27th April 1975

B.R.
(Day Excursion)

Route :

Tour Review :

Another Settle & Carlisle excursion was brought to our attention, always a good day out, though this one featured a good layover time at Carlisle, allowing a visit to Kingmoor if we were lucky. The day dawned cool and overcast, really of no consequence to a paid up, card carrying member of the 'anorak brigade'. Our locomotive for the day was 45135, at least we would have heat for this jaunt around the northern wilds of England. At Chesterfield we diverged onto the 'old road' past Barrow Hill and on through the parts of Derbyshire you don't find in the tourist guidebooks. Ward's scrapyard at Treeton was clearly off limits to the tourists but the observant enthusiast noted 2039, 12108/136 all awaiting scrapping, with the 03 looking in a very sorry state.

On up through the nether regions of Rotherham where 31119 & 40075 went 'in the book'. The slack infested trackage around here didn't allow our trusty steed much chance to 'open up', but once past Church Fenton '3rd Carabinier' behaving like a true regiment laid waste to all in its path. A slow roll by at York allowed a good viewing of the depot, amongst many were 03090, 20206/228, 25092 & 47270. Cranking up the amps for the dash north past Darlington & Tyne Yard brought us to a feast of Class 03's at Newcastle, noted were 03061, 03105/110/147/170. Turning west up the Tyne brought little change in the overcast conditions, though at least the rain held off. Arrival at Carlisle was more or less on time so the decision was made to take a hike to Kingmoor.

After the loss of much shoe leather and some bizarre detours Kingmoor was reached where a considerable amount of motive power had congregated. Highlights included 25322, 27032, 40020/22/46/97, 40134/138/175/180, 81002, 82002, 84003/05, 85003/04/05. A more direct route was taken on the return trip, with 45135 and our train being noted stabled in the up sidings opposite the electric depot. Little was noted as we staggered back onto the platforms at Carlisle, perhaps a good thing as it was all hands to the food and drink supply prior to the return of our special. The return over the Settle & Carlisle was without event, the gathering gloom making further recordings difficult, although 31111 & 31115 were recorded at Holbeck. Standing guard at Derby to greet the weary excursioners was another regiment, 45044 'Royal Marines'.

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

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