Returning to ‘The Smoke’, without the smoke – by Deltic, on Thursday 18th April 1963
Above: On Thursday 18th April 1963 at Doncaster's platform 4 Deltic (Class 55) diesel-electric locomotive No. D9005 (then unnamed, but from October 1963 The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire) is ready to depart.
All photographs by Colin Walker.
To return to London King's Cross from Doncaster after his trip north on No. 60021 Colin boarded the locomotive of an afternoon train which started at Harrogate. It was No. D9005, one of the fleet of 21 Deltic locomotives which had displaced top-link steam locomotives like Wild Swan from the principal services on the East Coast Main Line. This may have been an unofficial trip because there's no sign of an accompanying Loco Inspector in the cab.
The crew were Driver F. Hopkinsand Fireman/Secondman G. Savage.
The train was 1E10, the 12.17pm from Harrogate to King's Cross (12.33pm from Bradford, 12.55pm from Leeds, 1.47pm from Doncaster).
From the British Railways (Eastern Region) Passenger Services Timetable, 10th September 1962 to 16th June 1963. For copies of this and other timetables see the Timetable World website.
Driver F. Hopkins, his right hand is on the power controller, his left hand on the brake.Fireman/Secondman G. Savage. Having left Doncaster in the sunshine it's now raining - typical showery weather for April!On departing from Peterborough, and about to pass beneath Crescent Bridge, we approach a northbound train. 1A30, is the 14:00 from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley, 'The Heart of Midlothian', hauled by another Deltic.Taken 7½ miles north of King's Cross immediately after leaving Barnet Tunnel (aka Oakleigh Park Tunnel). The distant signal ahead is at caution but there appears to be another beyond which is clear. The northbound train is a class 'C' fitted freight hauled by A3 No. 60061 'Pretty Polly'.
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