23. Trip to Sheffield-23.03.19

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2019 > 23. Trip to Sheffield-23.03.19

A second trip to the city of Sheffield with my wife and son in order for him and the lovely 'Mrs. On the up Fast' to have another look at Sheffield Hallam University. For speed we went from Wellingborough this time but it was an expensive trip, as it usually is with East Midlands.

Click here to search The Archive Files

Images 1-32 of 32 displayed.

Former station entrance road, Wellingborough station
The road off to the left in this picture was the old entrance road down to Wellingborough station. The new entrance road is a much reduced affair beyond the fencing where the man is walking. The old entrance will soon become part of the road linking this part of the town to the huge new Stanton Cross development to the east of the town. An enormous new bridge has been built just north of the station to carry the link road.
Keywords: Former station entrance road Wellingborough station

Former good yard office, Wellingborough station
This building is a remarkable survivor. All around it development has taken place but it stubbornly stays even if totally derelict! It was the old Wellingborough goods yard office and I suspect it also had the weigh-bridge in front of it but I have no evidence of this. It is situated at the far eastern end of Wellingborough's Midland Road just near the station car park.
Keywords: Former good yard office Wellingborough station

Former goods shed, Wellingborough station
I bet that the planners and developers curse the old c.1857 Wellingborough goods shed as it it occupies a prime site between the new station car park and the station. However, quite rightly, it's a listed structure and, as such, it cannot be demolished or altered in any way without a great deal of planning and the agreement of Historic England and a number of other agencies. Designed by C.H. Driver for the Midland Railway its is built of red brick with yellow and blue brick dressings and slate roof.
Keywords: Former goods shed Wellingborough station

Crane, Wellingborough goods shed
The interior of Wellingborough station's Grade II listed old goods shed still retains loading bays and original wooden roof structure with cast-iron columns which support two hand-operated 30cwt timber jib cranes that themselves are attached to the building via the roof structure. It is tricky to photograph them but here is one example is taken through the protective mesh that covers one of the old entrances.
Keywords: Crane Wellingborough goods shed

Former platform five, Wellingborough station
A huge amount of clearance of Wellingborough's old platform five has taken place. This is in preparation for the up relief line to be re-laid through the station and for the platform to be brought back into use again. Note the old station building that still retains its teal paintwork as per the Midland Mainline franchise (1996-2007).
Keywords: Former platform five Wellingborough station

43050, EM 08.30 London St.Pancras-Nottingham (1D13, 3L), Wellingborough station
Not the nicest composed of pictures but this image does show off Wellingborough's Midland canopies and platform facing architecture in its final few months before it is blighted by the electrification paraphernalia. 43050 speeds northwards through platform one with the 08.30 St. Pancras to Nottingham train.
Keywords: 43050 08.30 London St.Pancras-Nottingham 1D13 Wellingborough station

Stanton Cross bridge under construction, Wellingborough station
Looking north from the platform end at Wellingborough station reveals the huge new bridge that has been constructed over the line to allow access from the town to the 3 200 home Stanton Cross development that will increase the town's size by about a third. The approach road covers the site of the old car park and Mill Road bridge, a past favourite with photographers, can be seen in the background. The immediate foreground, at the end of the platform ramp, marked the location of the 1893 Midland Railway Wellingborough Station signal box that was demolished in December 1987 when this section of line lost its mechanical signalling.
Keywords: Stanton Cross bridge under construction Wellingborough station

Former platform five, Wellingborough station
The cleared expanse of the old platform five at Wellingborough station. Over the coming few years, this scene will be transformed as the platform is brought back into use with the footbridge extended from the station and a whole new entrance and car park built on the land behind the bank. This is all part of the Stanton Cross housing scheme that will transform the somewhat Cinderella like town of Wellingborough.
Keywords: Former platform five Wellingborough station

222010, EM 08.31 Derby-London St. Pancras (1C22, RT), Wellingborough station
222010 passes through Wellingborough station with the 08.31 Derby to St. Pancras working. These Meridians have become synonymous with the Midland Main Line but are soon (?) to be joined by new bi-mode units that will run under electric power as far as Kettering and Corby. It has also been announced, at the time of writing, that East Midlands Trains are going to do a considerable amount of work to their HST fleet to meet new legislation from January 2020 in order to alleviate further shortages of stock.
Keywords: 222010 08.31 Derby-London St. Pancras 1C22 Wellingborough station

222102, EM 08.47 London St. Pancras-Corby (1M08, RT), Wellingborough station
222102 slows for its stop at Wellingborough (or 'station-stops' as so many on-board announcers tautologically refer to it - yuk!) working the 08.47 St. Pancras to Corby. When the relief lines are fully reinstated and the new up platform is brought back into use these 'local' Corby workings will not work on the fast lines, at least from the south of Wellingborough where some crossovers are to be installed.
Keywords: 222102 08.47 London St. Pancras-Corby 1M08 Wellingborough station

Former platform five, Wellingborough station
A wide-angle picture from the southern end of Wellingborough station reveals the initial stages of the work to reinstate the former platform five. Access roads have been started but there is no other evidence of construction. The area to the right will be the location for a new station building, retailing and car parking. All this development is linked to the huge new housing development, named Stanton Cross, that will dominate the eastern side of Wellingborough increasing the town's size by about a third.
Keywords: Former platform five Wellingborough station

222004, EM 08.28 Sheffiled-London St. Pancras (1C25, 3E), Wellingborough station
222004 passes Wellingborough station forming the 08.28 Sheffield to London St. Pancras. It has just passed under the new access bridge that will link the town's Midland Road to the huge new Stanton Cross housing development. This new bridge has ruined the photographic opportunities offered by Mill Road bridge in the background, but a new one will be available when the new bridge eventually opens.
Keywords: 222004 08.28 Sheffiled-London St. Pancras 1C25 Wellingborough station

222104, EM 09.05 London St. Pancras-Nottingham (1D16, 6L), Wellingborough station
My son watches 222104 arrive at Wellingborough station forming the 09.05 from St. Pancras to Nottingham. We travelled on this train as far as Leicester. 222104 is one of four that make up a sub-set of the class. These units, all with the one prefix, were originally painted green and operated by Hull Trains and called Pioneers. They joined the East Midland's fleet in 2008/9.
Keywords: 222104 09.05 London St. Pancras-Nottingham 1D16 Wellingborough station

UKRL depot, Leicester station
Looking increasingly like it did in BR days, the UKRL (UK Rail Leasing LTD) depot to the north of Leicester station. Who would have thought, even five years ago, that the former Leicester diesel depot would contain a such a number and variety of BR era classes. UKRL is having considerable success throughout the network utilising their fleet to move stock around the country. With the huge changes taking place with the delivery of new stock and the disposal of the old, their work is assured for the foreseeable future at least.
Keywords: UKRL depot Leicester station

222012, EM 09.31 London St. Pancras-Sheffield (1F17, 1L), Leicester station
222012 arrives at Leicester's platform one with the 09.31 St. Pancras to Sheffield. My wife son, and I took this service to Sheffield. I appreciate the rapid acceleration of these units but, depending on where ones sits, they are noisy and the ride can be a little unsettled on some sections of track.
Keywords: 222012 09.31 London St. Pancras-Sheffield 1F17 Leicester station

D1388, shunter, 58016, 37901, 56103 & 47749, stabled, UKRL depot, Leicester
An impressive line-up of heritage motive power at UKRL (UK Rail Leasing LTD) Leicester facility. Just peeking into the far left is Hudswell shunter D1388 then an un-numbered and unidentified shunter (help anybody?). Just in view is the end of 58016 then 37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer' and 56103. Finally, to the right is 47749 'City of Truro'. As 47076, this was a locomotive that I knew well when I began my spotting career in the West Country during the mid 1970s being one I saw too many times to mention.
Keywords: D1388 58016 37901 56103 47749 UKRL depot Leicester

56106, 2 class 37s, D1388, shunter, 37901, stabled, UKRL depot, Leicester
Another view of UKRL's Leicester facility taken from our passing train. From left to right, the remains of 56106 is seen minus its cab. There are then two unidentified class 37s (help anybody?) followed by Hudswell shunter D1388. The next shunter remains a mystery. Despite plenty of internet searching, I can find no reference as to what its number is and its history; can anybody help with this please? Finally in this line up is 37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer'. This one of a number of the class that were re-engined by BR in 1986 that were dubbed 'slugs' due to their slow application of their impressive tractive effort.
Keywords: 56106 2 class 37s D1388, shunter 37901 UKRL depot, Leicester

Concourse, Sheffield station
The beautifully restored roof of Sheffield (Midland) station. I often criticise the work done on the railways, but the renovation of Sheffield station and its environs has created a really pleasant space that seems to be appreciated by the travelling public if the numbers enjoying its facilities are anything to go by. It is also good that East Midlands Trains have listened to people and have kept the station 'open' with no ghastly barriers installed and that the link bridge is being kept open.
Keywords: Concourse Sheffield station

144003, NT 15.15 Sheffield-Leeds (2N21, 4L), Sheffield station
144003 leaves Sheffield station with the 15.15 to Leeds. The time that these much unloved units will operate on this route, and all others for that matter, can be counted in months now as they will be withdrawn by the end of the year. Dominating the skyline is part of the massive Park Hill flat complex that is undergoing a huge rebuilding programme.
Keywords: 144003 15.15 Sheffield-Leeds 2N21 Sheffield station

222002, 158842, 158903, 158857 & 185115, Sheffield station
A busy scene at Sheffield station......from left to right.....

222002, EM 15.29 Sheffield-St. Pancras (1C60, 1L)
158842, NT 15.24 Sheffield-Hull (1W48, 1E)
158903 NT 15.30 Sheffield-Hull (2C77, 2E)
158857, NT 14.17 Nottingham-Leeds (1Y20, RT)
185115, TP 15.10 Sheffield-Cleethorpes (5B80, 5E)
Keywords: 222002 158842 158903 158857 185115 Sheffield station

221141 XC 09.25 Plymouth-Glasgow Central (1S47, 1L), Sheffield station
221141 arrives at Sheffield station with the 09.25 Plymouth to Glasgow Central. It is arriving at platform two, with platform one seen in the background. For many years, one was out of passenger use but was resurrected when the station was renovated because of increasing passenger numbers in 2006. The station is set to undergo a further and substantial expansion with the arrival HS2.
Keywords: 221141 09.25 Plymouth-Glasgow Central 1S47 Sheffield station

142084, 142023 & 153351, stabled, Sheffield depot (Fish Dock)
At the southern end of Sheffield station is a small maintenance facility in an area known as the Fish Dock. From left to right is one carriage of 142084 that obviously has a problem. In the middle is 142023 and hiding in the depths of the small shed is 153351. When the new stock is introduced over the coming months, will this spell the end of this particular facility?
Keywords: 142084 142023 153351 stabled Sheffield depot Fish Dock

144021, NT 15.35 Sheffield-Huddersfield (2B60, 2E), Sheffield station
144021 waits to leave Sheffield working the 15.35 to Huddersfield. This train will follow the winding route via Penistone, a line that Andy and I surveyed in a visit at the start of the year...... https://www.ontheupfast.com/v/photos/21936chg/C321165604/x2-pennine-explorer-ii-03-01-19
Keywords: 144021 15.35 Sheffield-Huddersfield 2B60 Sheffield station

144021 (55821), NT 15.35 Sheffield-Huddersfield (2B60, 2E), Sheffield station
The doors are open on 55821 that is one carriage of set 144021. This is a travelling experience that many people in the north will soon be missing as these second generation DMUs are withdrawn from service by the end of this year. The doors shown here contribute to the noisy, draughty and cold travelling experience as the brush seals around the door are so ineffective. Indeed, when I last travelled on a Pacer, I was able to watch the track pass by below the train through the gaps!
Keywords: 144021 55821 15.35 Sheffield-Huddersfield 2B60 Sheffield station

150272, NT 14.38 Leeds-Lincoln (1L65, 11L), Sheffield station
A busy scene at Sheffield as passengers disembark from 150272 that has just arrived. It is working the curiously routed 14.38 Leeds to Lincoln. Here at Sheffield, the train will reverse to continue its journey eastwards after a crew change, who can be seen in discussions by the cab door.
Keywords: 150272 14.38 Leeds-Lincoln 1L65 Sheffield station

221137, XC 11.47 Southampton-Newcastle (1E44, 8L), Sheffield station
Having arrived from the south, 221137 pauses at Sheffield station with the 11.47 Southampton to Newcastle. Despite it coming up for twelve years since Virgin relinquished the franchise to Arriva, the outline of the Virgin crest can still be made out on the yellow nose cone. Does this really mean that the fronts of these Voyagers have not received any fresh paint in that time?
Keywords: 221137 11.47 Southampton-Newcastle 1E44 Sheffield station

Damaged headlight, 221137, XC 11.47 Southampton-Newcastle (1E44, 8L), Sheffield station
On a previous run the headlight of 221137 has sustained considerable damage. There is evidence that it could have been a bird of some kind given the blood and feathers. As the internal lights look to be undamaged, the train would not be declared a failure. However, once the unit returns to a depot with such facilities, it will no doubt be repaired.
Keywords: 221137 11.47 Southampton-Newcastle 1E44 Sheffield station

222001, EM 16.29 Sheffield-London St. Pancras (1C65, 1E), Sheffield station
222001 has arrived at Sheffield from St. Pancras and sits at platform for about half an hour before returning south again working the 1C65 16.29 return service. This is the train that we took home as far as Leicester.
Keywords: 222001 16.29 Sheffield-London St. Pancras 1C65 Sheffield station

158871, NT 15.04 Leeds-Nottingham (1Y23, 1L), Sheffield station
158871 leaves Sheffield working the 15.04 Leeds to Nottingham. This 1Y23 service runs fast from Leeds via Wakefield Kirkgate and Barnsley. It then runs through to Chesterfield, Alfreton and Ilkeston. Notice the catenary of the Sheffield tram system as it crosses Shrewsbury Road before heading aside Granville Street.
Keywords: 158871 15.04 Leeds-Nottingham 1Y23 Sheffield station

47813, 50049 & class 37s, stabled, UKRL depot, Leicester
As we pass UKRL's (UK Rail Leasing) facility at Leicester a selection of their eclectic motive power is on view. To the left, 47813 'Jack Frost' blocks out part of 50008 'Thunderer' that itself is in a strange version of BR blue. Three unidentified class 37s are in the background, any help with identifying these would be appreciated.
Keywords: 47813 50049 class 37s UKRL depot Leicester

222009, EM 17.12 Nottingham-London St. Pancras (1B66, 1E), Leicester station
Having alighted from 222001 at Leicester station, our final train back to Wellingborough arrives at the station. 222009 works the 17.12 Nottingham to St. Pancras. My wife and son are seen waiting to board the train along with a fair few passengers on platform three.
Keywords: 222009 17.12 Nottingham-London St. Pancras 1B66 Leicester station

Tickets, Wellingborough-Sheffield-Wellingborough
Our tickets for the return journey from Wellingborough to Sheffield. At the thick end of £90 this was an expensive journey for the three of us. Even more so when you consider that these were advanced tickets with railcard discounts. It reinforces my view that journeys taken on the Midland route are very expensive and is the reason why we avoid using it when at all possible.
Keywords: Tickets Wellingborough-Sheffield-Wellingborough

Images 1-32 of 32 displayed.