41. 0V73 & a lockdown walk-04.05.20

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2020 > 41. 0V73 & a lockdown walk-04.05.20

I spotted an odd working on RTT half expecting it not to run but on checking found it was. Originating from Leicester LIP, which is better known as the headquarters of UKRL (UK Rail Leasing) and going to Old Oak Common it was going to be something interesting. As it was showing as a light engine I chose a spot where I knew one would fit in between electrical gantries. Later in the morning, I took a short walk to get some provisions to observe the work taking place in Roade cutting clearing trees and uncontrolled vegetation that have been steadily encroaching for a number of years.

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Images 1-7 of 7 displayed.

Class 350s, LN 09.15 Northampton-London Euston (2N24, 4L), between Roade & Ashton
Class 350 Desiros pass between Roade and Ashton working the 09.15 Northampton to Euston service. I like the way that the tram line in the field of winter wheat that has survived the incredibly wet winter draws the attention to the subject of the photograph. I also like the impressive skyscape that only half an hour earlier had been obliterated by mist and fog.
Keywords: Class 350s 09.15 Northampton-London Euston 2N24 between Roade & Ashton London North Western Desiro

37608, 07.55 Leicester LIP-Old Oak Common (0V73, 7E), between Roade & Ashton
Knowing that this 07.55 Leicester LIP to Old Oak Common 0V73 working was a light engine I had in my head that it would fit in the space between a pylon and a small tree from the field just a short distance from my house with the sun also being right. I surmised correctly as 37608 'Andromeda' looks very smart passing between Roade and Ashton. The driver of the July 1961 veteran Type 3 is seen giving me the thumbs up as he opens up the engine as witnessed by the exhaust.
Keywords: 37608 07.55 Leicester LIP-Old Oak Common 0V73 between Roade & Ashton Andromeda Rail Operations Group UKRL

319013, 09.20 Bletchley DCV-Northampton EMUD (5N19, 21E), Victoria bridge
Another London NorthWestern empty stock move takes place from Bletchley involving a trio of Class 319s. The daily 09.20 Bletchley to Northampton EMU Depot 5N19 is led by 319013 and is seen passing Victoria bridge just south of Roade. After a foggy start to the day, followed by the sun emerging, some troublesome low cloud has now developed taking the edge off the light.
Keywords: 319013 09.20 Bletchley DCV-Northampton EMUD 5N19 Victoria bridge

390047, VT 07.48 Liverpool LIme Street-London Euston (1R27, 9L), Victoria bridge
With the Weedon route closed for various works to take place all traffic has to be diverted via Northampton. 390047 working the 07.48 Liverpool Lime Street to Euston passes another Pendolino at Victoria bridge. The sun was coming and going by now as some mist and low cloud had rolled in from what seemed like nowhere!
Keywords: 390047 07.48 Liverpool LIme Street-London Euston 1R27 Victoria bridge Pendolino Avanti West Coast

390126, VT 07.37 Glasgow Central-London Euston (1M08, 6E), site of Roade station
On the up slow line and having taken the Northampton line, 390126 emerges from Roade cutting working the 07.37 Glasgow Central to Euston. Just out of sight to the left were a small number of Network Rail track workers involved in tree and vegetation clearance on the embankment. This has been much needed for some time with it brushing the sides of passing trains such was its rampant growth since the last bout of clearance some years ago.
Keywords: 390126 07.37 Glasgow Central-London Euston 1M08 site of Roade station Avanti West Coast

390042, VT 10.45 Wolverhampton-London Euston (1B50, 4L), A508 bridge Roade
Due to the COVID-19 induced emergency timetable in place, with a massive reduction of services, Network Rail grasped the opportunity to completely close the Weedon loop between Hanslope and Hilmorton Junctions. Whilst there are occasional Sunday closures of this route it is unprecedented in the week and for several days as is the case now. With the up and down fast lines closed at the southern end of Roade cutting one of a number of workgroups take their lunch break (judging by their complete inactivity during my fifteen minutes on the A508 bridge) in between their work to clear the embankments. This activity would (and should) not really take place during the nesting season but I suppose the opportunity gifted to Network Rail at the present time is too good to miss? 390042 passes on the up slow line with the 10.45 Wolverhampton to Euston 1B50 Avanti West Coast service.
Keywords: 390042 10.45 Wolverhampton-London Euston 1B50 A508 bridge Roade Avanti West Coast

66519, 08.20 Birch Coppice-Felixstowe North (4L57, 22E), A508 bridge Roade
66519 passes through Roade cutting taken from the A508 bridge in the centre of the village. It is leading the 08.20 Birch Coppice to Felixstowe North 4L27 Freightliner that like many freight services arrived early due to less congestion from the much-reduced passenger timetable being in place. The track workers to the left are undertaking work to clear vegetation from the embankment of the cutting with the up and down fast lines closed. Notice the sunbathed cutting in the background but that the foreground is in full shade. Such is the nature of railway photography!
Keywords: 66519 08.20 Birch Coppice-Felixstowe North 4L57 A508 bridge Roade Freightliner

Images 1-7 of 7 displayed.