Lincolnshire & Yorkshire - April 2012 - Brian Garrett Photography

Lincolnshire & Yorkshire - April 2012

The Lincolnshire and Yorkshire ‘Road Trip’ was planned as part of a hasty replacement for a trip to America in 2012. Unfortunately we had to postpone this overseas trip, but replaced it with two trips in April to compensate for not being able to go abroad. From Taunton we planned to head North (via a stop off at Ashchurch (near Cheltenham) and Portway (in the Midlands) then heading on to Barnetby (in Lincolnshire).
At Barnetby we would spent two days in the area photographing the busy freight scenes on the mainline to and from Immingham. On Wednesday 4th April we then moved north east towards York where we would cover the various maze of freight lines connecting to Drax, Eggborough, and Ferrybridge power stations. On Friday 6th April we returned South (via Clay Cross near Chesterfield). In both locations coal is the major commodity being hauled by all of the train operating companies, such is the need to provide these large power stations with a constant source of fuel to burn. However there were also some other Freightliner, Steel and Aggregate flows which operate through these areas to other locations.

2nd April 2014

Conditions for the first day of the trip were favorable. With full sun forecast for the morning we made a stop at Ashchurch - (North of Cheltenham). Unfortunately not all of the booked freight appeared in the window we had planned to cover. A move of to Portway - (Elford Loop, near Tamworth) provided more traffic but an increase in cloud, as the deterioration of weather continued to head South over the country as we headed North. Merry Lees - (Coalville Branch near Leicester) was a last minute addition to our route, given the rare traction involved it was clear decision to head East to try and capture a photograph of the London Underground Tube Stock delivery. Arrival in Barnetby - (Lincolnshire) was late in the day, with drizzle setting in, which would dictate the conditions for the next few days.

First Great Western Class 153 No.153318 pulls away from a booked stop at Ashchurch Station heading for Westbury.

In good lighting, Cross Country powercar No.43384 leads 43285 South through Ashchurch wit the 1V46 06:32 York - Plymouth service.

Still showing signs of its former 'Midland Mainline' operation, XC Class 170 No.170101 passes Ashchurch with the 1V05 08:09 Nottingham - Cardiff service.

Running later than planned, DB Schenker Class 66 No.66142 finally passes Ashchurch with the 6M96 05:50 Margam - Corby steel at speed, having lost its booked path the train certainly wasn't hanging around!

Portway near Elford Loop located to the North of Tamworth provides some nice countryside scenes with easy access from the M42. 66221 is pictured passing at speed with the 4O53 08:17 Wakefield Europort - Southampton Eastern Docks liner.

Local Engineers movements during the week can provide an easy way to relocate locomotives, but we were not prepared for this combination. EWS liveried Class 66 No.66050 'EWS Energy' leads 66213 and DB Schenker liveried Class 60 No.60063 on the 6D44 11:09 Bescot - Toton engineers.

Having already photographed this service at Ashchurch in the morning, we didn't think we'd of overtaken it. 66142 continues North with the 6M96 05:50 Margam - Corby at Portway.

Having sat in Elford Loop for well over 2 hours, 66066 finally struggles to gain speed while hauling the 6M57 07:15 Lindsey - Kingsbury fuel.

EWS Class 60 No.60049 rumbles through Portway with the 6M82 12:43 Walsall - Tunstead in tow.

Passing the yellow rape seed fields at Portway, 66014 makes a rousing noise while hauling the heavily laden 6O01 10:17 Scunthorpe Trent Yard - Eastleigh Yard loaded CWR.

This shot certainly wasn't planned at the beginning of the day, but having found out that the 7X09 Metropolitain 'S' Stock move was operating, we made a dash for the Coalville branch. Having never had a need to photograph on the line, it was back told fashioned OS Maps to find a location to record this unique working. 20901 + 20905 + KBA VTG 85933 + S-Stock 21084 22084 23084 24084 24083 23083 22083 21083 + KBA VTG 85936 + 20142 + 20227 working 7X09 11:42 Old Dalby to Amersham

The scene at Barnetby upon arrival. DR77802 & DR77303 stand in the sidings adjacent to the station, as the weather slowly begins to get worse for the day ahead.

3rd April 2012

The 3rd April dawned with darkened skies and cold weather but patches of brightness were trying to burn through the the weak cloud at times. Knabbs Bridge - New Barnetby was our first location for the day, followed by Brockelsby where conditions worsened to heavy rain, New Barnetby (Footbridge) and finally a dash for cover at Barnetnby Station as conditions worsened for a wild night of weather ahead.

Freightliner Class 66 No.66595 descends from Knabbs Bridge to Barnetby with the loaded 6R33 08:14 Immingham - Eggborough coal.

66161 shows signs of a problem on its first appearance of the day hauling the regular Iron Ore diagrams between Scunthorpe Steelworks and Immingham Docks.

GBRf Class 66 No.66717 slowly approaches Barnetby with the loaded 6C09 08:45 Immingham - Eggborough coal.

Freightliner Heavy Haul's 66601 'The Hope Valley' passes Knabbs Bridge with the 4R12 05:15 West Burton to Immingham empty coal.

With a lengthy rake of empty TEA fuel wagons in tow, 66075 slogs up the bank from Barnetby with the 6E46 04:35 Kingsbury - Lindsey.

Former South West Trains Class 170's have now been seconded to Cleethorpes Services for Frist Trans Pennine Express. 170305 passes Knabbs Bridge with the 1B73 Cleethorpes - Manchester Airport service.

In a relative patch of brightness 66024 powers through Knabbs Bridge with the 4C72 09:32 from Scunthorpe - Immingham empty coal.

Another of the later batch of Freightliner Class 66/5's 66597 passes Knabbs Bridge with the 6Y13 09:43 loaded coal from Immingham - Ferrybridge.

Former Freightliner Heavy Haul (now operated by GBRF) Class 66 No.66740 passes Knabbs Bridge with the 4R13 06:00 Eggborough - Immingham.

First Trans Pennine Class 185 Units provide additional colour to the Barnetby scene. Here 185131 passes with the 1B75 10:26 Cleethorpes - Manchester Airport Service.

66161 shows signs of its recent smoking habbit on the side of the locomotive. Its seen here coasting down to Barnetby Station with the 6T23 09:52 Immingham - Santon loaded Iron Ore.

The amusingly labeled 6M00 but known locally as 6MOO passes Knabbs Bridge with 66011 in charge of the loaded 11:40 from Humber to Kingsbury.

EWS Class 66 No.66120 passes 66601 at Knabbs Bridge while hauling the 4C73 11:10 from Scunthorpe - Immingham.

Having loaded with coal at Immingham, Freightliner Class 66 No.66601 rolls slowly back through Knabbs Bridge with the 6R12 11:45 back to West Burton Power Station.

66059 passes Knabbs Bridge with the loaded 6T24 11:41 Immingham - Santon.

As heavy rain sets in GBRF operated 66740 exits past the impressive station building at Brocklesby hauling the 6C13 12:50 Immingham - Eggborough loaded coal.

Seen passing New Barnetby Freightliner Class 66/5 No.66548 rounds the bend with the 6R14 13:45 Immingham to Drax loaded coal

East Midlands Trains Class 153 No.153302 passes New Barnetby with the 2T38 13:39 from Grimbsy to Newark.

Another former Freightliner Heavy Haul locomotive, now operated by GBRF is 66738 seen passing New Barnetby with empty coal towards Immingham.

Returning from Rectory Junction 66066 passes New Barnetby with the 12:16 to Immingham.

First Trans Pennine Express Class 185 No.185134 passes New Barnetby with one of the regular services to Manchester Airport.

East Midlands Trains Class 153 No.153384 currently carries the colours of former operator Central Trains. It's seen at Barnetby working the 2T41 14:37 Lincon - Grimbsy service.

Matisa Tamping Machine DR75303 is seen being prepared for service at Barnetby.

EWS liveried Class 66 No.66120 returns with loaded coal for Scunthorpe Steelworks at Barnetby.

First Trans Pennine Express Class 170 No.170305 stands at Barnetby with the 1B78 12:55 Manchester Airport - Cleethorpes service.

66169 takes a run up through Barnetby with the empty 6E82 12:16 Rectory Junction - Immingham fuel tanks in tow.

In torrential rain GBRf Class 66 No.66719 powers towards Barnetby with the 4R18 14:48 Doncaster Decoy - Immingham empty coal.

66059 makes a slow approach to Barnetby to be looped while working the loaded 6T26 14:45 Immingham - Santon Iron Ore.

Freightliner Class 66 No.66561 makes a slow pass through Barnetby with the loaded 6R16 15:41 Immingham - Ferrybridge.

Returning from Grimbsy 153384 prepares to stop at Barnetby before continuing back to Lincoln.

Clearly developing further smoking issues, 66161's exhaust got worse for every climb of Barnetby Bank. It's seen here working the empty 6K25 15:14 from Santon to Immingham through Barnetby.

4th April 2012

After a wild night of wind and rain, the situation on the morning of the 4th April couldn't of been any worse. The weather forecast said rain should stop by mid day with a break in the weather coming towards early evening. The decision was taken to begin driving West towards our eventual location of York. Our first calling points were Hatfield and Stainforth station following by a couple of hours at Selby before moving on to Knottingley and Colton Junction. Selby came as a complete surprise, we only really went there to keep warm and have a cup of coffee. The restored station, Railway Cafe, Selby Abbey, and Swing Bridge provided a unique backdrop where we managed to record three booked freight trains.

In the pouring rain and freezing wind Northern Trains Class 144 No.144012 forms a Scunthorpe - Lincoln service at Hatfield and Stainforth station.

Having failed two days previously on the Lickey Incline, DB Schenker Class 60 was sent out on lighter duties on the 4th. 60074 passes Hatfield & Stainforth with the 6D79 08:34 Lindsey - Neville Hill fuel tanks.

Shortly after 60074 had passed through, 66192 was given the road to depart from the coal loading terminal at Hatfield & Stainforth. The 6B29 10:05 Hatfield - West Burton Power Station snakes its way onto the mainline in worsening conditions.

Class 170's No's. 170309 (formerly 170399) & 170303 are seen at Selby working the 1K08 09:42 Manchester Piccadilly to Hull service.

Passing through the delightful station at Selby 66085 hauls the 4D52 09:45 Drax - Hull through the station complex onto the swing bridge.

GBRF Class 66 No.66706 rolls slowly over the swing bridge into Selby Station with the 4L78 11:43 Selby - Felixstowe freightliner.

Not a normal sight at Selby Station, but Grand Central Class 180 'Adalante' 180101 is currently on hire to First Hull Trains. 180101 stands adjacent to Selby Abbey with a service train from Kings Cross to Hull.

Another booked freight for Selby Station was 66081 hauling the 6D78 11:32 Hull - Rylstone, Tilcons. It's seen passing over the swing bridge into the station with a lengthy rake in tow.

142088 stands at Knottingley waiting to depart with a service train to Leeds, while a Grand Central 'Adalante' passes through on route to Bradford.

Freshly painted Northern Trains 153317 arrives into Knottingley with 150273 ready to form a service to Leeds.

GBRf Class 66 No.66725 still carries First 'Barbie' livery. Having already photographed this loco the previous day in Barnetby we were unaware this loco would become our 'nemesis' for the trip. The 6N50 09:30 Maltby - Tyne Yard rounds the curve at Knottingley.

EWS Class 66 No.66176 arrives into Knottingley with the 6H45 10:14 Immingham - Drax for its booked pathing stop/ crew change, putting a stop to track survey work being carried out on the rear lines at Knottingley.

Freightliner Class 66 No.66545 rolls through Knottingley with the 4S15 13:06 Drax - Killoch empties.

GBRf operated 66739 passes Colton South Junction with the 4N92 13:41 Drax - Tyne Dock coal empties.

66610 brings a short rake of empty/ cripple wagons through Colton South Junction as the 4G01 15:25 Hunslett Yard - York Holgate sidings. The loco later returned light engine to Leeds Midland Road.

LMS 8F No.48151 powers away from York hauling the return leg of the 1Z26 16:48 York to Southport.

Attached to the rear of the 1Z26 16:48 York - Southport charter was 47580 which was providing train supply to the set.

As predicted by the forecasters the evening weather break began to arrive at the correct time. DB liveried Class 66 No.66101 passes the rape seed at Colton Junction hauling the 6D11 13:10 Lackenby - Scunthorpe steel.

A relatively new flow now operated by Direct Rail Services is the 4M51 16:10 Tees Dock to Ditton service. 66421 passes Colton Junction on route South.

After an hours break to check into a B&B the skies cleared completely. 66730 catches the evening glint at Colton South Junction hauling the 4B12 14:03 Cottam - Tyne Dock coal empties.

After years of Blue on the ECML, Silver is the new colour of the day. Under clearing skies DVT 82204 races South at Colton Junction with 91131 pushing the 1Y47 17:25 Newcastle - Kings Cross service.

Grand Central evening HST's are always nice to capture at Colton Junction. 43468 leads 43423 North with the 1N94 16:48 Kings Cross - Sunderland service.

As the weak sun sets further Grand Central HST set formed of 43465 & 43480 work the 1A96 17:31 from Sunderland to Kings Cross through Colton Junction.

I never would of imagined this shot would of been possible when we awoke the same day in wind, rail and freezing temperatures. Still with a cold wind blowing but clearing skies, DB 60091 rumbles through Colton Junction with the 6D43 14:41 Jarrow - Lindsey fuel empties.

5th April 2012

After an overnight stay in York, the weather couldn't of been any better waking up to cloudless skies and bright sunshine. The day was equally special because it was Maunday Thursday and The Queen was due to visit York using the Royal Train. Our Thursday saw us take in various photographic locations in the Colton Junction, Bolton Percy and Milford areas, making the most of the good weather.

Having loaded with more steel slab at Scunthorpe overnight, DB Schenker Class 66 No.66101 passes Colton Junction with the 6N31 07:40 Scunthorpe - Lackenby steel.

Class 91 No.91125 leads the 1N80 07:08 Kings Cross - York through Colton Junction.

GBRF Class 66/7 No.66732 passes Colton South Junction with the 6N07 06:40 Thorsby - Butterwell coal.

Grand Central HST set (with two First Class coaches) 43480+43465 work the 1N90 07:45 Kings Cross - Sunderland North through Colton Junction.

East Coast Class 91 No.91132 races North with a mixed Mk4 set while working the 1S07 08:00 Kings Cross - Edinburgh.

East Coast HST set 43290+43274 head South with the 1E05 07:30 Edinburgh - Kings Cross passing a Northbound coal at Colton Junction.

Standing in for a Grand Central HST set, Adalante 180112 races South at Colton Junction with a Sunderland to Kings Cross service.

It's not every day you get to photograh the Royal Train, let alone in good light with the latest Royal Loco. 67026 delivers The Queen and members of the Royal Family to York for the Maunday Thursday service at York Minster, seen passing Colton Junction.

Having delivered The Queen to York, traditional Royal loco 67006 leads the Royal Train back to Wolverton Works.

66739 heads for Drax with the loaded 6H93 08:43 from Tyne Dock at Colton Junction.

GBRf Class 66 No.66728 slowly brings the 4N97 Ferrybridge to Tyne Dock to a stop at Colton South Junction.

Northern Class 158 No.158815 passes Bolton Percy with a York - Preston service.

A very rare opertunity to capture a former Royal Train locomotive! NRM operated 47798 'Prince William' worked light engine from Carnforth to York, and is seen passing Bolton Percy. Note the marker light not working, and bird poo down the second mans window!

EWS liveried Class 66 No.66070 passes Bolton Percy with the 4N17 06:23 Cottam - North Blythe loaded coal.

Three car Northern Class 158 No.158758 passes Bolton Percy with a service from York.

as Railfreight Class 66 No. 66849 passes Bolton Percy with the 10:45 Wolsingham - Ratciffe loaded coal.

Freightliner Class 66 No.66545 passes slowly through Bolton Percy with the 4S15 Drax - Killoch empties.

142091 hops along at Gasgoine Wood having just departed from Selby.

185139 passes Gasgoine Wood on route to Hull from Manchester Airport.

158790 passes Gasgoine Wood having just departed from Selby.

East Cost 43315 leads 43296 South though Bridge 33 near Colton Junction working the 1Y88 16:01 York - Kings Cross.

82206 provides a full East Coast set, seen heading South at Bridge 33 near Colton Junction with the 1E18 14:00 from Edinburgh to Kings Cross.

With Eggborough Power Station in the background 91105 storms North at Colton Junction with 82205 trailing on the oposite end while working the 1S23 15:30 Kings Cross - Glasgow.

For the second night in a tow, DB Schenker Class 66 No.66101 passes Bridge 33 near Colton Junction working the 6D11 Lackenby - Scunthorpe steel empties.

DVT 82223 leads 91119 South at Colton Junction with the 1Y04 16:25 Newcastle - Kings Cross.

An unidentified Class 91 passes Colton Junction on the approach to York, In the distance Drax Power Station can be seen making clouds of its own.

Freightliner Class 66 No. 66540 'Ruby' heads South at Colton Junction with the 4Z79 15:40 Wilton - Felixstowe service.

Standing in for a Grand Central HST set Class 180 No. 180112 passes Colton Junction workignt he 1N96 16:48 Kings Cross - Sunderland.

A full East Coast set passes Colton Junction, with 82204 leading 91131 to Kings Cross.

Our second steam train of the week consisted of LMS Black 5 No.45407 and support coach 35508. The working was the 5Z26 Bury - Gromont.

Grand Central HST set 43423 and 43468 catch the last rays of sun at Colton Junction working the 1A69 17:31 Sunderland to Kings Cross.

6th April 2012

The 6th April was the final day of our week long tour of the North East. After a short period at Colton Junction we headed South to Clay Cross near Chesterfield before a final long drive back home.

Photographed the previous day Freightliner 66 No.66545 passes Colton Junction with the loaded 6E94 23:45 Killoch - Drax coal.

Not long after 66545, GBRF followed with 66741 working the 6E05 00:40 Hunterston - Ferrybridge loaded coal.

Still covering for a Grand Central HST set, Class 180 No.180112 speeds South at Colton Junction heading for Kings Cross.

66165 and 66198 double head the heavily laden 6M73 10:52 Doncaster Decoy - Toton engineers/ long welded rail train through Clay Cross.

EWS liveried Class 66 No.66093 powers South at Clay Corss with the 6Z22 11:48 Milford Sidings - Daw Mill.

222004 rounds the curves at Clay Cross working the 1C50 13:27 Sheffield - St Pancras

In a perfectly timed 'meet' 222001 races North with the 1F30 11:55 St Pancras to Sheffield, passing 158850 working the 1Y32 13:15 Nottingham - Leeds service.

East Midlands Trains Duo 158812 and 158785 pass Clay Cross working the 1L10 11:52 Liverpool - Norwich service.

We photographed it at Barnetby, Knottinghley, so Clay Cross was the final shot of the week. GBRF 66725 passes with the 6M81 Doncaster Decoy - Daw Mill empty box wagons.