12th May 1974

B.R.
(Day Excursion)

Route :

Notes :
A rake of Mark1 corridor stock had been provided for this circular excursion, the bookings had not been too heavy so the three of us had a compartment to ourselves. Toton had provided a Class 47, luckily one equipped with steam heating on this overcast day. Derby was graced with the usual stuff including still un-renumbered 22 & 114. Sheffield was the predictable sea of DMU's although also present were 37108 & 37135. The first Class 40's of the day were noted at York, going 'in the book' were 40005/37/39, 40147. After the usual thrash up the Vale of York, through Darlington & Durham an on-time arrival was noted at Newcastle. From my notes it appears the approach was made by Gateshead depot using the east bridge to cross the Tyne avoiding a reversal in the station. This slow roll by at Gateshead provided a bonus for the number bashers, with a feast of Class 03's, (including those in the station): 03058/64/69, 03106/156/167, other exotic delights were 37016/72, 37235, 40078 & 55016.

The crossing of the Pennines was done without incident, with little seen on this leg. Carlisle was gloomy, though Black Five 45407 was noted at the station, as were E3006 and 87001. Our stay here was brief, for of course it was the next section that was the highlight of the trip for most of the travellers, and there was nothing worse than doing the Settle & Carlisle route in the dark. Still with 47200 leading the way, it was a right turn at Petteril Junction, the vacant weed infested site revealing nothing of the former Midland Railway locomotive depot. The overcast that had been with us all the day did not let up, the moody weather lending additional atmosphere to the rugged Pennine scenery.

47200 did its job and soon had us rolling into industrial West Yorkshire, standing guard at Skipton were 31123 & 31163, whilst further down the line still un-renumbered 3377 was noted. The darkness severely limited further activity as we rolled on past Leeds, Rotherham and Sheffield, to be greeted at Derby by 84.

Source : David Hills (on the train from/to Derby)

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