CREWE - CHESTER -- BANGOR - HOLYHEAD
 MONTHLY REPORTS
MAY 2005 - PAGE THREE		  

 Despite the stories of all Voyagers being withdrawn, at least one made it through to North Wales as can be seen here as an unidentified member of the class rounds the curve at Llanddulas heading towards Abergele & Pensarn in the background. The train was believed to be the 15.23 Llandudno-London. 30/5/2005

 A wider view of the Voyager shows the splendour of this coast with its backdrop of hills and mountains. In the foreground is the currently disused of the two loading piers at Llanddulas. Between the pier and the road can be seen the North Wales Coast cycle track which is a brilliant ride if you have the energy! 30/5/2005

 It was a busy moment in time on the coast line. Having seen a MkIII set, with top & tail 57's 57306 and 57309, pass Penmaenhead heading East and then, minutes later, the Voyager that shouldn't have been. Five minutes after that a returning Scarborough - Holyhead - Scarborough charter passed the site of Llysfaen station and is seen here about to pass under the A55. The locomotives were 47826 and 47851. 30/5/2005

 Fun weekend on the North Wales Coast and the various Bank Holiday events attracted the Red Arrows and a fly-past by a Dakota (C47?)......

 ....and a couple of WWII fighter aircraft, a Spitfire and a Hurricane, the former having the black & white stripes with the more pointed wings. Thanks to David Knowles for the clarification. 29/5/2005

 Class B1 number 61264 passing through Alsager en route for Crewe. 24/5/2005

 67016 at the same location with tanks in tow. 24/5/2005

Cheddleton shed yard on the Churnet Valley Railway and it is Diesel Gala Weekend. 33056(L) and 37211 stand on display for the event with both locomotives facing an uncertain future. 22/5/2005

 Recently restored class 47 number 47192/D1842 entering Cheddleton. 22/5/2005

 Cup Final day at Cardiff as Manchester United meet Arsenal to thrash it out once more. Also thrashing was 67028 as it headed through Sandbach en route for Crewe and Cardiff as the 07.53 from Manchester Piccadilly. 21/5/2005

 Bringing up the rear was 67027. 21/5/2005

 40 minutes later 67015 repeated the exercise as the 08.33 Manchester-Cardiff while 323234 left with a Crewe - Manchester service. 21/5/2005

 With 67020 on the rear. 21/5/2005

 I paid a visit to Crewe to have a look at "Duke of Gloucester" having a well earned rest. Pity about the coal pile but, even so, was there ever a better looking "modern" steam locomotive? 17/5/2005

 While admiring 71000 I heard the whine of a class 57 approaching which turned out to be 57307 "Lady Penelope" complete with pink nameplate! 17/5/2005

 92011 did a runner through the station while heading North. 17/5/2005

  I had been contemplating going to watch the evening Crewe-Holyhead Pendolino drag for some time and thought Lady P and the Californian skies of Crewe were too tempting to miss. Arrival at Crewe and 507 had been replaced by 508 "Tin Tin", engine running and crew in place ready for the changeover. Click the picture to go to the "Pendolino Drag" pages for the full story. 17/5/2005