27th September 1953

A. Pegler
The Plant Centenarian

Locos Used 251, 990 'Henry Oakley' & 60014 'Silver Link'

Route :

Loco(s) Route
990 + 251 (08.45d) Leeds Central - Doncaster - Lincoln - Grantham - Peterborough - London Kings Cross
60014 London Kings Cross - (reverse of outward route) - Leeds Central

Notes :
(1) This was a half-day excursion. May have run as part of the celebrations of the Doncaster Works centenary, 1853 - 1953 (a works visit was made during a stop at Doncaster). Train ran via Lincoln due to engineering works on the ECML.
(2) David Whittaker adds: Bill Hoole drove 251, Alf Cartwright (Copley Hill, Leeds) drove 990. Maximum speed down Stoke Bank was 80mph. Ted Hailstone (Kings Cross) drove 60014 (his regular A4). Load 410 tons, Peterborough was passed in 70min 39secs from Kings Cross, despite PW work at Potters Bar. 97mph recorded at Three Counties and Biggleswade and a minimum speed on Stoke Bank of 70mph.

Sources : Robin Lush & David Whittaker.

Photo Review


990 + 251 at Grantham on the up leg (photo: the Bob Mitchell collection)


From The John Debens Ticket Collection.


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