Britannia's on the ECML
Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2010 10:06 pm
I refer to a recent query regarding Britannia Pacific's working on the ECML.
Following being replaced by diesel locomotives in the Norwich area during the late 1950's, several of these locomotives were transferred to Immingham, principally to work the two daily 'through' Cleethorpes- Kings Cross express buffet car trains. An unusual method of working these two trains was due to the track layout at Grimsby Town station, whereby upon arrival from Cleethorpes both these trains had to be worked in the reverse order for access onto the so called GN line via Boston to Peterborough. It was at Grimsby where the train engine backed on and took over.
For many years and during WWII only one train ran 'through' to Kings Cross departing Grimsby at 9.05am regularly hauled by a 'Green Arrow' V2. However due to the axle weight of these engines causing possible damage to the many culverts in this area they were replaced by the newly constructed B1's. These engines also replaced the ‘Director class D10 and D11 which worked the bulk of the work over the GC lines.
In the early 50's due to an increase in passenger traffic two Kings Cross trains were laid on, the first departing Gy at 6.53am, worked by a New England crew (they had previously worked the 3.05 mail train from Peterborough) where on arrival at Peterborough another New England crew took it onto Kings Cross). As a fireman at New England I worked this train several times with B1's and later, Britannia’s.
The second train departed at 8.50a worked by an Immingham crew as far as Boston where they were relieved by Boston Men, who worked the train through to Kings Cross. This was a long working day for Boston men, a round distance of 220 miles, especially with a B1 even though it was not as tightly timed as the main line Pacific hauled expresses over the non-stop 76 miles from Peterborough to Kings Cross.
Compared to other main line express engines the B1 bore no comparison. They were exceptionally noisy, rough riding and although ideal for 20 -30 mile distant stops between local stations, but not for this type of express running, being difficult to maintain steam pressure over a long run. Eventually they were retimed to stop at Huntingdon, (for a welcome breather!)
These trains departed Kings Cross on the return journey at 4.05p and 6.18pm. The newly introduced ‘Master Cutler’ Kings Cross – Sheffield Pullman departed Kings Cross at 4.20pm and was timed to pass the ‘Cleethorpes’ whilst stationary at Huntingdon.
It was to the great relief of enginemen assigned to work the Kings Cross during the late 50’s when the Britannia’s took over, being good steamers and a far more comfortable ride. Regrettably the GN line was closed in the 1960’s and the London trains, now powered by diesels, being rerouted via Lincoln and Newark thence onto the ECML. [/size]
Following being replaced by diesel locomotives in the Norwich area during the late 1950's, several of these locomotives were transferred to Immingham, principally to work the two daily 'through' Cleethorpes- Kings Cross express buffet car trains. An unusual method of working these two trains was due to the track layout at Grimsby Town station, whereby upon arrival from Cleethorpes both these trains had to be worked in the reverse order for access onto the so called GN line via Boston to Peterborough. It was at Grimsby where the train engine backed on and took over.
For many years and during WWII only one train ran 'through' to Kings Cross departing Grimsby at 9.05am regularly hauled by a 'Green Arrow' V2. However due to the axle weight of these engines causing possible damage to the many culverts in this area they were replaced by the newly constructed B1's. These engines also replaced the ‘Director class D10 and D11 which worked the bulk of the work over the GC lines.
In the early 50's due to an increase in passenger traffic two Kings Cross trains were laid on, the first departing Gy at 6.53am, worked by a New England crew (they had previously worked the 3.05 mail train from Peterborough) where on arrival at Peterborough another New England crew took it onto Kings Cross). As a fireman at New England I worked this train several times with B1's and later, Britannia’s.
The second train departed at 8.50a worked by an Immingham crew as far as Boston where they were relieved by Boston Men, who worked the train through to Kings Cross. This was a long working day for Boston men, a round distance of 220 miles, especially with a B1 even though it was not as tightly timed as the main line Pacific hauled expresses over the non-stop 76 miles from Peterborough to Kings Cross.
Compared to other main line express engines the B1 bore no comparison. They were exceptionally noisy, rough riding and although ideal for 20 -30 mile distant stops between local stations, but not for this type of express running, being difficult to maintain steam pressure over a long run. Eventually they were retimed to stop at Huntingdon, (for a welcome breather!)
These trains departed Kings Cross on the return journey at 4.05p and 6.18pm. The newly introduced ‘Master Cutler’ Kings Cross – Sheffield Pullman departed Kings Cross at 4.20pm and was timed to pass the ‘Cleethorpes’ whilst stationary at Huntingdon.
It was to the great relief of enginemen assigned to work the Kings Cross during the late 50’s when the Britannia’s took over, being good steamers and a far more comfortable ride. Regrettably the GN line was closed in the 1960’s and the London trains, now powered by diesels, being rerouted via Lincoln and Newark thence onto the ECML. [/size]