Last Trip Before Work

June 1981 was one of the most important months of my life. The two most important events were finishing full time education and starting employment with BR as a Traction Trainee. Of secondary importance was my last railway related day out with the camera before I actually started with BR.

The date was the 6th of June 1981, and the event was the 'Midlander' railtour, run by the 'Railway Enthusiasts Society',  from Kings Cross to a privately arranged visit to Derby Works, then back on board to travel to Crewe for the Works open day. I'm not sure of the exact route or timings.

At Kings Cross we awaited the arrival of the loco to haul the tour, I think a Deltic had been requested, but in the end 47559 exited Gasworks Tunnel and attached to the train.

From the photos of the day a fairly pedestrian jaunt along the slow lines of the ECML ensued as far as Grantham, where we turned towards Nottingham after observing what was possibly 31107 just south of the station.

47559 negotiates Sheet Stores Junction

A bonus observation when passing the RTC at Derby was the two prototype HST power cars berthed line astern

At Derby Works, 25043 would not be long for this world, being withdrawn in February 1981, stripped of parts and finally cut up in September.

44007 shorn of it's Ingleborough nameplates would last a little longer, but only until November.

Long term withdrawn (since June 1978) 25295 stripped and ready for cutting in August.

45005 was freshly overhauled, and would last another nearly 5 years until withdrawal in March 1986.

A spare class 25 cab awaits use

And on to Crewe Works for the official open day. 40172, still in service at this time and would last until being withdrawn in September 1983.

83009 was also on display and would have another 7 years before withdrawal in March 1989.

27203 was an unusual visitor to Crewe. After overhaul at Derby Works 27203 was withdrawn after collision damage in May 1983.

84008, withdrawn during October 1979, it would last until being cut during November 1988.

And finally, for sale on the railtour were paper reproductions what was placed  (none too straight )on the front of 47559. This is my copy, unrolled completely for the first time in 37 years. A bit dog eared around the edges, but substantially complete.