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NightRider 2001- The ultimate bash?
32 hours haulage! It almost seemed too good to be true. But, no, I had not misread the advert. And so I was hooked to the idea, and found myself on the 04.06 from Bangor to Euston, nursing a cup of tea wondering what I had let myself in for. Even this mundane train had produced a good start, with an RES 47 (789, I think) being the motive power. After changes at Crewe and Piccadilly (a 158 and a tram respectively) I found myself outside Bury Bolton Street, the home of the East Lancashire Railway, a full hour early! The opportunity was taken to wander over to the yard outside the Transport Museum and take some photos of D5705, the sole surviving MetroVick CoBo. This was a pleasant surprise, as I had thought she was in Matlock.
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The station had opened its doors by the time I was finished, and having bought my ticket I took the time for another much needed cup of tea. I was not much looking forward to the first train, as 50015 was rostered. However, word quickly spread that she would not start, and I was left wondering what the replacement would be. Eventually 33117 appeared in faded blue, and was coupled to the five Mark 1s forming the weekends train. In my book a 33 is far better than a 50, and so this was a good start to the weekend.
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On the return portion I stuck my head out the window at Ramsbottom, only to be greeted with the sight of black liveried class 24 no. D5054 on the supposedly steam hauled service. I quickly ran over the footbridge and ensconced myself in the comfort of the leading carriage. D5054 had her boiler going, and so I was lovely and warm. I stayed with this train for a full return trip (Ramsbottom- Rawtenstall-Bury- Ramsbottom), joining BR blue 'Peak' 45135 '3rd Carabinier' for the short run back to Bury. Staying with the same train, class 31/4 D5600 in her freshly applied green livery was enjoyed for a trip, leaving the train on the return through Ramsbottom. This was as D5054 was double heading with 'Hymeck' D7076- or so I thought. Leaving Ramsbottom I was greeted with the sight of the Hymeck sat in a siding, having been detached from our train.
D5054 gave a good run through to Rawtenstall, and I left the train back at Ramsbottom to join 'Warship' 832 'Onslaught'. The drivers gave some good thrash, and it was a full head-out-the-window job, enjoying that Maybach sound, for the out and back.
I took a break from the proceedings at Bury in order to get a meal, as D5054 was rostered again. I can't remember which service I took back, but I remember that D7076 was the power. The thrash was incredible, and my head stayed out the window all the way, in both directions. This run was probably the best of the weekend, and the driver receives my full compliments for the fantastic thrash given out! Nice one, whoever you are!
East Lancashire Railway
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