The LNER Encyclopedia

Hi

Four photos of Duchess when there should have been more.

See here, http://trev11.zenfolio.com/p699847908

Trev

Hi Trev

They're nice shots anyway.

We had Oliver Cromwell replaced by a class 47/class 37 top/tail combination on the Cathedrals Express on Thursday, because of the fireman's strike, so they say. 'Dorset Coast' ran ok on Wednesday, behind a Black 5, but various domestic duties prevented me from going out to see it.

Ian

Ay up!

Doesn't "fire risk" = "40 years of lineside neglect?"

Me? Cynical?

More than a fire risk, it was reported that 5972 caused a private property fire which required the attendance of six fire crews. The heat was sweltering and she was certainly working hard, tramming along between 50 and 60 with 10 on and 47580 providing no pushing power. We received confirmation at Carnforth that the 47 was providing pressure for the brakes only. We were held at Apperley loop for 31 minutes, amounting to 46 down at Engine Shed Junction due to the requirement for 5972 to haul us into Leeds for 47580 to take over for the rest of the journey, using the station as a turning triangle. Arrival into York was 50 minutes down on time with 46233 LE just departing Holgate sidings as we arrived. The Duchess returned LE to Derby, 60009 finished her tour and 5972 was dumped at York. 47580 took us back to Manchester Victoria via the scheduled route, minus the stop at Hellifield, 70 up on arrival back at Manchester. 60009 on her return LE and 46115 were encountered at Carnforth with no-one able to spot Bodmin (supposedly arrived at around 9am that morning). There were thousands on the lineside to witness 5972, many of which suffered disappointment. I only recall seeing one chap smiling at the 47 on the return run.