Observation at Doncaster

To round off the current season the traditional evening of observation at Doncaster took place, which in order to avoid the many rail strikes was deferred by a week to the end of August.  In decent weather and lighting conditions a scratch number of members were fortunate enough to witness a good volume of interesting freight movements mainly of Freightliner and GBRf origins largely hauled by Class 66 locomotives.  The outstanding highlight being that an unexpected and unscheduled northbound Tesco container train.

Main line passenger traffic interest revolved around the many, but reduced, number of East Coast Hitachi Azumas alongside several Class 91 powered Leeds – London Kings Cross expresses.  Hull Trains Hitachi 800’s, a couple of Cross Country Voyagers and Trans-Pennine 185 EMU’s provided a touch of variety.  Local traffic appeared to be at a rather quiet and somewhat reduced level.

Of particular note was the passing of a Trans-Pennine Class 68 with a rake of carriages on a route/staff training train in readiness for their introduction on Manchester – Cleethorpes services.

The evening was greatly enjoyed by those who made the journey to Doncaster.