Bedford Open Day, May 28th 1988

This was a big “Open Day” event coinciding with the town’s popular River festival. 16 exotic locos were on display, most unusual to the local area, namely

08011, 20135, 24061(RTC), 31222, 31247, 31257, 31284, 31326(RTC), 33206, 46035 (RTC), 47309, 55015, 55022, 56091, 58027 and kettle 80080.

Units included the GE’s 302207, 306017 plus new 319037.

3 Shuttles also worked, the Green Cravens set 53359/54122 was on Bedford – Bletchleys, the Clacton unit 309613 on Bedford – St Pancras plus 45128 on Bedford – Kettering turns.

Pulling power 56091 looking good with the electrification train behind also 58027

55015 “Tulyar”, one of 2 Deltics at the event

The rare “slim” to many 33206 looking good in Railfreight livery

Old local workhorse 45128 at Wellinborough with a popular Bedford – Kettering shuttle

Thanks to Neil Evans for this rare view of 309613 on a Bedford – St Pancras special shuttle

The celebrity Stratford based Green Cravens 53359 and 54122 at Bletchley with a Bedford working

Thanks to Mark Beal for this view of little (08011, BR’s oldest surviving loco) and big 55015 “Tulyar”

Neil Evans in the hot seat of 46035 (97403) 1 of 3 Derby RTC’s products on show that memorable May Saturday

Link to Mark Beal’s 1996 Bedford Transport Festival photos

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