North
Wales Coast Farewell
30th
December 2000
To those who have followed the performance
of the Class 37/4 locomotives on the North Wales Coast, the 30th
December 2000 must have seemed like the day that would never be,
with so many false sunsets it seemed that the growlers would last
forever. Sadly for us all that day did arrive and if there was
ever any doubt about the popularity of these machines the loading
on the last trains said it all. Indeed as 1D71 was preparing for
the final departure to North Wales an announcement was made on
the P.A. system which commenced with the words "Due to the
nature of this train...." and basically advised "ordinary"
passengers to detrain and cross to platform 9 where a Hippo would
be pleased to transport them to Chester. Surely there has to be
a marketing opportunity here for FNW or whoever. So, as these
beasts bid farewell to North Wales an uncertain future awaits
and although we may see the odd impromptu passenger appearance
by a 37 West of Crewe, it can never be the same again as their
successors progressively overcome their technological difficulties.
Whether we will ever forget the distinctive tickover in the station
confines or the aggressive yet intermittent roar as they took
off and slipped a little perhaps, only the passing of time will
tell. We all have photos and video footage but, as those of us
who witnessed the passing of steam well know, all the images and
specials in the world cannot ever replicate the service trains.
Shall I ever again witness the sight of a 37/4 trundling into
view by the Crewe Heritage Centre as it cautiously picked its
way through the tangle of lines and points to gain access to platform
12. Even this semi-derelict outpost of Crewe's heyday seemed to
befit the sombre temperament that the final operational Winter
brought. I rode the final Crewe - Birmingham - Holyhead - Crewe
trains which brings its own difficulty because if you ride 'em
you cannot photograph 'em. That the temperature at Crewe was minus
seven meant little with most sliding top lights being left open
for the whole journey and there was a discernible hush in the
packed coach as the locomotive was opened up from each stop. Yes
it's sentimental but if your blood is not stirred by the sound
of a 37 at full bore then I believe you have no soul. I am pleased
I was able to follow the progress of these machines albeit for
only a short period and I am grateful to Charlie Hulme for his
support and seemingly untiring efforts to keep us all informed
via his North
Wales Coast website.
Arrival (it's a "Prisoner"
thing!) and 37429 "Eisteddfod Genedlaethol" has
made it to the final day. Now looking the worse for wear and with
an uncertain future, this stalwart of the North Wales Coast is
the last member of the operational sub class to retain the "Regional
Railways" livery. Sadly the "RR" coaches were not
available to make up the full set but what the heck. This shot
shows the locomotive entering Crewe station with 1G96 the 7.49
from Holyhead already some 40 minutes down. Ambient temperature
minus seven Celsius.
A spirited run in blinding sunshine
but too much time had been lost and 1G96 was terminated at Wolverhampton.
This shot shows 429 reversing onto the train to form 1D71 for
Holyhead, the headboard was acquired at Crewe or Stafford because
it was on the loco when it arrived at Wolverhampton.
Unable to leave my seat for fear
of loosing it, I took no more no pictures until we reached Holyhead.
A quick sprint along the platform to beat the crowd but too late.
By now 429 had gained an "Irish Mail" headboard, the
sentiment was right but I'm not sure about the accuracy of such
an attachment. Still, it looked good and added to the sense of
occasion as did the anti "Hippo" poster that had appeared
in the windscreen of the loco.
The runround has become routine
yet interesting but now no more, an anachronism in this era of
the multiple unit.
429 carefully crossed over on
the creaking rails to head for the other end of its train and
the final charge along the coast.
What?
The western end of the Holyhead
platform narrows considerably which made it impossible to take
any clear shots, usually photographers respect each others space
but not today - survival of the fittest.
The only way was to lean out,
a dangerous practice at the best of times. There were two BTP
officers on board from Rhyl and I commend their handling of the
situation, there was no oppressive manner just a presence. They
could have been officious but were not and I feel we owe them
thanks for that.
The other way was to shoot from
where nobody else was standing but it was not so effective.
Just one with the two headboards
and the hand written question to which there is no answer just
hopeful anticipation.
The night soon closed in on the
occasion and arrival at Crewe was mayhem with the gloom of Crewe
station preventing any decent shots with my digital camera so
it is down to the PC to enhance as much as possible.
The crowd bayed for a last growl
but the number of people on the platform edge prevented such a
move and 429 took its bow in relative silence as it proceeded
to the carriage sidings for the final time. With over 9000 hours
on the clock, what chance survival?