Dundee to Aberdeen early BR

[60527]

Dear all, I am currently researching the ECML section between Dundee and Aberdeen and in particular the section north of the suburban Dundee - Arbroath services. I would be interested in any information regarding the operating of this line in the early years of nationalisation. I have the 1953 WTT and a list of services in 1948, I am also aware that engines would routinely change at Dundee. Was this an LNER practice that carried over and were there regular executions? In other word, what motive power would make it to Aberdeen?

Thanks in anticipation.

John

[v3man]

In his book on Haymarket Motive Power Depot Harry Knox tells us that the practice of changing engines at Dundee came with the advent of the eight-hour day. Haymarket engines were double shifted with two dedicated crews working daily early and late turns and this led to their engines being noted for their condition, both in maintenance and appearance compared to engines which were 'common user' and often appeared to be totally unloved. Wherever possible attempts were made to ensure that the two drivers allocated to a particular engine always kept that engine and this led to a high level of morale and pride in the job.

[60527]

Many thanks that is a useful lead, that I can follow up on.

John

[earlswood nob]

Morning all
Timetable world (1947) shows all through Edinburgh Aberdeen trains had an approx 10 min stop at Dundee, presumably to change engines. Edinburgh to Aberdeen and back was impossible to complete in an eight hour shift, so would become a lodging turn. However, they could change crews at Dundee. Perhaps that was a no-no with the local ASLEF branch.
Earlswood Nob

[v3man]

It looks as if the cessation of through working Edinburgh - Aberdeen came about in the mid 1920s to improve efficiency, crew utilisation and engine mileage by introducing the double shifted system with each engine working early and late turns with two dedicated crews and engine changes at Dundee which replaced the previous system of one engine, one driver. Dundee to Aberdeen would have been worked by Ferryhill engines and men.

The result was increased availability and mileage by Haymarket engines and it was this practice which was re-instated after WWll. Locomotives in the top two links were doing two turns each day to Newcastle, Glasgow, Dundee or Perth. With this regular manning and each engine returning to it's home shed on a daily basis they could be kept in top class working order and also well cleaned resulting in Haymarket's reputation for high mileage between general repairs and among the best presented engines on BR. When I was spending much of my spare time by the line at Inveresk in the 1940s and 50s it was rare to see a Haymarket Pacific other than immaculate.

An exception to this double shifted system was, of course, the Elizabethan whose engines were handled by Haymarket and Kings Cross crews with each Haymarket engine returning home every two days. Both shed's were noted for the maintenance standards of the A4s allocated to his duty - in 1960 60027 Merlin ran 77 non stop turns of which no less than 46 were consecutive!

[60527]

Many thanks for that contribution. It seems as if the 8 hour shift was a result of a 1919 agreement and so would have been implemented following that, although it may well have taken some time to result in the specific arrangements in Dundee, especially the practice of keeping the locos with the men. I am aware that Tay Bridge and Ferryhill men and machines shared the duties north of Dundee until the winter 58 timetable, but it is now clear that this was a much longer standing arrangement that I had appreciated.

Thanks also for the recollections of the condition of Haymarket engines, this is a very useful piece of information.