17th June 1979

F + W Railtours
The Doncaster Derby

Locos Used 20066, 20162, 37178, 37294, 45076 & 47497
Stock Used 12 mark 1 coaches vb90mph

Route : 1Z56 throughout

Loco(s) Route
45076 Exeter St Davids – Taunton – Bristol Temple Meads
37178 + 37294 Bristol Temple Meads – Bristol Parkway – Gloucester - Cheltenham – Worcester Shrub Hill – Barnt Green – Birmingham New Street
20162 + 20066 Birmingham New Street – Water Orton – Nuneaton avoiding line – Leicester – Loughborough – Sheet Stores Jn – Derby – Chesterfield – Dore – Sheffield – Tinsley Yard – Rotherham – Mexborough – Doncaster (1)
20066 + 20162 Doncaster – Retford - Newark – Grantham – Peterborough
20066 + 20162 Peterborough – Stamford – Oakham – Melton Mowbray – Leicester – Nuneaton avoiding line – Water Orton – Birmingham New Street
37178 + 37294 Birmingham New Street - (reverse of outward route) - Bristol Temple Meads
47497 Bristol Temple Meads - Taunton – Exeter St Davids

Notes :
(1) For works visit.
(2) Gordon Lacy comments: A chance of having a run with class 20s 'at design maximum speed' (75mph) was always inviting!  Markham summit was breached at a credible 61.5mph before touching 76 past Carlton.  Although the Newark 'pathing' stop was not required, a 30mph pws at Newark Crossing still made the subsequent climb to Stoke Summit hard work.  Any hopes of a fast run 'down the hill' were dashed, however, as the train was put 'slow road' all the way to Peterborough!

Sources : Ian Monkton & Gordon Lacy (on train Doncaster to Peterborough only)
Photo Review


37178 & 37294 at Worcester Shrub Hill (photo: Mike Morant collection)


20162+20066 arriving at Doncaster's platform 8 - the rear of the train can be
 seen still passing St. James' Bridge! (photo: Gordon Lacy)


Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Gordon Lacy)

Location Booked Actual
Exeter St Davids ? ?
Doncaster ??.??a ~ 17.00d 17.14
Retford 17/18 17/29
Newark North Gate 17*36 ~ 17*47 17/50½
Barkston South Jn 17/59 18/02½
Grantham 18/03 18/08
Stoke 18/12 18/14½
Tallington 18/28 18/34½
Peterborough 18.34a ~ ??.??d 18.46 ~ ??.??


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