87035 returns to the Trent, December 29th 2004
“TC” rang with the gen at 0730 precisely and it wasn’t good news. Just the 3 “sevens” were out …19 was on a Stockport, 33 a Carlisle turn, plus 87004 on a Wolves. The morning was crisp and bright, just the elder son joined me today.
With Nuneaton savers purchased it was onto 321401/410 passing 57308 spare at Bletchley plus several ballast trains parked up in the yard. A serious wither approaching the Keynes as an unexpected “seven” screamed South. After photting the quoted 87019 storming North on the Stockport the gen update wasn’t good. 87004 had been turned round at Bir Int’l and this was the machine that had passed us earlier and was now deallocated.
On the plus side 87012 was now working a Crewe – Euston additional and then a Scotch! “TC” advised the additional stopped at MK at 1022 but it wasnt on the screens at the Keynes. 87012 soon arrived and actually stopped! We were storming South in a quiet albeit no heat front coach just behind the loco. A ritualistic bellow through Leighton raised our spirits, near Watford we crossed 47816 and 47832 heading “up North” for a new career with Freightliner.
The low point of the day followed passing Willesden depot with 87005/015/024/025 dumped outside whilst less gloomy were 87026 and 87035 outside the running shed, pans up. At Euston we decided to ching out on a Euston – Crewe saver but only once S56 was definitely hauled. 87004 was also still at Euston with ECS whilst blue 47840 was stabled round the back.
87012 at the blocks with the 0854 Crewe – Euston, Dec 29th 2004
So with 2 hauled sets on the blocks, vast crowds on the concourse and umpteen trains “awaiting boarding” the tension mounted. With the 1118 Warrington (vice Liverpool) now definitely 87004 a rapid £40 outlay saw our savers purchased. We quickly joined the rear coach as this was nearest the loco but obviously the normals piled on to the same coach, one door train style. As we rushed towards the last table Steve Chapman joined us.
The back up move of 87012 still being quoted for S56 quickly died as the lights went out then 87012 took the empties towards Wembley so S56 was now rancid! The stress aboard 87004 was notched up furthur as we were advised of a delayed departure due to a delayed train manager. We eventually departed some 20 or so minutes down, much banter followed as 87004 screamed North through familiar local landscapes before we wedged up furthur at the Keynes.
And our “seven” then went into totter mode via Northampton, followed by a log check outside Rugby due another farce. Things got real as we hit rare track…the Trent Valley! Speed picked up after a brief stop at Nuneaton then a ritualistic cheer on passing TV landmarks like the Nuneaton volcano, Atherstone and Rugeley Power station. We left Stafford some 50 down, not that we cared. Near Norton Bridge a few patches of snow survived on a wooded hill.
Just for a change we were checked outside Crewe but a shunting show by 08830 and a demic looking 86632 and 86637 kept us entertained. On leaping at Crewe where it was cold and damp the 3 hour fester did not look promising. The depot area was desolate with a solitary “shed” and 2 HNRC 37’s but at least the main line was busy. 57306 passed with doomed Mk III stock including the “Girl’s brigade” DVT. 47303 then passed with the demic 86’6’s. 87004 was then photted with her return run to Euston.
Better in grey, 47303 drags demic 86632 and 86637 through Crewe, December 29th 2004
87004 at Crewe with the delayed 1318 Warrington – Euston, December 29th 2004
A bonus was then viewed from the warmth of the buffet, the scene of so many long festers in the past. Standby machine 87035 was on a down Warrington so we now had a back up move home with a loco we all thought had gone. After more platform wanderings and photting the Police liveried 47 on barrier vans the fester increased with more late running. At long last 87035 arrived and we joined a quiet front coach behind the loco.
And so it was a memorable storm South enlivened by a few more “seven men” joining at Stafford. The run down the Trent Valley was superb, 87035 was in top form as was her top driver. We opted for a Keynes bail and just 10 minutes later 87023 piloting 87033 arrived on a 40 down Carlisle – Euston. 87023 too put in some fast running to Euston where 87026 was now on the back road.
Debranded, denamed 87035 at the Keynes after a storming run down the Trent with the 1633 Warrington – Euston, December 29th 2004. 3 days later this fine loco was stood down
Content with a brilliant day it was the 1924 321 home, as we trudged up the hill at Leighton the screams of 87035 heading North, once more filled the still night air.
PS…3 days later (Jan 2nd 2005) 87023, 87026 and 87035 amongst others had been stood down as Virgin locos.
The day’s moves
321401} 0734 Euston – M.Keynes LB-MK
321410}
87004 0840 Bir Int’l – Euston
87019 0905 Euston – Stockport
87012 0854 Crewe – Euston MK-EU
47840 EU
87033 0945 Euston – Carlisle
87004 1118 Euston – Warrington (via Nor) EU-CR
47303, 86633n86622 phot-CR
87035 1633 Warrington – Euston CR-MK
87023} 1428 Carlisle – Euston MK-EU
87033}
an unforgettable day, 87’s return to Trent Valley turns in abundance!
321424} 1924 Euston – Northampton EU-LB
321414}
Typing up these notes some 23 years after 87035 screamed down the
Trent in such style the memories remain as vivid as ever…..
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