1st September 2002

Hertfordshire Rail Tours
The Bone Idol

Route:
1Z58 : London Kings Cross to Skegness
1Z59 : Skegness to London Kings Cross

Notes:
(1) 58020 on rear.
(2) Ran via Long Eaton LC rather than high level line as booked.

Sources : Alan Costello (joined/left the train at Stevenage) & John Broderick

Tour Review
(by Alan Costello)

58020 at Alexandra Palace (photo : www.railway-images.co.uk)

Drove from Bishop's Stortford to Stevenage and got there about 20 minutes early. Whilst waiting saw 43115 and 91108 going into London, and 91113 going North. Train arrived 2 minutes late - it ran late until departure from Nottingham -  with 58024 (the one used on the Flower Arranger) on the front and 58020 on the rear. A steady run up the slow line got us to Peterborough 6 minutes late. More time was lost as there was a problem uncoupling 58020.  Stabled were 56071/88,66131 and 47792. At the GB stabling point were 66709 in shed,66704/6/8 with recently named 66702 behind them. Another unspectacular run got us to Skegness 8 minutes late. Departure was 2 minutes late and again time was lost with arrival at Nottingham for a photo stop 15 minutes late. The time allowed for the stop was cut and the train left on time, only to come to a halt just after leaving the station, for a HST to pass us. We then turned right travelling over the high level line to reach Toton Centre. Class 66's seen in the area included 044,189,227,247,241,126 and 121. On the left hand side of the train, a couple of lines across from us, were 73108 and 37198 and on the other side 58020 was waiting. 58024 came of the front whilst 58020 coupled on the other end and 4 minutes late started the run back to London. Instead of taking the high level route, we stayed on the level and travelled down the Midland main line, before branching off at Syston Junction to get to our next photo stop at Melton Mowbray. As only the first few coaches were at the platform and we were almost at the back, I stayed in my seat. A 4 minute late departure became 1 minute early at Manton Junction with a 9 minute early arrival at Peterborough. By this time 66709 (in its Medite livery) had come out of the shed and 66704/6 and 8 had disappeared leaving 66702. We were kept at Peterborough until our scheduled departure time, but a fast run down the East Coast line got us to Stevenage 9 minutes early. We left the train and got into the car as 58024 passed through the station, getting back home just after 2200.

Alan Costello

Timings (Booked and Actual)
(by Alan Costello)

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