350’s to Rugby for GK’s fast car to Duffield saw us with plenty time spare to rake in 31601 on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. With an 8 mile length, 4 shacks and a 5 coach rake in tow (formed of 4207, 34625, 27001(Stanier), 26157 and 24918) this was to prove a leisurely alternative to the manic SVR gala.
The thrash from 31601 particularly climbing out of Duffield was excellent, then the rains set in but we still enjoyed 3 more runs behind 31601, the former 31186 and former local namer “Bletchley Park – Station X” which was a regular Bedford – Bletchley Fragonset machine back in 1999. Full report and phots of 31601’s Bletchley Park naming back in March 99 here.
At Wirksworth the extensive former stone marshalling sidings were well filled with rolling stock. 73001 teased up by starting up just prior to 31601’s last run but she didn’t assist us. Former Chiltern “queen of green” bubble 55034 was also at Wirksworth but unfortunately not in service on the incline shuttle.
Former Ulsterbus RE 2599 performed noisy shuttles up the hill to a Model Railway exhibition in the town.
Despite the wet weather we enjoyed our runs behind 31601 and a return visit will soon be coming!
Phot spot from the day
In the best weather of the day, 31601 arrives at Duffield with the 1050 from Wirksworth, a decent load 5 in tow
A rateable former Ulsterbus RE2599 at Wirksworth after a good thrash up the hill from Wirksworth station
31601 running round as the full extent of Wirksworth’s stock are seen here
58022 has provided some of the bits in the rebuilding of LMS10000 tucked away in the shed at Wirksworth
Former District line tube 7501, 47192 and 73001 in Wirksworth yard
31601 running round at a soggy Wirksworth
Former Chiltern bubble 55034 at Wirksworth
Bizzare scenes at Bletchley back on March 22nd 1999 during 31601’s naming Bletchley Park Station X . More gen here
end
Leighton Lists 