Home»All my photos»2008 Railway Photographs»The Duke to Newcastle 2 February 2008

The first 2008 outing on the main line for BR 8P 4-6-2 No 71000 Duke of Gloucester was from Manchester Victoria to Newcastle. After overnight snow, she climbed steadily from the platform end up Miles Platting bank, attaining 30 mph by the junction. Her climb to Diggle was equally self-assured, followed by some high speed running on the approaches to York. After taking water, the running was even livelier on the East Coast main line, only marred by an 'operational incident' (rumoured to be a SPAD) on the outskirts of Newcastle. From that point we had to wait for a tow from EWS No 66048, and arrived an hour late. The return journey proceeded as if nothing had happened, with more 70+ mph running to York. After this the main excitement was over but a workmanlike climb to Standedge tunnel meant we were home almost on time. Thanks to all those responsible for an excellent day out.