CREWE - CHESTER -- BANGOR - HOLYHEAD  MONTHLY REPORTS OCTOBER 2011 - PAGE ONE

Crewe station and 66152 "Derek Holmes Railway Operator" in DBS livery passed through the station heading North. 01/10/2011

A more familiar livery is carried by 66232. 01/10/2011

I had arrived at Crewe to watch the departure of 46115 "Scots Guardsman" at the head of the Train of Hope en route for Carlisle. The train was brought South by 47500 with the Scot trailing at the rear. The diesel failed at Hartford and suffered the indignity of being pushed into Crewe by the steam locomotive. A hurried shot into the Sun resulted in a somewhat snatched shot with some serious reflection but, considering the occasion, I consider it worth displaying. 01/10/2011

Having seen this engine on countless occasions at Manchester, London Road (Piccadilly) during its service days, I was particularly anxious to see it again after its return to traffic. 01/10/2011

It didn't a disappoint - a truly magnificent sight. 01/10/2011

As per the 1960's, I was a train spotter again and all that was missing was the footbridge and Crewe North depot! 01/10/2011

57311 "PARKER" positioned itself at the end of platform 11 for the Saturday Pendolino "drag" to Holyhead. 01/10/2011

As the diesel approached its target there was smoke to be seen in the station and here's a clue.....

.........it was Castle class 5043 "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" that had been kept waiting outside the station while 46115 was topped up with water. The train was "The Ticket To Ride" running from Birmingham to Liverpool. 01/10/2011

Relatively small and out of its normal territory but certainly powerful. 01/10/2011

Bringing up the rear was a class 47 diesel. 01/10/2011

390002 "Virgin Angel" in tow. 01/10/2011