CREWE
- CHESTER - BANGOR - HOLYHEAD
PROBLEMS FOR
37429?
January 11th 2001
After hauling the "last" Coastline
service train on 30th December 2000, 37429 "Eisteddfod
Genedlaethol" was sidelined for a "B" exam
prior to going back on the coastal passenger runs when required.
The first day out after the exam was a disaster when the loco
dumped several hundred gallons of fuel onto the track due to a
leak. Today it failed again, this time with brake problems, and
was seen being dragged Eastbound through Prestatyn by "Thunderbird"
locomotive 47705 "Guy Fawkes", later to appear
at Crewe. I met it at Crewe around 11.30, the following photographs
record the arrival in contrasting light.
47705 "Guy Fawkes"
entering the platform 12 loop with coaches 4902 (leading), 35453,
5029 and 5025. 37429 "Eisteddfod Genedlaethol"
is dead at the rear.
"Guy Fawkes"
pulled to the signal where it was stopped on a red
47705 looked good as it basked
in the sunlight waiting for green.
Somebody had been giving 429 a
wash during its "B" exam and it looked much more presentable
as a passenger machine, it is an attractive livery but does not
suit the GWR colours of the stock.
Another side shot, it is not often
that there is the opportunity to take full side shots of these
locomotives, particularly in bright sunlight, so I capitalised
on the situation.
This one looked so much like a
model.
A little over exposed perhaps
but it relates the scene.
47705 later returned to Chester
in light engine mode leaving 37429 at the carriage sidings with
the stock. Let's hope it is nothing serious.