Peaks in Gloucestershire & over the Midlands
Part 1
Ian Thomas
A selection of "Peaks" seen here in Gloucestershire at various rural locations and, of course, the more well-known places such as Gloucester and Standish Junction.
Classes 45, 46 and 45/1 are all included on passenger and freight duties, including the Bristol–Newcastle TPO.
They first arrived in 1961, initially on test, and started appearing on passenger services either in late 1961 or, if not, then definitely in 1962. A big advertising flyer was put out in August 1962 stating, "THE SULZERS ARE COMING", and they were diagrammed from the winter 1962–63 timetable on long-distance express work. They even appeared on local stopping trains between Gloucester Eastgate and Bristol T/M.
British Railways could not have foreseen what was about to unfold with the harsh reality of the winter of 1962–63 and the effect it would have on diesel locomotives. Steam heating boilers simply froze during those severe months and rendered the locomotives inoperable, with steam traction working around 60% of services over the Midland to the north.
Once through that, however, they put in sterling service right through until the 1980s, as ETH-fitted Class 47s then became a more common sight on Mk 2 air-conditioned trains, following a cascade of these coaches at the start of the May 1979–80 timetable.
So, let me show the Peaks at work on the Midland line in Gloucestershire.
ENJOY!
Classes 45, 46 and 45/1 are all included on passenger and freight duties, including the Bristol–Newcastle TPO.
They first arrived in 1961, initially on test, and started appearing on passenger services either in late 1961 or, if not, then definitely in 1962. A big advertising flyer was put out in August 1962 stating, "THE SULZERS ARE COMING", and they were diagrammed from the winter 1962–63 timetable on long-distance express work. They even appeared on local stopping trains between Gloucester Eastgate and Bristol T/M.
British Railways could not have foreseen what was about to unfold with the harsh reality of the winter of 1962–63 and the effect it would have on diesel locomotives. Steam heating boilers simply froze during those severe months and rendered the locomotives inoperable, with steam traction working around 60% of services over the Midland to the north.
Once through that, however, they put in sterling service right through until the 1980s, as ETH-fitted Class 47s then became a more common sight on Mk 2 air-conditioned trains, following a cascade of these coaches at the start of the May 1979–80 timetable.
So, let me show the Peaks at work on the Midland line in Gloucestershire.
ENJOY!
45006 at Gloucester working the 1618 Plymouth-Birmingham 1M74. 30.04.1982, copyright Ian Thomas.
45014 at Lower Wick on the 1725 Paignton-Ledbury. 05.07.1984, copyright Ian Thomas.
45015 at Gloucestershire on the 1618 Plymouth-Birmingham 1M74. 30.04.1982, copyright Ian Thomas.
45029 at Lower Wick on the Severn Tunnel Jnc-Whitemoor Speed Link. 05.07.1984, copyright Ian Thomas.
45044at Standish Jnc with an ECS Bristol-Birmingham working. 11.08.1984, copyright Ian Thomas.
Many thanks indeed Ian. More 'Peaks' to follow over the next few days, stay tuned..
The Goonbarrow Belle
Michael Adams
This railtour ran from Paddington on 3 March 1984 behind 50030 . Michael Adams was on board and took this picture at Parkandillick with 37185 then leading,37182 on the rear. These locos hauled the train from Lostwithiel and Carne Point. Happy days. Copyright Michael Adams.
Many thanks indeed to Michael Adams, and to Michael Forward for sending this one over.
September 1976
Part 15
Roger Winnen
... With some possible ID's from Roger Geach!
The Parcels at Gwinear Road. 11.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
From Roger Geach: 47001 4A13 1522 pz - pd vans at Gwinear Road
Class 45 at Gwinear Road. 11.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
450xx gwinear rd, possibly Bradford - Penzance
A Peak at Carn Brea. 11.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
46012 1B64 1515 pz - bristol Carn Brea
A Class 50 at Carn Brea with a Morris Minor LJY 220. 11.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
50024 1V76 liverpool - pz
Many thanks indeed to Roger W and to Roger G for the additional info - for bonus points can anybody tell us where the Morris Minor is going!
Rising to the challenge, Roger Winnen has indeed told us where the Morris Minor went:
This car carried the reg Ljy 220 and was owned by the late Alan Bennet.
This car went to the breakers.
This car carried the reg Ljy 220 and was owned by the late Alan Bennet.
This car went to the breakers.
Well remembered, Roger!