17th January 2004

Pathfinder Tours
The Joint Line Jester

Route:
1Z56 : Reading to Harworth RJB Mining
1Z57 : Harworth RJB Mining to Reading

Notes :
(1) 56062 on rear.
(2) 47853 on rear. 60021 was the loco allocated but this was changed at the last minute owing to problems with the generator car, requiring a loco with ETS to heat the train.
(3) Train was booked to reverse at Tinsley TMD but was unable to do so due to a points failure.

Sources : Gary Thornton (joined/left the train at Birmingham International)
& Nick Bartlett (joined/left the train at Didcot Parkway)

Tour Review
(by Gary Thornton)

56062 approaching Conisborough (photo : John Jarman)

With only two locos on offer (a class 56 and 60) and only about 5 chains of required track I didn't originally plan to be on this tour but after a call a couple of weeks before it to join a block booking I succumbed and got a ticket. Pre-tour gen suggested the class 56 would be either 56091 or 56104 and the 60 was to be 60021. That lasted until Friday when the 56 changed to 56062 - choice of three and all three were "dud" for me. At least 60021 "stuck" as this was a winner.

I joined at Birmingham International a little after 07.30 and walked into coach A to join my colleagues only to find it was somewhat "fresh" - a problem with the train heating apparently, the generator car kept cutting out. With forecast temperatures only a few degrees above freezing that did not bode well for a comfortable day out.

Our route to Derby was via Stechford, Aston, Lichfield and Burton-on-Trent. At Derby we arrived to see 60021 running away from the station - presumably to make way for 56062 to run-round as booked. Ah, actually no... Although it was a difficult decision to make, it had been decided to use Riviera Trains 47853 (which was at Derby as on a route-learning contract) as assist loco. 60021 could, in theory, still have been used except that the EWS safety case precludes a loco in the formation with its engine running without a competent member of EWS staff on board. Attempts were made to find a suitable candidate but to no avail so it was 60021 and no train heating all day, or 47853 and a warm train. 47853 was duly attached to the rear - disappointing as that was my winner out the window, but a correct decision in my opinion as otherwise it would have been quite an uncomfortable day for those on board.

From Derby we headed southwards then north past Toton and on to the line via Shirebrook and on to the South Yorkshire Joint line.

56062 and train exit Whitwell tunnel between Shirebrook & Shireoaks
(photo: Roger Geach)

One of the days highlights for many was the run to Harworth Colliery and this was accompanied by the usual attempt to invade coach A by those determined to get as close to the front of the train as physically possible. Meeting a trolley coming the other way caused a few problems!

Harworth Colliery - 56062 leads & 47853 follows (photos: Roger Geach)

Reversing to Firbeck Jn we then went on out way northwards, neatly avoiding Doncaster by way of the Bridge Jn to St James Jn curve. Mexborough, Thrybergh Jn and Rotherham Central behind us and we turned towards the former Tinsley depot. Unfortunately a points failure scuppered the plan and a reversal at the road crossing just after Shepcote Lane East Jn was made. Blocking the crossing for several minutes it was amusing to watch a couple of disgruntled car drivers to do multi-point turns and head off....at which point we promptly moved off ourselves, clearing the crossing!

47853 passing Valley Centertainment in Sheffield (photo : John Jarman)

Being at the back we couldn't judge how well 47853 was performing however on the run to Deepcar 56062 did provide some assistance so maybe the 47 wasn't coping too well with the weight on the uphill climb. Despite that we had been gaining time and soon were not too far shy of an hour EARLY. This continued as we now ran via Beighton Jn towards Barrow Hill, though reversal was at Morton south of Clay Cross South Jn owing to local area rules (or lack of...) on reversal of passenger trains.

The days highlight for me was traversing the connection into Barrow Hill itself. After reversing in the "headshunt" we then pulled into the short platform for a short visit....our early running having been largely dwindled away. I think many would have preferred longer but as it was almost dark I think not much would have been gained by doing so. A morning visit had been requested but this was not possible due to Network Rail planning and the need to avoid engineering possessions. This was my first chance to visit the new Deltic Preservation Society shed and it is certainly a tribute to the society and those who have worked to get it.

The run home was straightforward with a short pause at Derby to lose 47853. Arrival back at Birmingham International was a few minutes early, though as I left for home it was looking like the tour was being held to let various service trains past. A day that was not as "profitable" as I'd hoped but enjoyable nonetheless.

Gary Thornton

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Gary Thornton & Nick Bartlett)

Timings continue in first table.

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