East – West Journey (UK)

Our September meeting was a journey from Ipswich to Nuneaton using four videos filmed by branch member Philip Haines between 2012 and 2020. At Ipswich we saw Liverpool Street - Norwich services in the hands of Mk 3 sets operated in push -pull mode with Class 90s, Freightliner locomotives stabled in the yard opposite the station, and a variety of diesel and electric multiple units. We then proceeded to the site where the new Cambridge South station is being built, and then to Ely where there was a significant amount of freight traffic associated with Felixstowe container terminal as well as passenger services.

The journey continued west to March, and Whittlesea where it was interesting to see Class 91s and Mk 4 stock being hauled over a diversionary route by Class 67s. We stopped at Peterborough to view traffic on the East Coast main line before travelling to Bedford and Sharnbrook to observe the Midland Main Line. After a brief visit to Kings Sutton the evening was concluded by viewing passenger trains and a large volume of freight traffic passing Nuneaton.

Whilst the filming took place in recent times, differences that have taken place since then were noted such as Class 86s no longer being used on Freightliner trains and 317s, 321s 360s and 365s no longer being seen in East Anglia due to them having been withdrawn or reallocated, thus emphasising the fact that common sightings today can soon become history.

Our thanks to Philip for sharing another selection of his videos.