14th September 1974

British Rail
(Day Excursion)

Route : 1Z70 throughout

Notes :
(1) 47110 failed.
(2) Howard Parker comments: My notes have an extended period at Swansea which differs from the existing review. Additions to the review (below) are that a withdrawn diesel Pullman set was noted near Neath.
(2) On departure from Loughborough on the return, the train reversed onto the up slow line as the fast lines were closed for engineering at Syston.

Sources : David Hills (on the train from/to Derby), Stu Billing (on the train from/to Loughborough)
& Howard Parker (on the train throughout)

Tour Review
(by David Hills)

An interesting excursion for the endurance traveller was the scenic Central Wales line, a route that had not featured too frequently on excursions from the East Midlands. This excursion was expected to run full so tickets were picked up very early for this adventure. The day arrived with a promise of fair weather, though a little on the cool side. First motive power for the day was un-renumbered 122, by this time the Peaks and AC Electrics were about the only un-renumbered locomotives in BR's fleet. The London road curve at Derby was full of goodies, 20001/067, 24084 to name but a few. Off we went down the Birmingham line, through Burton then right at Wichnor Jct to Lichfield and more Black Country panoramas (including 24143) before escaping from Walsall only to end up at Wolverhampton under the wires. Then a left turn past Oxley and onto Shrewsbury where regrettably the Type 4 came off and was replaced by headlight equipped 37192. Shrewsbury was full of DMU's and Type 2's, noted were 24091, 25040, 25159/160, 25273 and parcels cars 55994/95.

With the Sulzer beat now replaced by the familiar English Electric whistle, it was left for 37192 to head south before turning right at Craven Arms. Since the reversal at Shrewsbury we were now in the leading coach and the full thrash effect of the Class 37 was being received loud and clear, with or without one's head sticking out of the window. The weather remained fair so splendid views were had by all. Traffic was sparse on the line, only one 2 car Swindon DMU was passed. 37192 made easy work of the climb to Sugar Loaf Summit, the drift down into the coastal regions barely taxing the Type 3. Llanelli produced a number of Class 03's including 03120/141/142, after reversal a swift descent into Swansea revealed 'Westerns' 1011 & 1027 at Landore amongst the usual Class 37 & 47's.

Here we said farewell to the Type 3, with 47110 backing onto the stock for the long run home to Derby. The weather had deteriorated, fortunately the scheduled turn around time at Swansea was brief and we were soon off pounding the South Wales mainline. Despite the gloom Cardiff Canton revealed much to celebrate including two more Westerns, 1058 & 1069. The heavy industries of the area slipped quickly by, slowing at Severn Tunnel Jct allowed for quite a few more numbers 'in the book', including 1200 'Falcon', and 25160, seen earlier in the day at Shrewsbury. On through Chepstow we paralleled the Severn estuary, all but lost in the evening murk. Certainly not missed was Hymek 7018 at Gloucester shed. Having joined the familiar route from Bristol it was time for a nap, with the last of the day's notes revealing many Class 25's at Saltley, amongst many other shadier happenings within the big city.

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Howard Parker)

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