My last visit to Mangapps was back in August 2015 so a return trip with 2 of Bedford’s finest was long overdue. The only downer of an enjoyable day was the weather, it rained all the way there and most of the time we were at Mangapps, “well it is August” was the quote of the day.
The trains with each loco doing 2 trips along the 0.6 mile branch to Old Heath all thrashing nicely on the climb back to Mangapps terminal station. 03’s 03081, 03089, 03158, 03399 plus 04’s 2203 (once of Hemlite, Harpenden), 2325 and the immaculate 31105.
Stock varied from 2 cars (75250 part of 302277, 75033 part of 302201), to class 117 51381, Non corridor 43264, Teak bodied 4229 and E43178E, not forgetting the superb ex CP rail “van” or caboose CP 464377. 03399 with the caboose late afternoon did the branch to the Museum entrance, then a spin down the main line to Old Heath, great fun
The museum’s relics ranging from old signal boxes to a breathtaking display of totems and station signs and much more makes Mangapps well worth a visit, highly recommended.
The moves
24/8/24 Sa
350377} 0539 Euston – Birmingham LB-BY
350110}
150141 0642 Bletchley – Bedford BB 0649.55 WS 53.36 wet BY-BD
03089 1130 Mangapps – Old Heath (302201-75250, 75033) MG-OH
2203 1200 Mangapps – Old Heath (4229, E43178E) 2 trips MG-OH
03081 1230 Mangapps – Old Heath (43264) 2 trips MG-OH
31105 1310 Mangapps – Old Heath (302201) 2 trips MG-OH
03158 1350 Mangapps – Old Heath (51381) 2 trips MG-OH
03399 1420 Mangapps – Entrance (Caboose CP 434677) MG-EN
2325 1435 Mangapps – Old Heath (43264) 1.5 trips bail Old Heath MG-OH
03399 1510 Mangapps – Old Heath (via Entrance line) (CP434677) MG-OH
03089 1555 Mangapps – Old Heath (51381) 2 trips MG-OH
360109} 1840 Corby – St Pancras BD-LU
360115}
3969 A – 1940 Luton – Dunstable LU-DU
3979 F77 – 2000 Luton A – M.Keynes DU-LB
The phots
In the autumnal rains at Mangapps just after the 1100 opening 03081 rests at the stops
Unfortunately unable to participate due flat batteries 31233 at Mangapps
After working the 1130 to Old Heath 03081 propells the 302 unit back to the sidings
03081 has the road set to work in the stock of the 1230 to Old Heath which includes non corridor E43264
Retrofitted with cow catchers like her Wisbeach tramway days, 2203 once of Hemlite, Harpenden enters Mangapps
the immaculate 31105 now named “Radio Caroline” drags the 302 unit into Mangapps in heavy rain
31105 at the blocks at Mangapps after working the 1310 shuttle to Old Heath.
2325 looking good at Mangapps
Class 04 2203 also known as 11103 departs a damp Old Heath around 1500
Getting the token for a main line run is 03399, viewed from upstairs on the mighty caboose
03399 thrashing nicely up the bank
What a superb bit of kit, CP rail van/caboose 434677 that was shipped over from Halifax, Canada in 2011, the only one in Europe
end
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