Another half-hour break at Preston: this view shows all the three
liveries of the train to advantage.
North of Preston on the West Coast Main Line, the train was able to
show its paces. Even though two of the six diesel engines were reported
as out of action, the Class 101's maximum speed of 70 mph was reached
without difficulty. It's said that these speedometers no longer
gve a true reading above 70 .... Picture (taken in the centre unit) by Mark Watson.
A couple of interior views in 101 676 taken by Alex Roberts.
Above is car 51205,
below 51803. Note the
different shade of Formica panelling between the two sets.
The people standing up are preservationists who were raffling various
101 items, including one of the brass setp plates from the doorway -
not from these units!
Alex Roberts took this view as
the train curved on to the Morecambe branch in fading light.
The train ran into Morecambe station where a reversal was necessary, so
a quick picture was possible while the crew changed ends. Picture by Alex Roberts.
Martin Weeks took this picture
at
Morecambe station from the bridge just off the platform end, as the
train
left for Heysham.
At Heysham, the destiination blind of 685 came into play again....
... as it became the lead unit again for the run to Barrow via the
direct curve at Bare Lane. This is the scene as the train awaits
departure from Heysham Port. Any passenger venturing to the old
platform to the right had a long run back to catch the train!
The inside of 685's brake van reveals some affectionate additions by
train crews: painted out is the name 'Green Goddess' which was
often used in its days as a 3-car set on the Conwy Valley line.
Furthest point of the tour, Barrow-in-Furness station.
Worth a picture, for sure.
A last look at the familiar DMU control desk (Picture by Alex Roberts.) Left to right:
combined throttle and 'dead-man's handle', engine RPM gauge, horn
lever, speedometer, gear / reverse handle, coffee cup, brake
(with handle removed as usual when cab not in use.)
This was a most enjoyable day: Thanks
to all the people at First
North Western and Network Rail, who organised and worked the train,
to the catering staff, and to all those who contributed pictures to
these pages.
