17. Grand National Special-08.04.17

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2017 > 17. Grand National Special-08.04.17
Now a regular event during springtime, there are usually a number of specials in association with the Aintree Grand National that make their way along the WCML from London. However, in 2107 there was only one that I was able to capture. Incidentally, the 2017 National winner was One For Arthur at 14/1.
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Images 1-7 of 7 displayed.

390127, VT 08.40 London Euston-Manchester Piccadilly (1H63, 2L), between Roade & Ashton 
 With this lighting, the state of the fields and the trees it can only be spring time! 390127 'Virgin Enterprise' brings up the rear of the 08.40 London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. It is seen passing through the spring countryside between Roade and Ashton in Northamptonshire. 
 Keywords: 390127 1H63 between Roade & Ashton
350118, LM 08.46 London Euston-Crewe (1U27, RT), between Roade & Ashton 
 350118 rushes through the Northamptonshire countryside between Ashton and Roade working the 08.46 Euston to Crewe 1U27 working. These 'fast' Crewe workings are usually just a single 4-car unit and they take the Weedon loop line rather than going via Northampton. 
 Keywords: 350118 1U27 between Roade & Ashton
390107, VT 07.48 Liverpool Lime Street-London Euston (1A12, 1L), between Roade & Ashton 
 The front power car of the 07.48 Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston worked by set 390107 'Independence Day Resurgence' passes through the spring countryside between Roade and Ashton on the southern WCML. 
 Keywords: 390107 1A12 between Roade & Ashton
390107, LM 07.48 Liverpool Lime Street-London Euston (1A12, 1L), between Roade & Ashton 
 The rear of 390107 'Independence Day Resurgence' passes under the gargantuan signal gantry between Roade and Ashton just north of Hanslope Junction. Studying this structure carefully reveals that all it carries is a pair of twin light colour-lights for the up fast and slow lines. Quite why a structure of this size is needed for this is quite beyond me! This gantry can be seen from our bedroom window and the glow of its colour lights can bee seen clearly lighting up the countryside at night. 
 Keywords: 390107 1A12 between Roade & Ashton
319429, 09.24 Bletchley CS-Northampton ECS (5N19), between Roade & Ashton 
 The regular Saturday morning 09.24 Bletchley Carriage Sidings to Northampton EMUD (Kingsheath) ECS working passes between Roade and Ashton in south Northamptonshire. The ECS working is always a class 319 unit, one a few London Midland keep for bolstering commuter workings, in this particular case, 319429. 
 Keywords: 319429 5N19 between Roade & Ashton
67006, 08.14 London Victoria-Runcorn (1Z39), between Roade & Ashton 
 67006 'Royal Sovereign' leads the 08.14 London Victoria to Runcorn Belmond British Pullman special conveying race goers for the Aintree Grand National. It is seen passing the lovely south Northamptonshire countryside near Roade; I would say that though as I leave very close to this spot! 
 Keywords: 67006 08.14 London Victoria-Runcorn 1Z39 between Roade & Ashton
67005, 08.14 London Victoria-Runcorn (1Z39), between Roade & Ashton 
 67005 'Queen's Messenger' brings up the rear of the British Belmont Pullman charter running as 1Z39, the 08.14 London Victoria to Runcorn approaching Roade in Northamptonshire. It was carrying race-goers to the Grand National who would transferred by coach on arrival at Runcorn station. This special runs every year and I cannot quite work out why it doesn't go any further towards Aintree or even directly there; the charter sidings still exist if a little overgrown! 
 Keywords: 67005 08.14 London Victoria-Runcorn 1Z39 between Roade & Ashton

Images 1-7 of 7 displayed.