Britannia's on the ECML

[Locoman69]

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]

[Mickey]

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[Locoman69]

I find the excuse that GW men didn't like the Britannia's because the fire irons worked their way into the cab rather a lame excuse as, unlike a great many older locomotives whereby the fire irons were laid on top of the coal and held into place with two upright metal stanchions, on the Brit's and most modern locomotives the fire irons were stored in a long confined tunnel constructed as part of the tender.

Re the driving position on the left side of the cab, that is understandable if you had been brought up on right sided locomotives. However the most obvious driving position is on the left side, where the vast majority of signals are situated and especially when running into station platforms etc. for gauging stopping distance.

Regarding the position of the regulator: on all modern locomotives including the Pacific's, these engines were built for crew comfort, great forward visibility and easy access to all the driver controls. The GW had there own idea's and certainly not comfort!

[Mickey]

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[robertcwp]

Here is one at Wymondley in 1961:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertcwp/ ... 300842244/

No information came with the negative but the formation is a close match for a Cleethorpes-King's Cross train of the time.

[strang steel]

That is an excellent photo. I think I spy two spotters (top left) sitting in the time honoured position at the top of the embankment in the sun and watching the trains go by.

Happy days.

[rob237]

Seem to recall, from a magazine of the time, that Clive of India was considered to be the best of the Immingham Brit' batch.
Consequently, subject to several specific nameplate, smoke box door and buffer beam customised paintings.
Have seen several pictures of it in this condition...
Cheers
Robt P.

[kudu]

I believe that Britannia's didn't go down to well with Western region driver's & Firemen being brought up on all things Swindon especially the 'left position driving' and the design of the regulator, also i read that the firing irons would eventually work there way forward due the excessive vibration and end up in the cab!. I always thought that they were great looking locomotives myself.

I had understood that this was true until the WR Britannia's were all based at Canton, where crews soon took to them. This is only what I have read, though.

Kudu

[Mickey]

Deleted

[rob237]

Certainly Canton's initial allocation of 70025-29 were always kept in immaculate condition, with the Paddington 'prestige' workings in mind. George Heiron's superb photography of them in action around Coalpit Heath and Badminton were regularly featured in Trains Illustrated, and in his portfolio of paintings.

Newton Abbot's pair of Lightning and Tornado did less arduous duties, usually up to Bristol and back.
Indeed, Tornado seemed to be permanently coupled to the 'Devonian' stock!

The remaining eight were firstly allocated to Old Oak Common...

Cheers
Robt P.

[redtoon1892]

I have 5 Brits underscored in my 1961 spotters book and all my spotting was in the Newcastle / Gateshead / Durham area, 70000,70004,70008,70024,70038, no dates alas.

[giner]

I can remember my first impression of seeing a Brit on the ECML as registering as the beginning of the end for me. The grace of Gresley was slowly slipping away.

[kudu]

Immingham's Britannia allocation was remarkably stable:

12/60 - 70039-41 arrived from Norwich
9/61 - 70037 from March
10/61 - the full batch with 70035 from Norwich and 70036/8 from March

6/63 - 70035 to March
12/63 - 70036-41 to Upperby.

So that's 3 years of Brits on the GN (and GC of course).

Kudu

[Mickey]

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[Multiprinter]

It has always seemed to me that the Britannias were only popular where they replaced less potent locos - on the Great Eastern particularly.
Canton got good work from them but whether they were liked there is another matter. Canton also made use of 9Fs on class 1 turns.
Of course, one could ask why the Brits were built when Mr.Bulleid had provided a large number of pacifics which the Southern could never find good use for.