The Tynesider, 11 June 2016

I wouldn't go so far as to say that this is the first time an A3 has crossed this bridge over the River Blyth at Bebside, but there can't have been many occasions that it happened. I know an A4 has done it, because I saw 60007 coming out of North Blyth as I drove up the A189 Spine Road about 10 years or more ago. Maybe anyone with more knowledge can enlighten me.

It's a pity that the weather was so dull and overcast, made worse by steady rain that started just before 60103 made an appearance.

EDIT. It certainly was over ten years ago that I chanced on 60007 on the Blyth and Tyne. I've just done some googling. It was 5 April 1995!

 

Seen at Chester le Street, slowing for a red light at South End of Station.

Stood stationary for quite a while, as stock was examined, maybe set off a hot box detector.

 

Nice photo.
Different circumstances, but A3s 60040, 60051, 60084 and 60085 would, probably, have gone over the bridge on their way to Hughes Bolckow's scrapyard at North Blyth.
A4s 60001, 60024, 60026 and 60034 were also scrapped there.

 

Never thought of that. I wondered if the odd A3 had to use the track as a diversion occasionally while in service, if the main line was blocked south of Morpeth.

I used to go to Bolckows on a Sunday afternoon on my bike with my mates to see what was there. 60024 and 60034 came in at the same time and were there together. Unfortunately the wind-on mechanism of my Ilford Sprite camera was slipping at the time and there was overlap on most of the photos I took of them. Miles Beevor was in a bit of a state when it arrived, having languished at Crewe for months after withdrawal and I remember 60001 making the front page of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle when it was taken to Blyth for scrapping in late 65. Photo I took of Kingfisher at the time here, November 1966.