First North Western have found it necessary to put up posters on North Wales stations apologising for the disruptions which have occurred on three consecutive days. On Monday30 June there was a track circuit fault at Christleton Tunnel, Tuesday was a 'bridge bash' near Ty Croes plus a passenger suffering a heart attack on train 1D71 with paramedics in attendance, and Wednesday 2 July a broken rail near Rockliffe Hall requiring single line working from there to Saltney Junction, which among other things led to the morning loco-hauled train never reaching Birmingham. - 3 July
37 707: the picture
Further to our report on the rescue of 25 June's charter train by 37 707 after 47 786 Roy Castle OBE failed, Chris Mills was on hand at Crewe to capture the cavalcade arriving. Chris writes: 'The driver was rather zealous on the power handle and the loco could still be heard when the train had disappeared south!' - 3 July
Two views of pacific 6233 Duchess of Sutherland on the Northern Belle working of 19 June. Above, at Helsby (John Eyres) and below, at Frodsham (David Jackson) - 3 July
Train-watcher's guide
Here are some timings of interesting trains over the next few days, with thanks to 'Yellowcake UF6.'
Friday 4 July: 2Z02 09:02 - Crewe - Crewe (Class 121 unit video survey train).Chester pass 10:01, Holywell Jct 10:18, Llan Jct 10:48 to 11:01, Bangor pass 11:23, Holyhead 11:54 to 12:49, Bangor 13:26 to 13:36, Llan Jct pass 13:58, Holywell Jct 14:30 to 14:45, Chester 15:13 to 15:42, Crewe arrive 16:32.
1Z62 15:27 Euston - Lime Street "The Merseyside Express" (6201). Crewe 21:03 to 21:41 (Water), Runcorn 22:14 to 22:16, Lime Street 22:39.
Saturday 5 July (not in North Wales, but may be of interest): 1Z61 Milton Keynes - Buxton (45147 & 76079 from Warrington BQ). Bank Quay 10:55 to 11:19 (Class 47 off, steam locos on), Astley 11:43, Manchester Vic 12:05 to 12:07, Ashton Moss 12:20, Heaton Norris North Jct 12:37 to 13:07 (Watered in Up Goods Loop), Stockport pass 13:10, Furness Vale pass 13:34, Buxton arrive 14:00.
1Z62 16:10 Buxton - Milton Keynes (Shunt released by Class 66 at Buxton, Steam to Manchester Victoria for 47 forward).Topley Pike 16:34, Great Rocks Jct 16:44 to 16:46, Peak Forset South Jct 16:52 to 17:02, New Mills South Jct 17:23, Woodley 17:50, Guide Bridge 18:07, Manchester Victoria 18:32 to 18:56.
Pictures welcome! - 1 July
A very wet Monday morning on on 30 Junesaw yet more steam at Chester with the Northern Belle service to London Victoria.
47 786 Roy Castle OBE brought the empty stock in from Crewe at about 07:30. This move seemingly delayed the 07:05 Crewe - Llandudno, much to the annoyance of regular commuters.
In the pouring rain, 6201 Princes Elizabeth waits for the 08:00 departure to London Victoria.
The train contained a Mk 2 First Open in full green/gold livery and branded First Great Western. - 1 July
As mentioned briefly in Larry Goddard's item about the day excursion on 25 June (Last Notice Board), unfortunately 47 786 Roy Castle OBE did not last the pace on the Stetchford to Rhyl charter, it shut down completely on the return, due to a coolant leaks, leaving a large number of young passengers with very red shoulders viewing the scenery at Chester station, rescue came in the form of 37 707, which came light from Warrington Arpley. The charter left Chester at about 7pm, 37 707, a dead 47 and a very large rake of blue and grey made quite a sight, thundering away with lots of exhaust from 37 707. The 37 worked the tour through to Stecthford and then the Empty Coaching Stock forward to Bounds Green. - 1 July
Arthur Jones sends this close-up of Network
Rail's
track in the bay platform at Llandudno Junction; at least it should
encourage
modellers who have trouble getting their sleeps evenly spaced...
More about Franchise Fleets
Some clarification on the Wales and Borders Transfer. The current thinking, and we stress this is current (therefore liable to complete change!) is that Angel Trains will lease the entire fleet of 27 trains to Wales and Borders from September 2003. All maintenance will continue at Chester depot.
When all the franchises are sorted out, Wales and Borders will provide units under a daily hire arrangement to Trans Pennine Express who will also run some Northern services under contract. The exact TPE number is unclear but its about 12 - 14 units, a mix of two- and three-car sets.
The current 175 'ride modification' programme is on target to finish as planned at the end of March 2004. The Class 47 and Mk 2 stock will continue covering until then, as they are part of the agreement to provide replacement stock for units 'on mods.' The Class 47 and Mk 2s will transfer across to the Wales and Borders fleet from September 2003. - 1 July
Here's a nostalgic (and not digtially altered!) picture from 14 June capturing a meeting of the last two locomotives in service (we think!) still carrying British Rail InterCity colours.
86 228 Vulcan Heritage was pushing a Liverpool - London train out of Crewe ....
... while 47 826 Springburn was on standby in Platform 3. - 1 July