16th July 1988
Hertfordshire Railtours
& B.R. Watford Area
Lancashire Witch
Locos Used | 31443, 45107, 47417, 85009 & 85011 |
Route :
Loco(s) | Route |
85011 | London Euston - Watford Junction - Milton Keynes - Weedon - Rugby - Coventry - Stechford - Bescot - Stafford |
45107 | Stafford - Norton Bridge - Madely Jn - Basford Hall Jn - Salop Goods Jn - Sydney Bridge Jn - Sandbach - Alderly Edge - Wimslow - Mauldeth Road - Manchester Piccadilly - Oxford Rd - Salford Crescent - Bolton - Lostock Jn - Wigan Wallgate - Southport (1) |
45107 | Southport - Wigan Wallgate - Wigan Station Jn - Springs Branch Jn - St Helens Central - St Helens Jn - Earlstown West Jn - Winwick Jn - Warrington Bank Quay - Acton Grange Jn - Weaver Jn - Northwich - Altricham - Deansgate Jn - Skelton Jn - Northenden Jn - Hazel Grove High Level Jn - New Mill South Jn - Chinley - MP170 (2) |
31443 + 45107 | MP170 - Edale - Grindleford - Dore West Jn - Sheffield |
47417 | Sheffield - Chesterfield - Alfreton - Loughborough - Leicester - Wigston North Jn - Narborough - Nuneaton |
85009 | Nuneaton - Rugby - Milton Keynes - Watford Junction (arrival 23.47 instead of 21.29) - London Euston |
Notes :
(1) Visitors to Southport Transport Museum during the break there were able to
travel behind 24081 which operated a two coach "special" working for tour
visitors.
(2) There were problems with 45107 a mile West
of Edale (milepost 170) - the train got going after 2½ hours with arrival at Sheffield
2h 50m
late, 31443 having been called up as assisting engine. Originally
due to go via Tinsley Yard from Sheffield but route amended due to late running.
Sources : Alan Costello, Duncan Jennings & Nick Blyth
Photo Review
The headboard being fitted to 85011 at Euston (photo: Nick Blyth)
24081 on the special working at Southport Museum (photo: Nick Blyth)
31443 and the errant 45107 on arrival into Sheffield (photo: Paul Blyth)
47417 on the other end of the train for the journey home (photo: Paul Blyth)