Observations at Doncaster

The second of the summer season outside activities was the traditional August evening visit to Doncaster when half a dozen enthusiasts with modern day railway leanings, turned out for an interesting evening of observation.  The volume of local passenger traffic was somewhat reduced as all day signalling difficulties to the East (Hull) and earlier in the day at Sheffield had a detrimental effect.  Fortunately this had no impact on LNER services, most of which ran to schedule thus providing innumerable Azumas of both 9 and 5 coach varieties.  Twix and between four Class 91 electric locomotives enhanced the motive power variability whilst operating on the Leeds-King’s Cross services.  Both Hull Trains with their Hitachi 800’s (terminating/originating at Brough) and Grand Central’s Adelantes helped to both sustain and vary the interest.  Freight activity greatly added to the variety as a very good number of services were seen in the early evening, most of which were in the hands of ubiquitous Freightliner Class 66 engines.

Despite the quiet start plenty of worthwhile all round interest, typical of Doncaster, was there to be seen.