105. HST test run on the WCML-02.11.20

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2020 > 105. HST test run on the WCML-02.11.20
In an effort to get out before 'Lockdown II' Andy and I took a drive a short distance down the WCML just north of Rugby. There were rumours of a LSL HST test run - could it be the recently released Pullman set? After a run of wet days at least the sun was out even if the wind was still keen blowing the leaves about!
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Images 1-10 of 10 displayed.

390047, VT 11.02 Preston-London Euston ECS (5T91, 16L), Stretton Wharf SP432810 390047 runs along the side of the Oxford Canal near Stretton Wharf passing a far more sedate form of transport from another era. The Pendolino is forming the 11.02 Preston to Euston 5T91 empty stock working whilst 'Alice Too' takes its owners on a pleasure trip. This classic location in northern Warwickshire is somewhat compromised now by growth on the embankment but it is a lovely spot to wait for and watch trains pass! Keywords: 390047 11.02 Preston-London Euston ECS 5T91 Stretton Wharf SP432810
88005, 12.16 DIRFT-Mossend (4S44, 2L), Stretton Wharf SP432810 With the Oxford Canal (Oxford to Bedworth, seventy-eight miles in length) in the foreground 88005 'Minerva' heads the 4S44 12.16 Daventry to Mossend Freightliner. The train is seen passing Stretton Wharf near Brinklow in Warwickshire. After a run of wet days, the skies have cleared but the wind was still blowing hence the lack of a defined classic reflection in the waters of the canal. However, the quality of the 'clean' light made photography a pleasure. Keywords: 88005 12.16 DIRFT-Mossend 4S44 Stretton Wharf SP432810 Minerva
325008, 11.20 Crewe TMD-Willesden PDRC (5A91, 1E), Stretton Wharf SP432810 With the sun having dived behind a cloud, 325008 'Peter Howarth CBE' forms the 11.20 Crewe to Willesden 5A91 empty Royal Mail working. The train is seen passing a very autumnal scene near to Stretton Wharf on the Oxford Canal. Photographic opportunities on the classic short section of line are now limited with a ladder a requisite just to lift the subject clear of the rampant growth on the embankment. Keywords: 325008 11.20 Crewe TMD-Willesden PDRC 5A91 Stretton Wharf SP432810 Royal Mail Peter Howarth CBE
57009, 09.45 Wolverton Centre Sidings-Rugby (5Q27, 31L), Stretton Wharf SP432810 57009 'Pride of Crewe' runs light engine by the side of the Oxford Canal at Stretton Wharf. It is running as the 5Q27 09.45 Crewe to Rugby with the former Virgin Thunderbird taking up residence at Rugby to act as a rescue locomotive. All the locomotives stabled the length of the WCML at strategic locations are moved regularly with them returning to DRS's Gresty Bridge and Kingmoor depots for exams and servicing. Keywords: 57009 09.45 Wolverton Centre Sidings-Rugby 5Q27 Stretton Wharf SP432810 Pride of Crewe
66529, 12.16 Lawley Street-London Gateway (4L46, 1L), Cathiron SP4667783 Under a dramatic sky, 66529 brings the 4L46 Lawley Street to London Gateway along the up slow line at Cathiron. I have photographed at this well known and popular spot a number of times but this is the first time that I have been able to use my Canon compact with its flip-out screen through the fencing affording a different perspective. I appreciate that it is a rather standard three-quarter view but I love the uncluttered line stretching off in the distance and the lovely lighting. Keywords: 66529, 12.16 Lawley Street-London Gateway (4L46, 1L), Cathiron SP4667783 Freightliner
43058, 11.11 Carnforth-Rugby (5Z44, 8E), Cathiron SP4667783 LSL at Crewe has taken a very bold move given the uncertain times that we are currently living in to invest in the charter market. Not only that but it has taken advantage of the dearth of HSTs that have come off lease and that are begging for new keepers. Here one of their hybrid sets approaches Carithon on a test run from Crewe to Carnforth (5Z43) and then south to Rugby as 5Z44. It is being led by former EMR 43058 that I have seen many times on the MML over the years, most recently at Wellingborough back in pre-covid times in February, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/28700325004/x43058-11-45-nottingham-london-st It is leading four former GWR first-class Mk.3s with the leading two in their most recent house green colour with the trailing two in FGW's older livery. Another former EMR power car brings up the rear in the form of 43059. When new in the autumn of 1977 the two power cars commenced their working career as a pair at either end of set 254002 storming up and down the ECML probably cursed by me as a young spotter as they ousted the Deltics! Keywords: 43058 11.11 Carnforth-Rugby 5Z44 Cathiron SP4667783 HST EMT GWR East East Midlands Railway
43059, 13.56 Rugby-Crewe HS (5Z45, 3E), Cathiron SP4667783 Having just had a fast run up the WCML from Carnforth to Rugby the crew executed a rapid change of ends and this HST test train is seen again at Cathiron returning north to Crewe now running as 5Z45. Now former EMT 43059 is leading the four former FGW/GWR coaches with 43058 at the rear. The train was undertaking a number of proving runs prior to LSL preparing the train for the charter market, whenever COVID permits! There is much chatter on the forums that this set will also be painted as a Blue Pullman set like the one just released from Eastleigh's Arlington facility that looks superb. However, I think that these unashamedly retro sets would look better with buffer beams like the few that had them fitted as surrogate DVTs for work on the ECML. I wish LSL all the best with its efforts and hope that it, and all the other charter operators for that matter, comes through these incredibly taxing times. Keywords: 43059 13.56 Rugby-Crewe HS 5Z45 Cathiron SP4667783 HST EMR EMT FGW GWR LSL
350244, LN 12.36 London Euston-Crewe (1U35, 1L), Cathiron SP4667783 350244 passes Cathiron on the down fast line forming the 12.36 Euston to Crewe London Northwestern service. Cathiron is a classic location visited by many photographers over the years. However, the installation of palisade fencing means that the use of a ladder is essential unless the camera can be poked through the fence utilising a flip-out screen as I have used here. Keywords: 350244 12.36 London Euston-Crewe 1U35 Cathiron SP4667783 London Northwestern Desiro
720539 & 720540, 13.49 Rugby-Wolverton Centre Sidings (5Q28, 8E), Cathiron SP4667783 The Bombardier (Derby) built units dubbed the Aventra have been undertaking many mileage accumulation runs in preparation for their introduction by Greater Anglia and c2c replacing a large number of units of many different classes. Having missed the southbound run a little earlier the northbound return one is seen at Cathiron. Via a contorted route the 5Q28 the 13.49 Rugby to Wolverton is being operated by 720539 and 720540. This test run would return to Wolverton in the early evening. Keywords: 720539 720540, 13.49 Rugby-Wolverton Centre Sidings 5Q28 Cathiron SP4667783 Greater Anglia GA
720540 & 720539, 13.49 Rugby-Wolverton Centre Sidings (5Q28, 8E), Cathiron SP4667783 I am not a fan of the 'going away' shot but as it is of a unit and on the down slow line at Cathiron it actually works. 720540 and 720539 work the 13.49 Rugby to Wolverton mileage accumulation run in superb autumn light. These units that will end up working out of Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street serving commuters bear a passing resemblance to the Stadler units that are also operated by Greater Anglia. I sampled the Class 755 recently on a holiday in Norfolk finding them most agreeable making me wonder if I will feel the same about these units when they are eventually introduced? Keywords: 720540 720539, 13.49 Rugby-Wolverton Centre Sidings 5Q28 Cathiron SP4667783

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