windswept railway station. In the event it appears they left more or less on time, so it would not have be so tortuous!
Severn Valley Railway
Sunday 2nd October found us back at the Severn Valley Railway, this time for their 2022 Autumn Diesel Bash. The main attraction for me being the visit of two GB Railfreight Class 56 locomotives which have been repainted into retro British Rail liveries. The GBRf Class 56’s will eventually be rebuilt as Class 69 locomotives in due course, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to catch these while we can. Only one of the two Class 56 locomotives ran each day over the weekend; No. 56098 on Saturday and 56081 on the Sunday. I hoped that the locomotive not being used would be on static display, but this wasn’t really the case, and only a record shot could be achieved from publicly accessible areas.
GBRf Class 56 No.’s 56098 and 56081 coupled together at Kidderminster SVR awaiting their return to Old Dalby the following day – 02/10/2022
Despite this, we had another great day out at the Severn Valley. Even the fact the coffee machine wasn’t working at The Engine House cafe in Highley didn’t dampen my spirits. As we left Dorset and made our way northwards, the weather didn’t look conducive to a day out, but once past Bristol, the sun made a welcome appearance for the rest of the day. Thanks to Andrew and Scott for their excellent company and helping to look after Yoshi.
Deltic No. 55009 ‘Alycidon’ on the approach to Highley. I first saw this class of locomotive at London Kings Cross in 1977 and they immediately became my favourite diesel locomotives – 02/10/2022Class 50 No. 50049 ‘Defiance’ departs Highley – 02/10/2022Class 50 No. 50035 ‘Ark Royal’ arriving into Kidderminster – 02/20/2022Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ awaiting to be rescued at Highley with a ‘local service’ after being declared a failure – 02/10/2022Class 31 No. 31466 plays Thunderbird loco for Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ at Highley. A minor defect in the Class 50’s air system intermittently prevented the locomotive creating a brake – 02/10/2022Class 31 No. 31466 at Highley – 02/10/2022Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ nears Highley – 02/10/2022Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ departs Kidderminster with an evening service – 02/10/2022Class 52 No. D1062 ‘Western Courier’ running as classmate No. D1040 ‘Western Queen’ catching the late afternoon sun at Kidderminster – 02/10/2022The second man on Class 52 No. D1040 ‘Western Queen’ ready to exchange tokens entering Highley – 02/10/2022GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 and Class 20 No. 20048 being used as a translator locomotive for braking near Highley – 02/10/2022GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 having arrived at Kidderminster after its sole round trip – 02/10/2022GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 prepares to run to the sidings at Kidderminster – 02/10/2022Large Logo liveried Class 56 No. 56098 at Kidderminster – 02/10/2022Class 09 No. 09012 (D4100) ‘Dick Hardy’ came to the rescue after Class 46 No. D182 was withdrawn from service earlier during the gala – 02/20/2022 Class 20 No. 20048 departs Kidderminster on the rear of a train to Bridgnorth – 02/10/2022Yoshi chats with the driver of Class 31 No. 31466 during a stop at Bewdley – 02/10/2022
Our video from the 2022 Autumn Diesel Bash at the SVR
Class 91’s
Prior to our Seven Valley adventure, on Wednesday 28th September I was in London for a work meeting and I took the opportunity to pop into Kings Cross on my way to the office to catch a couple of Class 91 departures. I rather like the look of the business end of the Class 91 locomotive.
A total of 31 Class 91 ‘Electras’ were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Crewe Works from 1988 to 1991 and numbered 91001 to 91031. They were overhauled by Bombardier at Doncaster between 2000 and 2003 and renumbered by adding 100 to their original number, with the exception of No. 91023 which became No. 91132 due to its involvement in fatal accidents at Hatfield in 2000 and Great Heck in 2001.
The IC225 fleet of 314 Mk 4 carriages built by Metro-Cammell in Birmingham were formed into 30 sets and with the addition of a Driving Trailer Van (DVT) allowed push-pull operation with the Class 91’s. The fleet is now greatly reduced following the introduction of Hitachi InterCity Express Trains (IET) and eight coaching sets have been retained for use on the East Coast Mainline with 12 Class 91’s.
Over the years the trains have seen several changes in operator as franchises have collapsed and taken over by government backed Operators of Last Resort. GNER was replaced by National Express East Coast, followed by East Coast, Virgin Trains East Coast and currently LNER. Each operator has applied its own livery to the locomotives and coaching stock with most recently LNER simply replacing the Virgin Trains branding with its own. Now, however, the fleet is receiving repaints with those not carrying a celebrity livery receiving a retro style inspired by the original Intercity 225 design of sharp lines and red and white styling, the LNER brand replacing the InterCity lettering and swallow motif which can be seen applied to No. 91004 in the video from 1994 further down this page.
Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’ awaits departure from London Kings Cross with the 1003 1D09 service to Leeds. The InterCity 225 fleet leased by LNER is in the process of receiving a full repaint as the rolling stock is brought in for essential maintenance. The repaint of No. 91110 was completed in July 2022 – 28/09/2022Side detail of Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’Side detail of Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’Side detail and nameplate of Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’Side detail of Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’. In September 1989 No. 91110 achieved 162.8 mph on an overspeed test at Stoke Bank near Peterborough, the fastest ever recorded by a UK locomotive. Stoke Bank is the same location where the world record for a steam locomotive was set at 126 mph by Gresley A4 No. 4468 ‘Mallard’ on 3rd July 1938.Class 91 No. 91107 ‘Skyfall’ at Kings Cross platform 2 heading 1D10 1033 London Kings Cross to Leeds. The Class 91 powered IC225 trains have been operating on the East Coast Main Line for 33 years. The Gresley A4’s managed 27 years and the Class 55 Deltics 20 years. The Gresley A3’s and the IC125 HST’s both notched up 40 years of continuous ECML service – 28/09/2022Close up of nameplate for Class 91 No. 91107 ‘Skyfall’
Class 91 departures at London Kings Cross – 28/09/2022Class 91 No. 91114 ‘Durham Cathedral’ at York – 04/07/2013Nameplate detail of Class 91 No. 91114 ‘Durham Cathedral’ at York – 04/07/2013Livery variation applied to Class 91 No. 91114 ‘Durham Cathedral’ at York – 04/07/2013East Coast liveried Class 91 No. 91120 at York – 28/08/2011Class 91 No. 91101 with Flying Scotsman branding at Doncaster – 05/07/2013Class 91 No. 91102 at York – 28/08/2011Class 91 No. 91121 at York – 28/08/2011Europhoenix liveried Class 91 No. 91117 stands adjacent to unique Class 89 No.89001 ‘Avocet’ at the recent Barrow Hill 150+2 celebrations – 28/08/2022The flat end of Class 91 No. 91120 can be seen clearly in this image alongside Class 89 No.89001 ‘Avocet’ at the recent Barrow Hill 150+2 celebrations. The Class 89 was a prototype for an electric six-axle mixed traffic locomotive which did not progress beyond this example – 28/08/2022Another view of Europhoenix Class 91 No. 91120 in the company of “Peak” Class 45 No. 45060 ‘Sherwood Forester’ and Class 66 No. 66726 ‘Sheffield Wednesday’ at Barrow Hill 150+2 celebrations – 28/08/2022
From The Archives
My first visit to London Kings Cross found Class 55 Deltic No.’s 55002 ‘The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry’ and 55008 ‘The Green Howards’ await departure in 1977 In the diesel era the stabling point at London Kings Cross was commonly known as “Passenger Loco”. It was usually used by locomotives that needed a quick service and refuelling before their next trip north. There was a pit inside the shed where an “A exam” could be performed. A few locos would be berthed there during the day between trips and at night. Also from my first visit to The Cross in 1977Class 55 Deltic No. 55004 ‘Queens Own Highlander’ stands next to a Class 254 HST set at Kings Cross. The Deltic’s replaced Gresley A3 and A4 Pacific steam locomotives on top link duties before themselves succumbing to the advent of the High Speed Train which in turn were replaced by the Class 91’s – 25/09/1981
In 1994 what was heralded as being the best ever programme of main line steam specials was announced on 11th August, exactly 26 years after the end of regular steam on British Railways. A big surprise was the announcement of the return to steam at Kings Cross on the weekend of 29th / 30th October 1994 when LNER A4 Pacific No. 60009 ‘Union Of South Africa’, coincidentally the last steam locomotive to leave the East Coast terminus thirty years previously, was booked to haul private charters to Peterborough. Following these successful charter runs, No. 9 found herself imprisoned in Bounds Green depot for six weeks following an “under the wires” ban imposed by Railtrack who declared the locomotive as being out of gauge by 1.5 inches at an overbridge near Primrose Hill Tunnel which could have resulted in a flashover. This led Railtrack to impose a complete ban on all steam movements under overhead wires across the rail network which saw the cancellation of three other rail tours until Railtrack backed down and agreed the locomotive was in gauge all along!
I went along to Kings Cross on the 30th October 1994 to see the locomotive and train head for Peterborough – but as you can see in the video below my view of the departure was almost ruined by the arrival of Class 91 No. 91004 ‘The Red Arrows’! This Class 91 locomotive was withdrawn in February 2020 and is currently awaiting disposal at Booths of Rotherham, its fate is unconnected with passing in front of me while I was attempting to film steam at The Cross however!
Steam at Kings Cross 30/10/1994
Sixteen years later, I was once again able to see steam at Kings Cross – two A4’s this time when No. 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ hauled the Railway Touring Company special train “The Tynesider” from Newcastle to the London terminus with sister locomotive No. 60019 ‘Bittern’ sporting two tenders to facilitate a non-stop run to York as there was no requirement to take on water en-route. I was using a mini DV camera at the time which had a tendency to “hunt’ in low light. Well, in any lighting conditions to be honest. But we include it here as it seems appropriate.
Steam at Kings Cross 27/11/2010
Thanks for visiting. We aim to be back again next week and hope to see you again. Thank you as always for comments and corrections which are very much appreciated.
