The start of day two and
37038, with 37029 inside, was sat in platform 5 at Crewe waiting
to depart on the first stage of this epic journey that would
take us through Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, Salford Crescent,
Wigan and into Southport.
Arrival at Southport.
Waiting for us were 37415
and 37421.
The two EWS machines hooked
onto the front and would take the train back through Wigan and
Bolton and on into Manchester Victoria station.
There was to be a run
round which gave plenty of time to acquire food and also take
more shots of the two 37/4's.
The run round began.
"our" coach.
Now attached to what was
the trailing end of the train, I was by this time, completely
disoriented but it was to become even more confusing as the day
went on. We would now head off for Preston and pass through Wigan
for the third time.
At Preston the two locomotives
that brought us out of Crewe were now attached to the rear of
the train.
....amid much discussion.
From Preston we headed
out to the Irish Sea coast and Blackpool.
Growlers and Coke !
038 and 029 were now in
charge and we headed back to Preston with the EWS engines on
the rear.
038 and 029 were then
detached at Preston which gave time for some serious food to
be consumed.
Leaving Preston the train
headed North for Lancaster, Carnforth and Grange-over-Sands,
destination Barrow. We arrived to a glorious blue, cloudless
sky - perfect for photography.
Barrow was as far North
as we were to go so it was necessary to run the locomotives around
the train during which time we were allowed onto the tracks to
photograph the locomotives at close quarters. The whole exercise
was fully supervised by railway staff so there was no question
of trespass.
As the train crew prepared
to move we were well supervised and held away from the running
lines.
A truly magnificent sight
and something to be savoured. The return journey didn't allow
for any further photography, encompassing Preston, Bolton, Salford
Crescent, Manchester Victoria (again), Denton Junction then Stockport
to Crewe.
