58. Barrow Hill open day-27.08.22

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2022 > 58. Barrow Hill open day-27.08.22

Barrow Hill Roundhouse museum had planned a grand open day in 2020 to celebrate its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary. However, COVID put paid to their plans so two years on they threw open their doors as the 150 + 2 Celebration! There were a number of events over the three-day bank holiday event with Andy and I visiting on Saturday. We were pleased to meet up with Mike who had made his way from Wellingborough to Chesterfield by train and then a bus shuttle to Barrow Hill. It proved to be a really grand day out with a well-organised and not overcrowded event. On the way back home Andy and I paused at Toton to see what was in the yard.

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Images 1-30 of 30 displayed.

03066, shuttle train, Barrow Hill Roundhouse
Shuttle services were in operation at the Barrow Hill open day(s) throughout the day. They took passengers the short distance to the extreme of the headshunt and back, a total distance of about a mile. Andy and I took this train seen here arriving at Barrow Hill's small platform. The outward leg was hauled by former GWR 0-6-0 pannier tank 1501 (out of sight in this view) with the return leg by 03066.
Keywords: 03066 shuttle train Barrow Hill Roundhouse

Barrow Hill from shuttle train
The view from the returning shuttle train affords a wide angled view of Barrow Hill's site and much of the stock on display. The large building in the centre is the home to the Deltic Preservation Society. Also, notice the smartly painted Midland signal box to the right. Whilst it is positioned appearing to control the entry and exit to the yard's roads it is in fact a dummy box with no plans for it to become operational.
Keywords: Barrow Hill from shuttle train

D5910, on display, Barrow Hill Roundhouse
The team working to recreate one of British Railways' early and least successful designs that were later dubbed the Baby Deltic (later to become Class 23) is progressing well based on the appearance of their efforts located on Barrow Hill's roundhouse turntable. However, the former and heavily modified Class 37 body, now numbered D5910, is really no more than a shell with a huge amount of work needed to prepare and fabricate the interior before any thoughts about reinstalling the unique nine-cylinder Napier engine. The group who is undertaking this work have done an amazing job so far to recreate this long-forgotten, fascinating and unique piece of railway history.
Keywords: D5910 on display Barrow Hill Roundhouse Baby Deltic

85006, on display, Barrow Hill Roundhouse
The AC Locomotive Group have been a feature of the Barrow Hill depot and roundhouse since its early years of operation and remains a fixed feature. They are the custodians of a number of AC electrics from the various classes with some kept at Barrow Hill undergoing restoration. Among them is 85006 looking very smart in its BR blue, despite it being applied way back in 2013 by Boden Rail at Washwood Heath. The locomotive has been electrically restored and tested but the roarer is unlikely to see action on the mainline again.
Keywords: 85006 on display Barrow Hill Roundhouse AC electric

45105, on display, Barrow Hill Roundhouse
Peak 45105 has been undergoing a long and protracted restoration in the care of the Pioneer Diesel Locomotive Group. Just prior to the open days at Barrow Hill they have completed a repaint into BR Monastral Blue that has an unbelievably rich shine that puts BRs efforts to shame despite the over spray on the bogies! The locomotive is seen in the roundhouse at Barrow Hill attracting a lot of admiring attention from visitors. With the prospect of a Peak on the mainline, the race is on to get the restoration of 45105 complete but there are other examples, some operational, who may well beat it to be in the position of hauling charters.
Keywords: 45105 on display Barrow Hill Roundhouse

Nameplate unveiling, Barrow Hill Roundhouse café
The unveiling of a pair of reproduction nameplates is seen taking place in Barrow Hill's café. 'Sheffield Wednesday' is a replica of that applied to the sides of GBRf's 66726 with no locomotive ever being assigned 'Sheffield United' (as far as I am aware). Notice the half-sized football emerging from the plates, this is not something found on the actual plate on the locomotive with it being a simple one-dimensional part of the casting. The unveiling was undertaken by former Wednesday player John Pearson (seen in the dark jacket and blue shirt) who also went on to have spells throughout his career with Charlton Athletic, Leeds United, Rotherham United, Barnsley, Hull City, Carlisle United, Mansfield Town and Cardiff City. However, it is his time at Sheffield for which he is probably best remembered. By his own admission, Pearson had never visited Barrow Hill before paying it some very complimentary comments regarding keeping the heritage of his beloved South Yorkshire (even though Barrow Hill is technically in Derbyshire!) alive.
Keywords: Nameplate unveiling Barrow Hill Roundhouse café John Pearson Sheffield Wednesday Charlton Athletic, Leeds United, Rotherham United, Barnsley, Hull City, Carlisle United, Mansfield Town and Cardiff City

20905, on display, Barrow Hill Roundhouse
Looking a little faded long term Barrow Hill resident 20905 'Dave Darwin' sits inside the roundhouse in its GBRf livery. Despite still being mainline registered the future of this locomotive and the remaining Class 20s is precarious with future use on the mainline probably having recently come to an end after some sixty years of service in the case of the very earliest examples. This one carries the nameplate commemorating the career railwayman Dave Darwin who still volunteers at Barrow Hill.
Keywords: 20905 on display Barrow Hill Roundhouse

69003, on display, Barrow Hill
With its new nameplates covered up and to be named later in the day 56018 looks very smart in its GBRf livery standing in the sun at Barrow Hill. Formally numbered 56018 it is one of three Romanian-built members of the class selected to be rebuilt by Progress Rail at its Longport (Stoke-on-Trent) facility. With the rebuilding process retaining the origonal bogies from this angle, the Class 69 is instantly recognisable as a former Class 56 but from the front, there are some distinct differences.
Keywords: 69003 on display Barrow Hill 56018

45060, 82008 & 20304, on display, Barrow Hill
45060 'Sherwood Forester' is looking distinctly faded standing at Barrow Hill. The Peak is owned and maintained by the Pioneer Diesel Locomotive Group Archive but has seen little action in more recent years from the times when it was frequently seen as a guest locomotive on various heritage lines. On this end, it has a split box headcode but on the other it has the more conventional boxed-off panel with a pair of marker lights fitted. Towards the rear of the Peak are 82008 and 20304.
Keywords: 45060 82008 20304 on display Barrow Hill Sherwood Forester Pioneer Diesel Locomotive Group Archive

82008, 20304 & 20301, on display, Barrow Hill
With DRS having finally relived itself of its Class 20s after many years of use the curtain has finally come down on the use of these classic locomotives on the mainline. This has led to a surplus of locomotives with no home or use so until heritage lines take them on or they are prepared for possible use in the charter market then many are stored. 20304 and 20301 are seen facing an uncertain future at Barrow Hill along with long-term resident 82008. The last time that I photographed 20304 was in happier times back in 2014 when operating one of the infamous Buffer-Puffer charters, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/29879244404/x20304-buffer-puffer-11-1-05-02-stafford
Keywords: 82008 20304 20301 on display Barrow Hill Roarer

89001 & 91117, on display, Barrow Hill
89001 ‘Avocet' sits in the sunshine next to 91117 at Barrow Hill's 150 + 2 open day. Nicknamed the badger (as a slightly tenuous similarity to the creature of the same name due to its steeply sloping front end) 89001 is allegedly close to being back in mainline use having been restored and refurbished by a dedicated group of AC Locomotive Group volunteers. Its story from its introduction back in 1986 is a long and convoluted one that saw it being owned by many operators and is one too long for this page but it would be great to see it hauling trains again. The story of 91117 is far more simple! From its introduction in July 1990, it saw operation on the ECML until withdrawal in 2019 when it was converted to use as a test bed locomotive by Pheonix. Its future is however now uncertain given a lack of work.
Keywords: 89001 91117 on display, Barrow Hill Avocet IC225 the badger

Staveley Engine Shed signal box (former Pinxton, MR, 1897)
A smartly reconstructed Midland signal box, named Stavely Engine Shed Junction looks absolutely in place located on the numerous lines that lead from Barrow Hill engine shed towards the headshunt and then the exchange line in and out of the complex. However, looks can be deceiving for three reasons. Number one, the box is not actually connected to any signalling or point work being a shell with a frame, some rusty levers and a tatty unkempt interior. Number two, it is not an original location with the box put here for what appears to be show purposes. Number three, the box was originally located at Pinxton located between Alfreton and Kirkby in Ashfield a few miles south of its new location. The box dates from 1897 and shows many classic Midland Railway characteristics.
Keywords: Staveley Engine Shed signal box former Pinxton MR 1897 Midland railway

03066, shuttle train, Barrow Hill
With the subject just missing out on the full sun that the second Mk. I is enjoying 03066 brings one of Barrow Hill's shuttle trains back to the end of the line. 03066 was built at Doncaster in 1959 and spent the first nine years of its life allocated to York (North). It then spent the next twenty years further north allocated to Gateshead and would often have been seen crossing the Tyne bridges and bumbling about the platforms of Central station. It was withdrawn in 1988 but was one of the lucky sixty-six to be saved for preservation out of a total class number of two hundred and thirty.
Keywords: 03066 shuttle train Barrow Hill

1501, shuttle train, 37610, 156498 & 66726, on display, Barrow Hill
Taken from the lofty height at the top of the steps of Staveley Engine Shed signal box 0-6-0 pannier tank 1501 leads a shuttle service as part of Barrow Hill's open day activities. The GWR locomotive is a visiting guest to Barrow Hill more normally found working the length of the Severn Valley Railway. Also in this view is 37610 and EMR's 156498.
Keywords: 1501 shuttle train 37610 156498 66726 on display Barrow Hill

156498, E3035, 91117, 89001 & 66726, on display, Barrow Hill
The central bank at Barrow Hill affords good views of the depot lines and is always popular with photographers. Seen in this view, from left to right, is EMR's 156498, AC LG's E3035 (83012) & 89001 'Advocet', with 91117 sandwiched between. Finally, on the end is local celebrity GBRf's 66726 'Sheffield Wednesday'.
Keywords: 156498 E3035 91117 89001 66726 on display Barrow Hill EMR East Midlands Railway Advocet Sheffield Wednesday

50008 & 67007, on display, Barrow Hill
50008 'Thunderer' is owned by Hanson & Hall Rail Solutions and returned to mainline in June 2021 finding some spot hire work. They have repainted it into their house grey livery with it seen here at Barrow Hill carrying rather oversized cab side numbers. It basks in the late summer sunshine next to non-standard liveried 67007 that was painted into this rather garish colour as part of the 2022 platinum jubilee arrangements.
Keywords: 50008 67007 on display Barrow Hill Thunderer

37219 & 37901, on display, Barrow Hill
Colas' 37219 'Jonty Jarvis 8-12-1998 to 18-3-2005' looks a little tatty and work stained as it sits on display at Barrow Hill. It sits next to Pheonix's 37901 that by contrast was very shiny and well presented! Whilst DRS has said that it wishes to dispose of its older heritage fleet putting them all up for sale in the summer of 2022 others are continuing to make use of them with the 37s, in particular, remaining extremely versatile locomotives despite their advancing years. Notice the bracketry fitted to the nose of 37219 that supports the Rila track recording equipment.
Keywords: 37219 37901 on display Barrow Hil Jonty Jarvis 8-12-1998 to 18-3-2005

55015, on display, DPS Depot, Barrow Hill
Work to completely rebuild 55015 'Tulyar' is nearing completion inside The Deltic Preservation Society's depot at Barrow Hill. Work to get it to this stage has taken many years and a huge amount of money but with the end in sight it will once again be seen out on heritage lines and ultimately working on the mainline. The engines have yet to be installed but have been rebuilt with the bogies the next major thing to be reunited with the shell. The enthusiast in the yellow top to the left is looking at the rebuilt bogies. When in use and prior to withdrawal I saw and photographed 55015 a number of times with one of my most atmospheric images recorded at King's Cross in November 1979, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/27444295204/x55015-21-00-london-king-s-cross
Keywords: 55015 on display DPS Depot Barrow Hill Deltic Preservation Society Tulyar

Engine bay, 55015, on display, DPS Depot, Barrow Hill
A somewhat chaotic scene inside the shell of 55015 'Tulyar' as it nears the completion of its comprehensive restoration by the DPS at their Barrow Hill base. A member of the DPS team is seen working on the recently installed new batteries. Whilst there is plenty of room at this stage of the restoration once the two Napier engines are installed movement is extremely limited and as for the noise....!
Keywords: Engine bay 55015 on display DPS Depot, Barrow Hill Tulyar DPS Deltic Preservation Society

Driver's controls, 55015, on display, DPS Depot, Barrow Hill
The driver's control of 55015 'Tulyar' is seen having been restored by the dedicated team of the Deltic Preservation Society. The Deltic will soon once again be firing up its twin Napier D18-25 engines creating a heated roar behind the cab! Studying the cab controls the simple and somewhat archaic layout with very few dials and controls is a marked comparison to the interior of a modern train cab. I suppose the way in which it could be put into perspective is to compare the controls of a modern-day car with one from the 1960s.
Keywords: Driver's controls 55015 on display, DPS Depot Barrow Hill Tulyar DPS Deltic Preservation Society

Andy in secondman's seat, 55015, on display, DPS Depot, Barrow Hill
Andy enjoys a few moments sitting on the secondman's seat inside the restored cab of 55015 'Tulyar' at the DPS depot at Barrow Hill. Andy grew up with the sounds of Deltics ringing in his ears and cutting his spotting teeth on the class as he lived his early years in Finsbury Park just a short distance from the ECML and the infamous depot of the same name. In the coming months once again 55015 will fire up its engines for the first time in many, many years and will be hauling trains thanks to the incredible and dedicated work of the DPS.
Keywords: Andy in secondman's seat 55015 on display DPS Depot, Barrow Hill Tulyar Deltic Preservation Society

Nameplate (just named), 69003, on display, Barrow Hill
The Railway Observer is the name carried by the RCTS' monthly magazine. Re-built from 56018, 69003 is the fourth locomotive to carry this name with the plate having been unveiled a short time prior to this photograph being taken. The RCTS had partnered with Barrow Hill Roundhouse with the Saturday of the three-day 150 + 2 event being a Members' Day. RCTS members gained a reduced fee for access and a number of events, including the naming of 69003, took place. Andy and I met Mike at Barrow Hill as he is a long-term RCTS member.
Keywords: Nameplate just named 69003 on display Barrow Hill

66733, 66004, Toton centre road
Taken from Toton's infamous 'bank' looking southwest this scene is dominated by Toyota's recently opened export distribution hub. Notice the train to the left in the process of being loaded with cars that would then work south via the MML (as 6X11) to Dollands Moor and thence through the tunnel to Europe. In the foreground 66733 'Cambridge PSB' sits at the front of a short infrastructure working with Climate Hero liveried 66004 tucked in behind. In the very background to the right is a DB liveried Class 66 stored with long-term resident Class 60 just in view. Notice in the very top left hand corner the air traffic control tower of East Midlands Airport.
Keywords: 66733 Cambridge PSB 66004 Toton centre road

66205, 66130 & 60004, Toton depot
A number of stored former EWS (with some now rebranded into their DB livery) locomotives are seen at the Back of Toton's depot. From left to right are 66205, an unidentified class member is half hidden, 66130 and 60004. The Class 60 was introduced in the summer of 1991 built at nearby Brush (Loughborough) and allocated to Toton for the whole of its life. Technically, it is still designated as being 'in service'.
Keywords: 66205 66130 60004 Toton depot EWS DB Deutsche Bahn

66024, Toton centre road
Still resplendent in its 'as built' livery dating from December 1998 and still going strong 66024 sits on one of Toton's centre roads. Despite that livery being now some fifteen years out of date with the demise of EWS in 2007 it is still looking relatively fresh. One could only think back and recall what state a BR diesel would be in with it not having had a repaint for twenty-four years! Using information provided by Mike (who has access to TOPS) the 66 sat here all weekend not moving off somewhere until Monday.
Keywords: 66024 Toton centre road

66162, 66069, 66012, 66117 & 66134, stabled, Toton depot
As is usually the case at Toton, there are many locomotives on view from the famous bank that affords a commanding view of the yard's operations. Without the requisite binoculars getting numbers is a bit of a challenge but using a combination of intense eyeballing combined with taking photographs and enlarging the digital image usually enables some identification. In this view, the locomotives identified from left to right appear to be 66162 'Maritime Intermodal Five', 66069, 66012, 66117 and 66134. Interestingly, all of these locomotives are not ones that I have many photographs of. A quick search of this site using the search button at https://www.ontheupfast.com/v/photos/21936chg/archive-files reveals just one other image recorded of each!
Keywords: 66162 Maritime Intermodal Five 66069 66012 66117 66134 stabled Toton depot

66777, 13.54 Tunstead Sidings-Wellingborough GBRf (6F78, 27E), Toton centre road
Just prior to returning to the car at Toton and heading for home I decided to have a quick look at OpenTrainTimes to see if anything of interest was about. It just so happened that the 6F78 13.54 Tunstead Sidings to Wellingborough stone train was ambling its way along the Erewash Valley towards us and was about fifteen minutes away. Unfortunately, after waiting for it, with 66777 'Annette' leading photographic opportunities were somewhat spoilt by it coming to halt for a timed layover behind several rows of wagons!
Keywords: Annette 66777 13.54 Tunstead Sidings-Wellingborough GBRf 6F78 Toton centre road

Barrow Hill open day guide
All visitors to Barrow Hill's curiously named 150 + 2 Celebration Gala received this welcome guide. It was packed with useful and interesting information including the reason for the said title for the day that was, of course, COVID-related!
Keywords: Barrow Hill open day guide

Entry ticket, Barrow Hill open day
The e-tickets for the Barrow Hill 150 + 2 Celebration Gala were bought some weeks in advance and I am glad that I did this. On arrival, Andy and I were greeted by a very long queue of visitors who had not pre-bought their tickets. Once we realised that we could merely walk past the snaking line of enthusiasts we walked straight in and enjoyed the show! We attended on the Saturday of the three-day event and were expecting it to be busy. However, unlike other open days such as those operated by DRS Barrow Hill was less crowded and intense! With Andy and I meeting Mike at Barrow Hill, all in all it was a grand day out with apologies to Wallace and Gromit!
Keywords: Entry ticket Barrow Hill open day

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