East Coast Main Line (Kings Cross to Peterborough)
Kings Cross
The Class 180 Adelante units are five-car sets with each vehicle carrying a 750 horse power Cummins diesel engine, giving a colossal 3,750 horse power for a five car set. Coupled with a maximum speed of 125 mph, it is easy to see their attraction for main line operation. Set No. 180108 stands at Platform 8 at Kings Cross on June 9th 2017 with the 14.48 to Bradford Interchange. Photo: Alan Jones.
The wonderful roof of Lewis Cubitt's 1852 Kings Cross station is shown to good effect as Driving Van Trailer 82211 stands at the rear of the 09.03 departure to Leeds on July 16th 2018. At this time, LNER had just taken over the Inter City East Coast franchise from Virgin Trains East Coast (this happened on 24th June 2018) and the formation is still in Virgin Trains livery. Photo: Alan Jones.
Inter-City 125 sets first appeared on the East Coast Main Line in May 1978, with full deployment in May 1979. They operated through to the end of 2019, after which they were withdrawn for failing to meet the new 'passengers with reduced mobility' regulations. On June 9th 2017, Virgin Trains 43302 stands at Kings Cross with the 14.00 to Aberdeen. Photo: Alan Jones.
Class 91 No. 91113 works the 09.03 to Leeds on July 16th 2018 and still carries Virgin branding, whilst the locomotive on the adjacent platform has the new LNER logo judiciously applied to its bodyside. Photo: Alan Jones.
Hornsey-based Electrostar No. 387119 leads the 08.42 to Kings Lynn on July 16th 2018. Kings Lynn services were previously routed over the Great Eastern line from Liverpool Street, but were switched to the Great Northern line from Kings Cross after electrification from Royston through to Kings Lynn was completed in July 1992. Photo: Alan Jones.
The 09.00 departure to Edinburgh is worked by No. 91122 (left) and the 08.30 to Newcastle by No. 91104 (right) on July 16th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
The extent of the building work around Kings Cross station is quite staggering and gives the impression of being in a canyon. Driving Van Trailer 82223 is at the rear of the 08.30 departure to Newcastle on July 16th 2018 as the train drops down in to Gas Works Tunnel and under Regent's Canal. Photo: Alan Jones.
Before the introduction of the Azuma fleet, a number of hired-in locomotives could be seen on East Coast services. Although of great interest to the enthusiast, this must have created considerable operational challenges! EWS-liveried Class 90 No. 90020 'Collingwood' heads the 06.33 Kings Cross to Leeds at Platform 0 on May 21st 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.
Early morning light at Kings Cross affords a pleasant view of 91120 and 91111 'For the Fallen' after arrival at the terminus on May 21st 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.
A busy scene at Kings Cross on July 15th 2022 shows LNER Azuma sets 801105 and 801110 on the 16.33 to Bradford Forster Square, whilst in the centre 91124 departs with the 16.03 to Leeds and in the distance 91109 has arrived with the 13.15 from Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
Alexandra Palace
Driving Van Trailer 82208 is propelled through Alexandra Palace by 91110 on 23rd August 2023 whilst working the 12.02 York to Kings Cross. This working begins the day as the 06.05 Leeds to Kings Cross, then forms the 09.06 to York, 12.02 return (as here). The stock then runs empty to Bounds Green for servicing at 14.36 from Kings Cross, leaving the depot at 18.09 to form the 19.03 to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
Grand Central Class 180 No. 180102 (built in 2000 by Alstom in Birmingham) passes through Alexandra Palace on 23rd August 2023 with the 14.27 Kings Cross to Sunderland. Photo: Alan Jones.
Lumo is an Open Access Operator owned by First Group and began running services between London and Edinburgh on 21st October 2021 using Hitachi Class 803 units based at Edinburgh Craigentinny. In attractive pale blue livery, 803002 passes through Alexandra Palace on 23rd August with the 09.24 Edinburgh-Kings Cross, which called at Morpeth and Newcastle only. Photo: Alan Jones.
The ten Doncaster Carr-based Class 800/2 LNER units tend to be used for the less-demanding services, such as London to Lincoln, York slows and Middlesbrough. Set No. 800203 is seen passing through Alexandra Palace on 23rd August 2023 with the 15.27 Kings Cross to Middlesbrough. The stopping pattern for this service is a little unusual, being non-stop to York then Thornaby and Middlesbrough. Photo; Alan Jones.
The name 'Durham Cathedral' was originally carried by 91002, but was given to 91114 on September 29th 2015 when it was officially named at Durham Station by the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham Cathedral. Looking absolutely splendid in LNER's Inter-City 225 livery, 91114 heads the 15.03 Kings Cross to Leeds through Alexandra Palace on 23rd August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
The East Coast Main Line through Alexandra Palace is very busy and multiple workings can often be seen passing through the station. Here, newly-introduced Desiro City Class 717 unit 717014 stops with the 13.22 Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City service whilst Grand Central Class 180 No. 180102 heads South with the 11.20 Wakefield Kirkgate to Kings Cross on 3rd August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
The journey from Kings Cross to Leeds takes around two-and-a-quarter hours, and with a half-hour turnaround at Leeds, a departure from Kings Cross can be seen again around five hours later. 91109 and 82214 left Kings Cross on the 10.33 to Leeds and are seen passing through Alexandra Palace at 15.22 on the return 13.15 Leeds to Kings Cross on 23rd August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
Class 91 No. 91110 'Battle of Britain Memorial Flight' is a magnificently turned-out engine and a very fitting tribute to the flight, which is based at RAF Coningsby. She is seen heading through Alexandra Palace on 23rd August 2023 with the 12.02 York to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
After arrival at Kings Cross with the 12.02 from York, the formation runs Empty Stock to Bounds Green depot via Platform 4 at Alexandra Palace and the flyover to Bowes Park. 91110 'Battle of Britain Memorial Flight' is seen passing through the station on August 23rd 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
Having arrived at Kings Cross on the 12.02 from York, 82208 and 91110 take the flyover at Alexandra Palace to access Bounds Green Depot via the Bowes Park reversing spur with the 14.36 ECS from Kings Cross. After servicing, the stock will depart at 18.09 to work the 19.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
Hadley Wood
The LNER Azuma livery looks very attractive in the sun, although it can cause the photographer problems when the very bright white on the curved ends of the nose saturates a digital camera's focal plane array. Class 801/1 units 801110 and 801109 make up a ten car formation passing through Hadley Wood with the 16.33 Kings Cross to Bradford Forster Square on August 23rd 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
On August 23rd 2023, Class 717 unit No. 717013 missed out its stop at Hadley Wood on the 16.02 Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City and ran non-stop from New Barnet to Potters Bar. The unit is seen heading into Hadley North Tunnel on the Down Fast line. Photo: Alan Jones.
The light-and-shade at the North end of Hadley South Tunnel make for a very dramatic photograph. Heading North at its maximum of 100 mph, class 700 Desiro City unit No. 700150 forms the 14.25 Horsham to Peterborough on August 23rd 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
Grand Central class 180 unit No. 180105 passed Hadley Wood on August 23rd 2023 with the 16.48 Kings Cross to Sunderland. Some mixed numbering is now starting to appear in Grand Central's class 180 formations, for example one of 180105's Driving Motor Standard Lavatory (DMSL) vehicles, 59901, comes from set 180101. Photo: Alan Jones.
Hadley Wood station is a delightful place to spend an afternoon. The inner platform is not in regular use and passengers are limited to the outer two platforms. Nonetheless, the Down platform affords the very pleasing classic Hadley Wood view, in this case with 91109 and 82214 on the 17.03 Kings Cross to Leeds on 23rd August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
If the photographer is quick, a second shot of the train can be taken as it enters Hadley Wood North Tunnel. Photo: Alan Jones.
Welwyn Garden City
The 31 members of the class 91 fleet were built between 1988 and 1991 by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Crewe, as sub-contractors to the General Electric Company (GEC). 91026 was delivered new to Willesden on 9th November 1990 and subsequently to Bounds Green on 15th November 1990, finally entering service in March 1991. As with all the Class 91s, it was renumbered in the 911XX series on refurbishment in the early 2000s. It was withdrawn in 2021, being taken from Doncaster to Sims Metals in Newport on 10th May (see St Neots pictures). Here the locomotive passes Welwyn Garden City on October 23rd 2018, working the 14.33 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
Class 313s worked the inner suburban services from Hertford and Welwyn Garden City to Moorgate and Kings Cross from their introduction in 1976 through to 30th September 2019. By any standard, they were very successful and a great credit to BR engineering. Unit 313053 has arrived at Welwyn Garden City on October 23rd 2018 with the 13.50 from Moorgate and prepares to return South. Photo: Alan Jones.
Great Northern set 387120 leads the 17.39 Kings Cross to Kings Lynn through Welwyn Garden City on August 23rd 2023. Demolition of the Shredded Wheat factory area is at an advanced stage, as can be seen by comparing the background of this photograph with earlier images. Photo: Alan Jones.
On October 23rd 2018, Driving Van Trailer No. 82228 with 91111 at the rear head through Welwyn Garden City on the 11.29 Newcastle to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
The twelve car class 700/1 Desiro City units tend to work the longer distance Thameslink services between Bedford, Peterborough, Cambridge and Horsham/Brighton, whilst the eight car class 700/0 units work the shorter services. On August 23rd 2023, set No. 700121 passes through Welwyn Garden City with the 16.14 Brighton to Cambridge. Photo: Alan Jones.
The advantage offered by the Class 800/1 bi-mode units is that non-electrified locations can now be served by through trains from the electrified network with, effectively, no additional overhead. One such location is Harrogate where Unit No. 800107 is destined with the 17.33 departure from Kings Cross, seen passing Welwyn Garden City on 23rd August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
Stevenage
Stevenage station has little to commend it architecturally, and may well be described as 'of its time'. Class 91 No. 91130 pauses briefly on Thursday 27th March 2024 as it draws in with the 08.33 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
Neville Hill depot maintains eight rakes of Mk4 stock for the Leeds-Kings Cross services, along with two spare Driving Van Trailers. The formations are alike and comprise DVT-FO-FO-FO-RSB-TSOD-TSO-TSO-TSO-TSOE-Locomotive. Set NL12 with 91130 at the front makes haste as it departs Stevenage on March 27th 2024 with the 08.33 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
Hitchin
The green signal visible under the canopy on Platform 2 controls access to four routes: over the newly-built flyover to the Cambridge Line (left feather), straight ahead on the Down Slow (no feather), Down Slow to Down Fast (feather as shown) and across all the pointwork to the Cambridge line (feather horizontal right). Bi-Mode No. 801103 passes South on August 24th 2023 with the 11.36 Harrogate to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
Closing at high speed, 91105 propels the 12.45 Leeds to Kings Cross through Hitchin station on August 24th 2023 as eight car Class 700 unit No. 700029 heads for the flyover and the Cambridge line with the 14.12 Kings Cross to Ely. Photo: Alan Jones.
Flagship locomotive No. 91101 'Flying Scotsman' passes South through Hitchin station on 24th August 2023 with the 13.15 Leeds to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
A waiting passenger at Hitchin is more interested in his mobile phone than the passage of 91109 without tail lights on the 06.55 Skipton to Kings Cross on 16th May 2019. Photo: Alan jones.
Arlesey
Catching the afternoon Autumn sunlight at Arlesey on October 23rd 2018, LNER Class 91 No. 91116 heads North with the 16.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
2014 marked the centenary of Craigentinny depot in Edinburgh and it was fitting to celebrate this with branding on one of the HST power cars based there - and which better power car than 43300, or formerly 43100? Heading South through Arlesey on October 23rd 2018, the celebrity is seen with 43310 on the 09.52 Aberdeen-Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
The low Autumn sun gives a golden glow to EWS-liveried Class 90 No. 90039 as it heads through Arlesey station on October 23rd 2018 with the 16.06 Kings Cross to Newark Northgate. Photo: Alan Jones.
The architecture of the A507 bridge over the East Coast Main Line at Arlesey is unlikely to win any prizes for aesthetics. Thameslink 12-car Class 700/1 Desiro City unit No. 700146 passes beneath with the 17.54 Peterborough to Horsham on 23rd August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
In characteristic Neville Hill immaculate form, Class 91 No. 91110 'Battle of Britain Memorial Flight' storms through Arlesey on August 12th 2022 with the 16.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
Hull Trains' 802301 heads along the Down Fast line with the 15.48 Kings Cross to Beverley on August 12th 2022. This train will reverse at Hull Paragon for the final stage of its journey to Beverley. Photo: Alan Jones.
Arlesey station was closed in 1959 but re-opened by Network South-East on 3rd October 1988. Its open aspect to the West affords some excellent evening views, as here with Class 91 No. 91105 working the 16.45 Leeds to Kings Cross on 23rd August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
The 'S' bend at Arlesey station offers some attractive views of trains coming through the station. On August 12th 2022, LNER Azuma No. 801110 heads South with the 14.03 York to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
To the North of Arlesey is the village of Langford, which never had a station. East Midlands Trains HST power cars 43061 and 43075 have been called in to power an LNER HST formation and are seen working the 07.00 Hull to Kings Cross past Langford on May 15th 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.
More traditional motive power is seen at Langford in the form of 82222 and 91131 working 1Y14, the 06.00 Berwick-on-Tweed to Kings Cross. This working ran empty stock as 3Y14, 04.30 Heaton to Berwick, arriving at 05.41, returning South as 1Y14 at 06.00. Photo: Alan Jones.
Biggleswade
One of the less-demanding services in the 2018 timetable was the terminating service from Kings Cross to Newark Northgate. On their way back to London, LNER HST power cars 43319 and 43315 work the 13.54 from Newark to Kings Cross on October 25th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
Hull Trains' Class 180 No. 180111 heads South through Biggleswade on October 25th 2018 with the 12.33 Hull to Kings Cross. All through trains between Hull and Kings Cross now travel via Selby, leaving the town of Goole without direct services to London. Photo: Alan Jones.
Passing through Biggleswade station at high speed on October 25th 2018, Driving Van Trailer 82227 and Class 91 No. 91104 work the 12.25 Newcastle to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
HST power car 43311 leads the 14.00 Kings Cross to Aberdeen through Biggleswade on October 25th 2018 as DB Class 66 No. 66194 collects empties from the Plasmor siding with 4E25, the 11.25 Bow to Heck. Photo: Alan Jones.
Back-lit by the early afternoon sun, Class 91 No. 91106 powers through Biggleswade on October 25th 2018 with the 14.33 Kings Cross to Leeds. To the right is the Plasmor siding, through which the breeze blocks of many of the thousands of homes being built across the Home Counties have been delivered. Photo: Alan Jones.
Although over thirty years of service have provided an irrefutable body of evidence to support it, being propelled at 125 miles per hour with the locomotive at the rear to some people still feels a little uncomfortable. Notwithstanding, 82202 receives all the propulsion it needs from 91110 on the 13.15 Leeds to Kings Cross at Biggleswade on October 25th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
For a few months in 2019 the daily train of Plasmor blocks from Heck to Biggleswade and Bow ran top and tailed from Peterborough to Welwyn Garden City, then back to Biggleswade and finally on to Bow. 6L69, the 04.35 departure from Peterborough is seen in the sidings at Biggleswade shortly after arriving from Welwyn GC with 66149 at the South end and 66098 at the North. Photo: Alan Jones.
The early morning Liner train from London Gateway has been a regular working on the East Coast Main Line for a number of years, operating to various terminals including Masborough (Rotherham) and currently to Wakefield Europort. GB Railfreight Class 66 No. 66773 heads 4E00, the 04.45 London Gateway to Masborough through Biggleswade on May15th 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.
Passing under the A1 'Great North Road', LNER Class 91 No. 91128 works the 08.03 Kings Cross to Leeds through Biggleswade on May15th 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.
Sandy
Class 90 No. 90018 looks very smart in the new DB Schenker livery, passing through Sandy on September 29th 2018 on the 16.33 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
LNER Class 91 No. 91103 heads the 16.00 Kings Cross to Newcastle through Sandy on September 29th 2018. The former Cambridge-Bedford line came in on the left and ran through now-demolished platforms behind the current Up platform before crossing over the main line to head West to Bedford. Photo: Alan Jones.
The new order on the East Coast Main Line. First-of-class LNER Azuma No. 800101 sweeps through Sandy on August 11th 2022 with the 09.52 Aberdeen-Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
Grand Central Class 180 Adelante unit No. 180104 works 5N94, 12.00 empty stock from Crofton depot to Kings Cross prior to heading up to Sunderland on August 11th 2022. Photo: Alan Jones.
Following introduction of LNER's Azuma stock, the number of active Class 91s on LNER was reduced to 12 and all were repainted in the very stylish LNER Inter-City 225 livery which is an adaptation of BR's Inter-City sector livery from the late 80s/early 90s. Looking very smart with its new corporate identify, Class 91 No. 91105 cuts a dash as it heads through Sandy on August 11th 2022 with the 16.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
Prior to the opening of the connection from the Thameslink route to the Great Northern Main Line at Belle Isle, stopping trains to and from Peterborough were worked by Great Northern into Kings Cross. Set number 365508 is at the rear of the 16.24 Peterborough to Kings Cross as it pulls away from Sandy on September 29th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
Grand Central's black and orange livery looks very attractive in the afternoon sunshine as Class 180 No. 180106 works the 16.27 Kings Cross to Bradford Interchange through Sandy on September 29th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
The shadows are beginning to lengthen at Sandy on September 29th 2018 as 43319 and 43299 work 'The Highland Chieftain' South to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
Motive power shortages on the East Coast produced some interesting substitutions prior to the introduction of Azumas. Needless to say, these substitutions tended to be on the lesser workings, as seen here with EWS liveried Class 90 No. 90039 passing through Sandy with the 12.06 Kings Cross to Newark Northgate. Photo: Alan Jones.
Sandy station is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon, although the lack of toilet facilities can be problematic! 91115 'Blaydon Races' races through the centre roads with the 14.35 Kings Cross to Leeds on September 29th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
Good timing is needed on the part of the photographer to position high speed trains in exactly the right part of the frame. By luck or good judgement, 43367 is captured in just the right position as it races through Sandy on September 29th 2018 with the 09.42 Edinburgh-Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
91109 is one of the lucky dozen Class 91s to remain in service with LNER post introduction of the Azuma fleet. Prior to receiving its Inter-City 225 livery, and still displaying its stick-on LNER logo covering up the former Virgin logo, the locomotive heads North through Sandy on August 11th 2022 with the 17.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Alan Jones.
Driving Van Trailer No. 82224 leads the 12.25 Newcastle to Kings Cross through Sandy on September 29th 2018. The 43.5 tonnes of this vehicle will be helpful when being propelled at high speed. Photo: Alan Jones.
Half an hour in to its four hour and nineteen minute journey from Kings Cross to Edinburgh, LNER Class 91 No. 91131 is in fine form as it powers through Sandy with the 16.00 (SO) Kings Cross to Edinburgh on July 28th 2018. On Mondays to Fridays, this service went through to Aberdeen and was worked by an HST. Photo: Alan Jones.
Still with Virgin branding on the side, 1988 Metro-Cammell built Driving Van Trailer No. 82226 leads 91112 on the 14.45 Leeds to Kings Cross, approaching Sandy on July 28th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
On hire from East Midlands Trains, HST power cars 43075 and 43047 are coupled to LNER HST carriages and form the 13.45 Leeds to Kings Cross, approaching Sandy on July 28th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
'The Highland Chieftain' left Inverness at 07.55, passing Sandy at 15.18 and arriving in Kings Cross at 15.47. HST power cars 43320 and 43310 pass Sandy Solar Farm (to the right) on July 28th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
To the North of Sandy, an unidentified Hull Trains Class 180 powers along the Down Fast line with the 14.48 Kings Cross to Hull on July 28th 2018. Photo: Alan Jones.
St Neots
On a bright and sunny 24th February 2024, LNER Class 91 No. 91130 powers through St Neots with the 10.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. The Class 91s days are numbered, but notwithstanding this they continue to provide a key role in LNER's East Coast Main Line services. Photo: Michael Smyth.
LNER operate two classes of 5-car Azuma units - the twelve Class 801/1 sets which were built between 2016 and 2019, and the ten class 800/2 units, built between 2018 and 2019. First-of-class in the second batch, 800201, is seen passing through St Neots on February 24th 2024 with the 10.06 Kings Cross to Lincoln Central. Photo: Michael Smyth.
St Neots is well-known in modelling circles for its Model Railway Club and the extremely high standard of their work. Everything is full-size in this image, however, as one of Hull Trains' five class 802/3 units, No. 802301, speeds North on the Down Fast line with 09.48 Kings Cross to Hull on 23rd August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
Two of Hull Trains' five-car Class 802/3 units, 802303 'Land of Green Ginger' and 802304 'William Wilberforce' (not to be confused with DC Rail Freight's 60046 of the same name) head South through St Neots station on Saturday 24th February 2024 with the 07.53 Beverley to Kings Cross. 'Land of Green Ginger' is the name of a street in the old town area of Hull and continues the LNER's tradition of slightly unusual locomotive names. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Huntingdon
South of Huntingdon, the East Coast Main Line crosses the flood plain of the River Great Ouse and the course of the former Midland line to Kettering. Heading towards London in the late afternoon of 21st September 2019, the 12.00 Inverness-Kings Cross 'Highland Chieftain' passes this pastoral setting. Photo: Alan Jones
5-car Class 800/2 LNER Azuma No. 800204 substitutes for the usual 9-car formation on August 11th 2022 as it heads North through Huntingdon on the 18.03 Kings Cross to Skipton. Photo: Alan Jones.
Spring greens are very much in evidence on the trees at Huntingdon station as Class 91 No. 91102 sweeps through the station with the 08.00 Kings Cross to Edinburgh on May 16th 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.
The lift towers attached to the footbridge at Huntingdon station are clad in brick with inset false arches, echoing an early Great Northern Railway style, most notably still seen at Kings Cross. Passing by these and waiting Southbound passengers, Lumo Class 803 No. 803005 works 1S93, the 10.25 Kings Cross to Edinburgh whose first stop will be Newcastle in two hours and fifty minutes. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Grand Central currently operate ten Class 180 units the last of which, the oddly-named 180114 'Kirkgate Calling', is seen passing Huntingdon on February 24th 2024 with the 07.58 Bradford Interchange to Kings Cross. Grand Central's units are now the only diesel traction found at Kings Cross. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Following withdrawal of all the Class 365 units, the 12-car Desiro City units are now the mainstay of all local services South of Peterborough, supplemented by Class 387 Electrostar units on the three peak services. On Saturday 24th February 2024, 700130 pulls out of Huntingdon on the final leg of its two-and-three-quarter hour run with the 08.55 Horsham to Peterborough. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Class 91 No. 91124 was named 'Reverend W. Awdry' from October 1995 to February 2009, after the famous author of the children's railway books. Bereft of its nameplates, the locomotive is seen propelling the 16.45 Leeds to Kings Cross very quickly through Huntingdon on a beautifully sunny 11th August 2022. Photo: Alan Jones.
The ground signal to the right of the Down Slow at Huntingdon station marks the Limit of Shunt for movements South on the line. Class 91 No. 91108 catches the afternoon sunlight on October 25th 2018 as it races through the station with the 15.30 Kings Cross to Glasgow Central. Photo: Alan Jones.
The depth of the grey metal girder visible between the station footbridge and the underneath of the A14 viaduct gives an indication of the extent of the strengthening required on the structure, and of the need for a by-pass to be built. Under a darkening sky, 82208 and 91131 pass through Huntingdon on October 25th 2018 with the 14.45 Leeds to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
LNER's recent naming of 91127 'Neville Hill' is a very fitting tribute to the depot staff whose day-to-day work sets a benchmark in railway operations. The immaculately turned-out locomotive heads South through Huntingdon on August 31st 2023 with the 06.56 Skipton to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
Schoolchildren wait on Platform 3 at Huntingdon station on Thursday March 27th 2024 as Neville Hill set 16 led by Driving Van Trailer 82222 with 91119 at the rear sweep through on the Up Fast at 07.53 with 1A04 06.05 Leeds to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
LNER's Class 91 No. 91111 'For the Fallen' is a magnificent memorial to all who lost their lives in war and a worthy modern day equivalent to the Great Central Railway's Class 9P No. 1165 'Valour' (LNER Class B3 No. 1496). On a dull 31st August 2023, 'For the Fallen' arcs with the overhead wire as it rushes through Huntingdon with the 09.06 Kings Cross to York. Photo: Alan Jones.
There is some uncertainty over how much longer the Class 91s will remain in service with LNER. Notwithstanding, 91114 'Durham Cathedral' makes a fine sight as it catches the light to the North of Huntingdon on November 23rd 2023 with the 09.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Michael Smyth.
The sight, the sound and the smell of a Deltic at work have meaning only through personal experience. Something of that experience can be gained from this marvellous view of Deltic D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' as it powers out of Huntingdon on November 23rd 2023 with Steam Dreams' 1Z46 08.44 Kings Cross to Edinburgh, which it handed over to 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' at York. Photo: Michael Smyth.
After a couple of hours in Kings Cross, 'The Capital Deltic Reprise' headed North as 1Z22, the 16.08 departure to Cleethorpes via Newark and Lincoln. The train took the Slow Line from Hitchin, then crossed over to the Fast Line at Huntingdon, after which the driver of 55009 opened up the throttle to bless the locals with a beautiful sound they will have sorely missed over the past forty years. Photo: Alan Jones.
Just North of Huntingdon station the East Coast Main Line goes from three tracks to four as the Up Slow leaves the Up Fast. Approaching this point, with Huntingdon station in the distance, LNER Azuma No. 801214 works the 17.14 Leeds to Kings Cross on 30th July 2020. Photo: Alan Jones.
Abbots Ripton, Holme and Ramsey
Black and White photography lends itself to mist and steam! On the morning of 24th February 2024, LMS Black 5 No. 44871 works the Railway Touring Company's 1Z17, 07.38 Kings Cross to York 'The White Rose' along the Down Slow at Abbot's Ripton. Although not a steep climb from Huntingdon, the three miles of 1:200 will have required a certain amount of effort from the locomotive, as captured beautifully in this image. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Hurtling along the Down Main at Abbots Ripton, an unidentified Class 91 works the 08.33 Kings Cross to Leeds on February 24th 2024. Photo: Michael Smyth.
On Saturday August 19th 2023, UK Railtours ran 'The Coronation Deltic', 1Z55 07.52 Kings Cross to Scarborough and return behind 55009 in the guise of 55008 'The Green Howards'. Seen here in splendid form, the Deltic has just topped the summit at Abbots Ripton and is roaring at high speed down towards Conington. Photo: Michael Smyth.
On April 21st 2023, Freightliner Class 66 No. 66528 makes steady progress on the Down Fast line at Abbots Ripton with the 4E24 Freightliner service from London Gateway to Leeds Freightliner Terminal. Photo: Michael Smyth.
On Friday 21st April 2023, Deltic D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' hauled the Intercity railtour from Kings Cross to Edinburgh and is seen passing Abbots Ripton on the Down slow line. It was held at Conington for 4E24 (London Gateway to Leeds Freightliner) to overtake, reaching Newcastle 97 minutes late but recovering some time to reach Edinburgh 66 minutes late. Notwithstanding, it made a fine sight and made for a wonderful day out. Photo: Michael Smyth.
On a dull and wet 17th November 2022, LNER A4 No. 4498 'Sir Nigel Gresley' stirs the blood as it powers over Abbot's Ripton summit with 1Z61, the 08.00 Kings Cross to York via the Joint Line. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Great Northern and LNER purists would hold their heads in despair at the sight of a Stanier Pacific heading along their main line! Nonetheless, 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' makes a fine sight as it heads The Railway Touring Company's 'The Great Britain XIV' tour from Kings Cross to York via the Joint Line on April 22nd 2022. Photo: Michael Smyth.
LNER Thompson Class B1 61306 'Mayflower' tops the summit at Abbots Ripton with 1Z46, the 09.35 Ealing Broadway to Lincoln 'London to Lincoln Christmas Market' special on 5th December 2021, as a different LNER working heads South. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Click on the image of 3409 below to see the Ramsey North Branch.
Peterborough
A side-view of the detail of the decoration on LNER Class 91 No. 91111 'For the Fallen', seen at Peterborough on March 8th 2024 whilst working the 14.03 Kings Cross to Leeds.. The lettering 'More Victoria Crosses were awarded in the Great War than in any other conflict' is sobering. Photo: Tony Field.
LNER Class 91 No. 91111 'For The Fallen' never fails to draw attention every time is stops at a station - and it is not difficult to see why. The stunning depiction of poppies in a battlefield setting, barbed wire and the shadowy outline of soldiers with their heads slightly lowered is extremely moving. On March 8th 2024, the afternoon Winter sun picks out all these details as 91111 stops at Peterborough with 1D17, the 14.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. Photo: Tony Field.
Double-headed freightliner trains are comparatively rare in the UK, so Freightliner Class 66s Nos. 66953 and 66418 make an unusual sight as they pass through Peterborough's Platform 4 on March 8th 2024 with 4E24, the 10.29 London Gateway to Leeds. After Peterborough this working takes the Joint Line to Doncaster then the Leeds line to Hare Park Junction where it diverges to Calder Bridge Junction and round the tight curve to Turners Lane Junction for a run along the Midland line to Stourton. Photo: Tony Field.
GB Railfreight's Class 66 No. 66715 has been very tastefully named 'Valour' in the style of ex-Great Central Railway 9P, or Lord Faringdon Class No. 1165 (LNER Class B3, No. 1496). The original nameplate was in memory of GCR employees who gave their lives in the First World War, whereas the GB Railfreight nameplate is for all railway employees in all conflicts. 66713 was photographed at Peterborough on March 8th 2024 working 4M29, the 10.28 Felixstowe North to Birch Coppice. Photo: Tony Field.
On Friday 8th March 2024, DB Class 66 No. 66125 passes slowly through Peterborough's Platform 4 with 4E25, the 11.24 Bow to Heck Plasmor breezeblock empties. Platform 4 at Peterborough dates from the re-modelling of the station in 1972 and is the main platform for Northbound departures, with adjacent Platform 5 providing additional capacity when required. Photo: Tony Field.
Grand Central Railway currently operate two five-car Class 221 units, in addition to the ten class 180 units. Set No. 221142 is seen entering Peterborough on March 8th 2024, and taking the loop through platform 1 and 2, with the 14.50 Bradford Interchange to Kings Cross. On Platform 4, GB Railfreight's Class 66 No. 66731 'Captain Tom Moore' waits for the road towards Werrington Junction and the Joint Line with 4E39, the 12.42 Tilbury to Wakefield Europort. Photo: Tony Field.
Racing through Peterborough's Fast Lines at 115 mph on March 8th 2024, one of LNER's five-car Azuma sets, No. 800202 forms the 13.33 Kings Cross to Leeds. It is unusual to see just a single five-car set on a Kings Cross to Leeds train. Whilst five-car Azuma sets are common on Leeds trains, they are usually the Class 801/1 variant in pairs to make a ten-car formation. Photo: Tony Field.
Although unlikely to set the pulse racing, track maintenance vehicles do have an important role to play in keeping the railway moving. On Friday March 8th 2024, Swietelsky-Babcock operated Plasser and Theurer track tamper No. DR73113 works 6U19, the 09.42 Doncaster Civil Engineers Sidings to Huntingdon Down sidings through Peterborough station. Photo: Tony Field.
After the widespread introduction of Azumas on the East Coast Main Line, but before the remaining Class 91s settled down to their pattern of 'Southbound in the morning' workings, Class 91 No. 91130 runs in to Peterborough's platform 4 with the 06.33 Kings Cross to Leeds on June 14th 2021. Photo: Alan Jones.
Pausing briefly at Peterborough on the 21st February 2023, Inter-City 225 liveried Class 91 No. 91109 is at the rear of the 17.45 Leeds to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
The scene at Peterborough East bears no relation to what was once there with the former station, extensive sidings and junction of the lines to Northampton, Rugby and up to the East Coast Main Line. On Saturday 10th February 2024, Leicester-based GB Railfreight Class 56 No. 56098 approaches the curve to take it up to Peterborough station with 6M89, the 09.01 (SO) Middleton Towers to Ravenhead Sidings. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Peterborough's Signal 449 looks very much of its day and will become a thing of the past when the new cab-based signalling system reaches the station. On a hot May 15th 2019, Grand Central's 180105 runs non-stop through Platform 3 with the 10.22 Bradford Interchange to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
Although Peterborough station has little to commend it architecturally, Crescent Bridge to the South of the station is the exception. Hurtling beneath it, 91113 makes a fine sight as it heads North with the 14.33 Kings Cross to Leeds on May 15th 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.
Class 90 and HST spot-hires were a common feature on the East Coast Main Line before the Azumas were introduced. EWS Class 90 No. 90039 is such an example and is seen arriving at Platform 4 with the 14.06 Kings Cross to Newark on May 15th 2019. The spot-hires tended to work the lesser services as in this case. Photo: Alan Jones.
Driver Jack Mills was the driver of Class 40 No. D326 on the Up Special Travelling Post Office, on the occasion of the Great Train Robbery in the small hours of 8th August 1963. He was brutally attacked by the robbers and never fully recovered from his injuries, sadly passing away in 1970. Class 90 No. 90036 carried his name as a memorial and is seen at Peterborough on May 15th 2019 working the 13.54 Newark Northgate to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
Driving Van Trailer No. 82217 and Class 91 No. 91107 'SKYFALL' slow down for their stop at Peterborough on May 15th 2019 with the 12.25 Newcastle to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
The elderly on the platform appears a little confused that an HST should be travelling to Newcastle on an entirely electrified route. However, this is indeed the case as 43299 brings up the rear of the 12.30 Kings Cross to Newcastle at Peterborough on May 15th 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.
On the first day of public Azuma operations on the East Coast Main Line, 15th May 2019, 800113 is seen at Peterborough with the 13.45 Leeds to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.
The Down Main passes through Peterborough between platforms 3 and 4, providing a fine sight of trains on this non-platformed line at high speed. Taking full advantage of this, 91130 heads the 13.33 Kings Cross to Leeds on 15th May 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.
On 15th May 2019 91125 stands at Peterborough's 'new' Up platform with the 14.02 York to Kings Cross whilst 66098 and 66149 head North with 4E25, the 11.25 (SX) Bow to Heck Plasmor Empties. At this time this working was top and tailed South of Peterborough and both locomotives were coupled together for the return journey. One of these engines will detach shortly, leaving the train to continue via the Joint Line. Photo: Alan Jones.
Werrington Junction
The Werrington Junction dive-under line and the former Midland line to Stamford diverge at the new Marholm Junction, with the through route being the Spalding line. Passing Marholm Junction on May 26th 2022, GB Railfreight Class 66 No. 66706 takes the Stamford line with 4M29, the 10.28 Felixstowe North to Birch Coppice. Photo: Michael Smyth.
The reinforcing girders spanning the dive-under lines to Spalding give an indication of ground conditions in the Fens. Freightliners to and from the Midlands cross on the former Midland line as 66706 (left) heads West with 4M29, the 10.28 Felixstowe North to Birch Coppice and 66735 (right) heads East with 4L13, the 11.11 Hams Hall to Felixstowe North on 26th May 2022. Photo: Michael Smyth.