Day Trip Through Bangor.
1Z10
Class 37 Farewell Saturday 20th May 2000.
Many weeks of unseen work in organising today's special farewell finally came to fruition with the highly successful operation of 1Z10, the 0940 Crewe - Holyhead.
Motive power rumours ended with the appearance of 37029 leading 37379 (37226 in 1980s speak). Your scribe boarded with perhaps some trepidation owing to past performance of a minority who travel on 37/0s. These concerns soon receded with the presence of both the Transport Police and First North Western's "in house" security people on the train - a most commendable move thus preventing undesirable antics, as far as is known there was not any bother whatsoever
Departure from Crewe was on time and a very good run ensued to Llandudno Junction. From here the train continued to Llandudno Town after 37608 + 612 (022 + 179 in 80s speak) were attached to the rear. As this section is Class 25 only for yours truly it was time for a refreshment break just across the road.
Once the train returned from the town 029 and 379 were detached and sent to Holyhead. One highlight of the day then commenced with a run along the beautifully scenic line to Blaneau Ffestiniog, very reminiscent of the Scottish Region. On arrival the locos ran round whilst a local youth crossed the tracks virtually straight into the arms of our BT Policeman!!
The sound effects weren't up to much on the run back to the junction; a major improvement ensued when we left - even to the point of the train slowing right down for maximum thrash factor. Bangor was negotiated at some speed via the through road (rather a nice treat!) followed by a slow for the Menai bridge and maximum noise during the crossing.
The face of Holyhead changes ever more as arrival was greeted by major construction work for the extension to the A55 expressway [perhaps an option when faced with two or three car units in the future].
37420 'The Scottish Hosser' was present to greet us. Here we bid cheerio to the 37/6s and set off again with 37029 + 379, '29 leading the way as it had on the outward leg. Indeed a message to rail-gen to the effect they had left Holyhead appeared at control before the TOPS report did!! A blistering run saw arrival in Chester 15 minutes early.
From Chester a circuitous but imaginatively devised route via Stockport, Manchester and Warrington was taken to Crewe. Here the day very regrettably ended. Although locomotive haulage along the Coast will be available a short while into the new timetable today's train will be recorded as the definitive salute to the North Wales Coast, it's heritage trains and a few years of some super days out to various points en-route.
First North Western are to be highly commended for acting on the initiative which for once has served to gain very well earned publicity and respect.
Of course there are others who have been involved in the very difficult task of organising the trains, they too deserve equal commendation.
Motive Power and Coaching Stock History.
37608 new in 1961 as D6722 previously 37512, 37022
37029 new in 1961 as D6729
37612 new in 1963 as D6879 previously 37691, 37179
37379 new in 1964 as D6926 previously 37226
Coaching stock as formed on the day.
35516 Mark 2 Brake Corridor First (BFK) built Derby 1969 as 13516 (?) Lot No. 30797
5381 Mark 2 Tourist Open Second (TSO) built Derby 1968 Lot No. 30787
5025 Mark 1 Tourist Open Second (TSO) built Wolverton 1962 Lot No. 30690
5030 Mark 1 Tourist Open Second (TSO) built Wolverton 1962 Lot No. 30690
5389 Mark 2 Tourist Open Second (TSO) built Derby 1968 Lot No. 30787
35452 Mark 1 Brake Corridor Second (BSK) built Wolverton 1963 Lot No. 30721
5335 Mark 2 Tourist Open Second (TSO) built Derby 1968 Lot No. 30776
4876 Mark 1 Tourist Open Second built Wolverton 1960 Lot No. 30525
Sounds of the Day.
(All recordings are in Real Audio)
37608 and 37612 enter the tunnel after leaving Blaneau Ffestiniog.
Sound and fury as 37608 and 37612 leave Llandudno Junction.
37608 and 37612 crossing the Menai Bridge in some style!
37038 had a day out to South Wales and is heard leaving Crewe bound for Manchester.
Pictures of The Day.
Undoubtedly most will have similar or identical views to these as there were lots of cameras evident!
37029 and 379 stand at Chester on the return leg from Holyhead.
37379 and 029 stand at Llandudno Junction. 37608 + 612 were attached to the rear of the train before departure to Llandudno Town with all four locomotives powering at one point (!)
37612 and 608 having been attached to the rear of the train. After the short run to Llandudno Town and back 37029 + 379 were then detached and sent to Holyhead whilst 608 + 612 worked to Blaneau Ffestiniog and to Holyhead.
Click HERE and take a Day Trip to Bangor!!!!