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)


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