39. Trip to London & The Highlands & Islands-17.05.19

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2019 > 39. Trip to London & The Highlands & Islands-17.05.19
A third trip to London to apply for my visa to visit Russia in the summer as the previous two were unsuccessful such is Russian beurocracy! I was booked on the first off-peak train of the day but due to signalling problems in the Coventry area there was a fair amount of chaos. Restrictions were lifted so I got on the next available up train that got me into London a little earlier than planned. I then rode my Brompton to the visa section and finally ended up at King's Cross for an hour or so. When I got home, I nipped out in my van locally to see the final leg of the epic nine-day long Highlands and Islands railtour returning down the WCML with 60136 'Mayflower' hauling.
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350234, LN 09.05 Northampton-London Euston (2T00, RT), London Euston station Having alighted from the 09.05 Northampton to Euston at London I turned my camera to the rear of 350234 as it stands on platform eight. This was not the train I was supposed to travel on, it was, in fact, a peak service. However, due to terrible disruption at Coventry, there was no guarantee that my off-peak train would have arrived in Northampton, so restrictions were lifted. Keywords: 350234 09.05 Northampton-London Euston 2T00 London Euston station
82206, GR 13.30 London King`s Cross-Edinburgh (1S49, 5L) & 43309, GR 14.00 London King`s Cross-Aberdeen (1S20, 1E), London King`s Cross station On arrival at King's Cross everything seemed as it had been for many years with no signs of any Azumas, in fact during my hour stay I observed no class 800s. In this photograph, passengers and crew make their way along platform six to board the 13.30 to Edinburgh with 82206 at the rear. Meanwhile, to the right, 43309 will be at the rear of the 1S20 14.00 to Aberdeen. Keywords: 82206 13.30 London King`s Cross-Edinburgh 1S49 43309 14.00 London King`s Cross-Aberdeen 1S20 London King`s Cross station
90020, GR 14.06 King`s Cross-Newark Northgate (1B86, 5L), 91129, GR 13.06 King`s Cross-York (1N85, 4L), 43290, GR 14.00 King`s Cross-Aberdeen (1S20, 1E) & 91120, GR 13.30 King`s Cross-Edinburgh (1S49, 5L), London King`s-Cross station A varied line up of trains at King's Cross wait to head north; a scene that is in the process of fundamental and dramatic change as the class 800 Azumas enter service as they did two days previously. From left to right...... 90020 'Collingwood', the 1B86 14.06 to Newark Northgate 91129, the 1N85 13.06 to York 43290 'MTU Fascination of Power', the 1S20 14.00 to Aberdeen 91120, the 1S49 13.30 to Edinburgh Keywords: 90020 14.06 King`s Cross-Newark Northgate 1B86 91129 13.06 King`s Cross-York 1N85 43290 14.00 King`s Cross-Aberdeen 1S20 91120 13.30 King`s Cross-Edinburgh 1S49 London King`s-Cross station
Number, 91120, GR 13.30 London King`s Cross-Edinburgh (1S49, 5L), London King`s Cross station The number of the class 91s is clearly written on their side at the front end in a location easy to read by spotters. In addition, the last two digits of the number are repeated on the front end so if the side number is unreadable, the front number should enable identification. This is a very different tale to the number on the Azuma class 800s. The number is in a small font low down on the cab side so a different technique will be needed lineside to enable identification. Note the retro. BR style shed sticker 'Bounds Green BN' below the number. Keywords: 91120 13.30 London King`s Cross-Edinburgh 1S49 London King`s Cross station
Fitters attend, 91120, GR 13.30 London King`s Cross-Edinburgh (1S49, 5L), London King`s Cross station Prior to the 13.30 departure to Edinburgh leaving King's Cross the driver called for the fitters to attend to deal with a problem at the front of the locomotive. A piece of rag had got itself completely entwined in the grill. It was a relatively small job to remove the grill and take the offending material away. The fitters discuss matters with the driver a short time before it left for the Scottish capital where it arrived just five minutes late. Keywords: 91120, GR 13.30 London King`s Cross-Edinburgh 1S49 London King`s Cross station
82228, GR 11.56 Newark Northgate-London King`s Cross (1B83, 1L), & 67012, stabled Thunderbird, London King`s Cross station The 11.56 Newark Northgate to King's Cross arrives at its destination emerging from Gasworks Tunnel led by DVT 82228. Between it and King's Cross PSB is 67012 stabled in case it is needed to rescue anything. The building in and around King's Cross station is astonishing, as yet more flats or offices go up in the background. Keywords: 82228 11.56 Newark Northgate-London King`s Cross 1B83 67012 stabled Thunderbird London King`s Cross station
90020, GR 14.06 King`s Cross-Newark Northgate (1B86, 5L), 91127, GR 14.33 King`s Cross-Leeds (1D18, RT), 91117, GR 14.03 King`s Cross-Leeds (1D17, RT) & 91120, GR 13.30 King`s Cross-Edinburgh (1S49, 5L), London King`s Cross station Three class 91s and a single DB class 90 face north at King's Cross station; a scene that has begun to change as the class 800 Azumas have begun to be introduced. This time next year, this picture will be transformed with a line of red and white sloping noses of the new trains. From left to right in this photograph.... 90020 'Collingwood' 14.06 King`s Cross-Newark Northgate 1B86 91127 14.33 King`s Cross-Leeds 1D18 91117 'West Riding Limited' 14.03 King`s Cross-Leeds 1D17 91120 13.30 King`s Cross-Edinburgh 1S49 Keywords: 90020 14.06 King`s Cross-Newark Northgate 1B86 91127 14.33 King`s Cross-Leeds 1D18 91117 14.03 King`s Cross-Leeds 1D17 91120 13.30 King`s Cross-Edinburgh 1S49 London King`s Cross station
Nameplate, 43290, GR 14.00 London King`s Cross-Aberdeen (1S20, 1E), London King`s Cross station The nameplate attached to the side of 43290 'MTU Fascination of Power' is a large affair. The HST is seen standing at King's Cross waiting to depart with the 14.00 to Aberdeen. 43290 was delivered as 43090 to the Eastern Region new in the summer of 1978 as part of 254018. Forty-one years later, it is staring withdrawal in the face as its work is just about done being replaced by the bi-mode Azumas. Keywords: Nameplate 43290, GR 14.00 London King`s Cross-Aberdeen 1S20 London King`s Cross station
180110, HT 13.48 London King`s Cross-Hull (1H04, 8L), London King`s Cross station 180180 is seen reflected in an electronic display stand on platform seven of King's Cross. The 180 will work the Hull Trains 13.48 to Hull. Walking the length of the train, it was heavily loaded indicating that this relatively small operator (part of First Group) is getting things right. The introduction into service of the class 802 bi-mode trains, that are on order, later this year should alleviate the overcrowding issues as well as meaning these unreliable class 180s can be withdrawn for a second time! Keywords: 180110 13.48 London King`s Cross-Hull 1H04 London King`s Cross station
350103, LN 14.49 London Euston-Birmingham New Street (1W17, 3L), London Euston station My return train from Euston to Northampton, the 14.49 to Birmingham New Street waits to leave London. I traveled back to Northampton first class in 350103 as it cost only a few pounds more and would be more likely to guarantee me a seat on what is a busy train. Keywords: 350103 14.49 London Euston-Birmingham New Street 1W17 London Euston station
66715, 18.55 Irvine-Dollands Moor (6M74), Wembley yard 66715 'Valour' stands in Wembley yard at the head of the 18.55 Irvine to Dollands Moor empty china clay slurry train composed of 'bullet' wagons. After Dollands Moor, the train will continue through the channel tunnel and on to the continent. Keywords: 66715 18.55 Irvine-Dollands Moor 6M74 Wembley yard
66040, up-spoil train, Wembley yard 66040 waits at the head of an unidentified spoil train in Wembley yard. In the background is Wembley stadium that would host the FA cup final the following day between nearby Watford and Manchester City. Keywords: 66040 up-spoil train Wembley yard
Tickets, Northampton-London Euston-Northampton My return journey from Northampton to Esuton was composed of two off-peak singles. I traveled back first class as the price increase was minimal compared with standard class and would pretty much gaurnatee me a seat. Keywords: Tickets Northampton-London Euston-Northampton
325011 (leading), 16.22 Willesden-Shieldmuir (1S96), Victoria bridge The evening 'mail' as it is known passes Victoria bridge just south of Roade with 323011 leading another two sets. This down mail is the 1S96 16.22 Willesden to Sheildmuir just south of Glasgow. Notice in the cab window of the 325 the reflection of the arch of the bridge on which I am standing. Keywords: 325011 16.22 Willesden-Shieldmuir 1S96 Victoria bridge
66591, 13.01 Birch Coppice-Felixstowe North (4L97), Victoria bridge The first of five freights seen in a row at Victoria bridge is headed by 66591. It is leading the 13.01 Birch Coppice to Felixstowe North Freightliner. Notice the hawthorn in full bloom and the oilseed rape turning the field yellow; it can only be spring time, it's just a shame that the sun is not out! Keywords: 66591 13.01 Birch Coppice-Felixstowe North 4L97 Victoria bridge
66511, 14.03 Ditton-Felixstowe North (4L92), Victoria bridge Freight two at Victoria bridge is the 14.03 Ditton (Merseyside) to Felixstowe North Freightliner that came through fifteen minutes after the first one. This one is led by 66511, that arrived on these shores in August 2000 having made the journey across The Atlantic on MV Stellaprima arriving at Newport. Keywords: 66511 14.03 Ditton-Felixstowe North 4L92 Victoria bridge
66711, 14.12 Trafford Park Felixstowe North (4L18), Victoria bridge Hot on the heels of the previous up freight, just six minutes later was 66711 'Sence' leading the 14.12 Trafford Park to Felixstowe North, so far, the most heavily loaded of the three up Freightliner's observed. This GBRf 66 is in a particularly striking livery, being painted in Aggregate Industries' blue, green and silver, with a green and blue Aggregate Industries logo. This represents the close working relationship that GBRF Aggregate Industries have developed, even though the loco. is not employed on these duties here at Victoria bridge! Keywords: 66711 14.12 Trafford Park Felixstowe North 4L18 Victoria bridge
66568, 12.57 London Gateway-Garston (4M56), Victoria bridge Three minutes after the previous up Freightliner passed, 66568 heads north past Victoria bridge leading the 4M56 12.57 London Gateway to Garston working. 66568 is in the standard Freightliner green and has led a pretty uneventful life since its arrival on our railways in 2003. Keywords: 66568 12.57 London Gateway-Garston 4M56 Victoria bridge
66534, 13.13 Felixstowe North-Lawley Street, Victoria bridge Following just three minutes after the previous down freight, and the fifth freight within in a twenty-nine minute period of time at Victoria bridge passes! 66534 'OOCL Express' leads the 13.13 Felixstowe North to Lawley Street north through the Northamptonshire countryside. Keywords: 66534 13.13 Felixstowe North-Lawley Street Victoria bridge
61036, final leg of The Highlands and Islands, 10.37 Carnforth-London Euston (1Z64), Victoria bridge Steam on the busy southern end of the WCML is getting increasingly rare now, and to have it a peak-time on a weekday unheard of! The epic nine-day Highlands and Islands railtour traveled virtually the entire network in Scotland behind a whole variety of steam. It started out from King's Cross on 09.05.19 and here it is on its final leg heading south to Euston eight days later. Former LNER Thompson B1 61036 'Mayflower' is leading the train past Victoria Bridge between Northampton and Milton Keynes running bang on time in amongst all the Friday evening commuter trains. Keywords: 61036 The Highlands and Islands, 10.37 Carnforth-London Euston 1Z64 Victoria bridge

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