The very relaxed 0948 departure tour time from the Cross meant i could leap off 321414 at Watford and enjoy some 313101 “DC” action to Euston. At a damp Kings X 67025 was on the lengthy tour emcars, 58049 at the business end. A right time departure saw the “bone” power us down the ECML to the depths of Peterborough West yard where required 56049 was bolted on for the run to Derby.
This was Past Time Rails inaugural “spin and win” tour and to their immense credit they arranged the huge (“never worked before”) 60099 for the Derby – Crewe leg. The upbeat atmosphere dipped a little at Crewe due to the Tour’s rostered 37s being delayed en route but they took over from the big 60 at Stafford
Loads of thrash followed, much bellowing passing Leicester non stop before, once again we were put into Peterborough West yard for the final engine change with 66131 taking over for the run back to the Cross. 321426/321411 were my units home on the 2301 ex Euston, a good day out , 4 winners for me (37798, 56049, 60099, 66131) so well happy…
Organiser: Past Time Rail
Headcode: 1Z58 etc
Power: 58049, 56049, 60099, 37798/37520, 66131
Load: 12 x Mk I – 6311, 4959, 21246, 1832, 4998, 5005H, 4956, 4938, 5002, 3115, 3148, 3107
Route o/w—Kings X – Potters Bar – Peterborough – Peterborough New Yard – Oakham – Syston N Jn- Loughborough – Derby – Stoke – Crewe
Route r/t – Crewe – Stafford – Bushbury Jn – Darlaston Jn – Walsall – Park lane Jn – Water Orton – Nuneaton – Leicester – Oakham – Peterborough West yard – Peterborough – Potters Bar – Kings X
Timekeeping – 15-30 late
Ching – £42.50
Highlights: 1/ 56049 in Transrail Dutch livery snaking round Syston N Curve, Big 60-first working 3/ storming run on 37798/520 ex Nuneaton regaining 20 minutes Nuneaton-Oakham 4/ Leicester beloowing on passing through non stop. 5/Appreciation of his customers from organiser
Farces: 1/loco changes in Peterborough West yard – not good for phots! 2/ Initial lack of 37s caused many long faces but came on at Stafford vice Crewe 3/ OTT safety “Instruction” from Stafford station girlie.
Weather: Grey am, showers
Photo stops: Derby, Crewe, Stafford
Score: 8
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