The LNER Encyclopedia

Today (Wednesday 28th) there is steam working from Scarborough (originating at Skegness) through Bridlington, Beverley & Hull. This is the first time in many years that steam has graced these metals even though it is likely to be an LMS loco.

Does anyone know the precise reason for steam to be banned from this route? I suspect one of the bridges near Driffield.

It was frequently used by steam specials in the 70s & 80s.

Another question, presumably the train will use the Anlaby Road curve in Hull to avoid Paragon station; is the curve used much by anything these days?

The route was covered by a Condition of Track which stopped all loco hauled traffic.
During the early 2000s I was involved in the relaying of much of the branch in Steel sleepers between Hull and Seamer.
I think that out of the approx 90 route miles about 60 were propped for renewal or serious attention. I know that I have walked the line many times over during the works.

I don't think there was a steam ban as such, as Bryan says there was a ban of all loco hauled traffic which is now lifted after the relaying, I have heard no mention of any bridge works.
Anlaby curve is open, and diesel hauled charters use the route when required, I believe a charter ran through to the North Norfolk railway a month or two back.
The lack of steam is more likely due to the train operators not wishing to use the route.
The track is in pretty good condition now, I remember a few years ago there was a regular freight working into Hull (via the main line) arriving early morning hauled by a pair of class 37s,
these worked back through Brid and Seamer light engine to avoid the rush hour traffic. I saw them a few times usually at speed! however there were reports from the PW staff that they were breaking fishplates and I think this may have sparked the loco ban.

Did the steam run take place?
Not seen anything.

According to this weeks Brid Free Press it did, hauled by 8F 48151. Aparently the organisers -Railtourer Ltd of Willerby, hope to run more steam on the branch, they are running a diesel hauled tour Brid to Edinburgh on Dec 10th.

Many thanks for your info Bryan & 4493.

It definitely ran with the 8F and took water at Melton. Wish I had been around to see it.

Sorry not on the Scarborough branch, I did manage Hessle though: - It took water at the Anlaby Curve, not Melton (which is whay it was 30 mins late at Hessle).

Thirty years ago on the 28th December 1981, LMS Black 5, 5305 northbound through Driffield's Wandsford Road level crossing.

Rgds

NG

Ay up!

Lovely shot, thanks for that. Big 4 liv to boot!

Snap!

Same train different location. 5305 leaving Bridlington starting the long climb to Speeton.
Note the lack of snow at the coast.

Best wishes

4493

Same loco, near Bempton 1985.

Pity the HLPG lost their base at Dairycoates. For many years their locos & a good selection from the NRM graced the Hull Scarborough line.

Ay up!

Is it just me or does fillum give better piccies?

Another one - 30th March 2004, B1 61264 climbs past Bartindale south of Hunmanby. I think this was the last steam excursion on the Hull-Scarborough line until the 8F a couple of weeks back. Unfortunately the B1 failed near Nafferton shortly after this photo was taken. A friend was on the train and had a very long wait for "rescue".....