LE movements, ECS and test runs 2025

60007 returning to Crewe on Thursday 16-10-25:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64266/2025-10-16/detailed

 

the Duke’s brief return

A dozen years since No 71000 Duke of Gloucester last hauled a passenger, the engine was at last ready for a loaded test run after its comprehensive overhaul. The BR Class 8 Locomotive Trust generously arranged for well over 100 of its supporters to travel on a loaded test run on a circuit from Crewe.

So we all assembled on platform 12 and for a long while that was all we could do, as rumours reached us of cattle on the line at Gobowen. It was unclear whether the unit or the cows were harmed, but eventually the magnificent Duke swept into the station in its spotless Brunswick green livery, marred only by a strange headboard saying ‘The impossible dream’. Behind her were eight Mark 1s from the Saphos set and a class 57 diesel.

We were welcomed on board by the lovely steward Diamond and her male colleagues, who were to serve tea and coffee on the journey and finally, over 140 minutes late, we made a brisk start towards Chester, reaching 61 mph before Calveley and passing Beeston Castle at 65. More was to come as speed rose to 71 for several miles, only slowing at Rowton on the outskirts of Chester. We crawled towards the city and paused briefly on the middle road at the station. Then it was off again, reaching 40 by the racecourse and crossing the River Dee. Onwards in the 40s and 50s until the long steep climb through Gresford which we tackled at a steady, determined 30 mph. After Wrexham we rode on in the 50s and 60s to our intermediate stop at Shrewsbury.

Then the sun shone brightly as we progressed through the Shropshire and Staffordshire countryside. 65 near Shirnal was our fastest speed on this stretch, but on the approach to Wolverhampton we took a sharp left turn to head northwards towards the West Coast mainline. Speed soon reached 73 at Penkridge and continued around that level to the outskirts of Stafford, through which we ambled for a while. But we were back into the high sixties on the approach to Norton Bridge and up to 70 at Millmeece. This continued to a maximum of 72 beyond Madeley but then we were ambling again all the way back to Crewe. I had to remind myself that we were still running way out of path on a busy stretch of line.

It had been a wonderful experience to ride behind the Duke again, and standing beside her huge bulk in the platform provided a powerful blast for all the senses. Not to mention that distinctive chime whistle which warned us she was about to be dragged away by the diesel. Great credit to the Trust who have kept the faith through all these long years, and to Jeremy Hosking and his team for providing the means to get her back on the main line where she belongs. The Duke’s failure two days later was a massive disappointment, but I’m sure that when we look back on it in a few years time, it will seem just like a small blip before a magnificent era of mainline running by one of the finest steam locomotives ever.

PS Greetings to any old friends who are still around. Sorry I’ve been off grid for a while, but I’m still here, as the above will show!
Peter in Manchester