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. |