2. Railways

A few days in East Anglia

I spent two years in East Anglia in the early 1980's and never went out, what WAS I thinking?? So twenty years later I spent two days trying to make amends, I needed two weeks to give it any justice. So here are some of my efforts on those two days, 19+20/7/2004
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  • Norwich station and Cotswold Rail 47200 is stabled beside Anglia liveried 150217. 18/7/2004.

    Norwich station and Cotswold Rail 47200 is stabled beside Anglia liveried 150217. 18/7/2004.

  • During work on the tunnel at Ipswich which resulted in a blockade, services were running from Norwich to Ipswich where a bus carries passengers to Manningtree for onward travel to London. 86218 passes near Hapton with the 0930 from Norwich to Ipswich. 19/7/04

    During work on the tunnel at Ipswich which resulted in a blockade, services were running from Norwich to Ipswich where a bus carries passengers to Manningtree for onward travel to London. 86218 passes near Hapton with the 0930 from Norwich to Ipswich. 19/7/04

  • EWS liveried 90018 fronts the 1000 off Norwich to Ipswich. The level crossing is at Sneath Common.

    EWS liveried 90018 fronts the 1000 off Norwich to Ipswich. The level crossing is at Sneath Common.

  • The trains operate in push-pull mode and 90020 passes near Gossington propelling the 1006 off Ipswich to Norwich. This is another shuttle service in connection with the closure of the line at Ipswich Tunnel.

    The trains operate in push-pull mode and 90020 passes near Gossington propelling the 1006 off Ipswich to Norwich. This is another shuttle service in connection with the closure of the line at Ipswich Tunnel.

  • Over on the non electrified line from Norwich to Ely, Turbostar 170522 passes the signalbox at Eccles Road with 1M19 1112 Norwich to London Liverpool Street.

    Over on the non electrified line from Norwich to Ely, Turbostar 170522 passes the signalbox at Eccles Road with 1M19 1112 Norwich to London Liverpool Street.

  • Harling Road is the location for 158861 forming 1M20 1149 Norwich to Liverpool Street. The crossing gates are closed by the signalman by hand.

    Harling Road is the location for 158861 forming 1M20 1149 Norwich to Liverpool Street. The crossing gates are closed by the signalman by hand.

  • During the blockade of Ipswich Tunnel, "one" ran two return trains from Norwich to London and back using class 47 haulage between Norwich and Cambridge. 47818 fronts 1G09 1212 Norwich to Liverpool Street past Harling Road. Tucked inside 47818 is 90027 which will take over once the wires at Cambridge are reached.

    During the blockade of Ipswich Tunnel, "one" ran two return trains from Norwich to London and back using class 47 haulage between Norwich and Cambridge. 47818 fronts 1G09 1212 Norwich to Liverpool Street past Harling Road. Tucked inside 47818 is 90027 which will take over once the wires at Cambridge are reached.

  • Still at Harling Road, Turbostar 170205 passes the down home semaphore with service 1P78 1159 Cambridge to Norwich.

    Still at Harling Road, Turbostar 170205 passes the down home semaphore with service 1P78 1159 Cambridge to Norwich.

  • Thetford is the location now and 170207 comes to a stand beside the former Great Eastern Railway signalbox. The signalman speaks to the driver of 1P80 1255 Cambridge to Norwich.

    Thetford is the location now and 170207 comes to a stand beside the former Great Eastern Railway signalbox. The signalman speaks to the driver of 1P80 1255 Cambridge to Norwich.

  • An up working passes the double acting up starter with its twin dolls to help the driver sight the signals with the canopies and footbridge at the station. 170205 is seen again working 1H45 1322 Norwich to Cambridge.

    An up working passes the double acting up starter with its twin dolls to help the driver sight the signals with the canopies and footbridge at the station. 170205 is seen again working 1H45 1322 Norwich to Cambridge.

  • 47813 wears the debranded First Great Western livery and is now operated by Cotswold Rail. It passes the signalbox with 1G24 1147 Liverpool Street to Norwich. It would have come on at Cambridge.

    47813 wears the debranded First Great Western livery and is now operated by Cotswold Rail. It passes the signalbox with 1G24 1147 Liverpool Street to Norwich. It would have come on at Cambridge.

  • On the back of the train is the electric loco, 90012 in former Virgin red livery.

    On the back of the train is the electric loco, 90012 in former Virgin red livery.

  • Moving closer to Ely and a stop is made at Brandon. 170102 passes over the level crossing and by the signalbox with a class 1 service 1M24 1349 Norwich to Liverpool Street.

    Moving closer to Ely and a stop is made at Brandon. 170102 passes over the level crossing and by the signalbox with a class 1 service 1M24 1349 Norwich to Liverpool Street.

  • Looking in the opposite direction from the footbridge at Brandon and 170508 passes the down starter signals and sidings with 1L17 1052 Central Trains service to Norwich from Liverpool Lime Street.

    Looking in the opposite direction from the footbridge at Brandon and 170508 passes the down starter signals and sidings with 1L17 1052 Central Trains service to Norwich from Liverpool Lime Street.

  • The signalbox at Lakenheath is like the others on this line, small and beside the level crossing. 170206 approaches in the up direction with 1H49 1526 Norwich to Cambridge.

    The signalbox at Lakenheath is like the others on this line, small and beside the level crossing. 170206 approaches in the up direction with 1H49 1526 Norwich to Cambridge.

  • In the opposite direction at Lakenheath, Central Trains 158859 runs through the station with a train from the west coast city of Liverpool to Norwich, 1152 off Lime Street, headcode 1L19.

    In the opposite direction at Lakenheath, Central Trains 158859 runs through the station with a train from the west coast city of Liverpool to Norwich, 1152 off Lime Street, headcode 1L19.

  • Turning round and the set continues eastwards passing the semaphore up home signal on a former Great Eastern Railway concrete signalpost.

    Turning round and the set continues eastwards passing the semaphore up home signal on a former Great Eastern Railway concrete signalpost.

  • The signalman had told me about this working so I waited for it. 66248 powers the diverted 6A33 1418 North Walsham to Harwich loaded condensate tanks. This train of 18 Carless TEA bogie tanks was diverted due to the Ipswich tunnel blockade. Time to move on.

    The signalman had told me about this working so I waited for it. 66248 powers the diverted 6A33 1418 North Walsham to Harwich loaded condensate tanks. This train of 18 Carless TEA bogie tanks was diverted due to the Ipswich tunnel blockade. Time to move on.

  • 66202 approaches Ely West Junction from the Peterborough direction. Its train is 6L55 1414 Wakefield Euorport to Felixstowe Intermodal. This diverted working is 25 minutes early and waiting for the road.

    66202 approaches Ely West Junction from the Peterborough direction. Its train is 6L55 1414 Wakefield Euorport to Felixstowe Intermodal. This diverted working is 25 minutes early and waiting for the road.

  • 66204 gets away from Ely with an unknown working of Lafarge stone hoppers.

    66204 gets away from Ely with an unknown working of Lafarge stone hoppers.

  • Anglia liveried 170207 slips away from Ely in the evening sunlight with 1H53 1746 Norwich to Cambridge service.

    Anglia liveried 170207 slips away from Ely in the evening sunlight with 1H53 1746 Norwich to Cambridge service.

  • "one" liveried 47818 runs into Ely station with the second down loco hauled through working from London to Norwich, 1727 off 1G46.

    "one" liveried 47818 runs into Ely station with the second down loco hauled through working from London to Norwich, 1727 off 1G46.

  • Turning round and on the rear of the train is 90027.

    Turning round and on the rear of the train is 90027.

  • The lowering evening sun glints off DRS 66407 on hire to Freightliner for the duration of the diversions. The train is 4E50 1845 Ipswich Yard to Leeds diverted Freightliner. The train is crossing the 100 foot Washes near Pymoor on the line to March and Peterborough.

    The lowering evening sun glints off DRS 66407 on hire to Freightliner for the duration of the diversions. The train is 4E50 1845 Ipswich Yard to Leeds diverted Freightliner. The train is crossing the 100 foot Washes near Pymoor on the line to March and Peterborough.

  • Still near Pymoor is an unidentified Central Trains class 158 unit approaches forming a cross country working 1L28 1552 Liverpool Lime Street to Norwich. 19/7/2004

    Still near Pymoor is an unidentified Central Trains class 158 unit approaches forming a cross country working 1L28 1552 Liverpool Lime Street to Norwich. 19/7/2004

  • The next day and I had hoped to see a freightliner working at this spot, Blockmoor Fen on the line from Ely to Stowmarket via Bury St Edmunds. This working is 1L36 0845 Peterborough to Ipswich formed by an unknown class 170 Turbostar. 20/7/2004

    The next day and I had hoped to see a freightliner working at this spot, Blockmoor Fen on the line from Ely to Stowmarket via Bury St Edmunds. This working is 1L36 0845 Peterborough to Ipswich formed by an unknown class 170 Turbostar. 20/7/2004

  • Mid morning now and back at Ely station and 66004 runs in with 6L77 0755 Wembley to Ely Potter Group enterprise. This was the first freight of the day.

    Mid morning now and back at Ely station and 66004 runs in with 6L77 0755 Wembley to Ely Potter Group enterprise. This was the first freight of the day.

  • Obsolete Anglia livery adourns 170273 as it runs in with the 1042 Ipswich to Peterborough working.

    Obsolete Anglia livery adourns 170273 as it runs in with the 1042 Ipswich to Peterborough working.

  • An unidentified diverted Freightliner runs north through Ely station with 66561 supplying the motive power.

    An unidentified diverted Freightliner runs north through Ely station with 66561 supplying the motive power.

  • 170207 slows for its station stop with 1P78 1135 Cambridge to Norwich.

    170207 slows for its station stop with 1P78 1135 Cambridge to Norwich.

  • Central Trains Turbostar 170637 enters the station with 1N40 1125 Stanstead Airport to Birmingham New Street. Waiting in the loop is a pair of class 37's.

    Central Trains Turbostar 170637 enters the station with 1N40 1125 Stanstead Airport to Birmingham New Street. Waiting in the loop is a pair of class 37's.

  • Split headcode box 37109 and 37057 come out of the loop and slowly move through the station to pickup a pilotman for the run to Whitemoor Yard, March. The light engine move is 0L39 from Wembley.

    Split headcode box 37109 and 37057 come out of the loop and slowly move through the station to pickup a pilotman for the run to Whitemoor Yard, March. The light engine move is 0L39 from Wembley.

  • EMU 365504 stands in Ely station having been declared a failure on its train 1T05 1156 Kings Lynn to Kings Cross. It was routed to enter the down sidings and as it did so it may have passed the signal at danger (SPAD) as the unit came to a an abrupt halt on the loop turnout for a good ten minutes. Once it got going and entered the loop a swarm of orange vests descended on the signal for various tests.

    EMU 365504 stands in Ely station having been declared a failure on its train 1T05 1156 Kings Lynn to Kings Cross. It was routed to enter the down sidings and as it did so it may have passed the signal at danger (SPAD) as the unit came to a an abrupt halt on the loop turnout for a good ten minutes. Once it got going and entered the loop a swarm of orange vests descended on the signal for various tests.

  • Having done its work in the sidings of the Potter Group just to the north of Ely, 66004 heads south with 6M76 1238 off the Potter Group to Wembley Enterprise.

    Having done its work in the sidings of the Potter Group just to the north of Ely, 66004 heads south with 6M76 1238 off the Potter Group to Wembley Enterprise.

  • Another diverted Freightliner working enters the loop on the east side of the station. The train is 4M81 1117 Ipswich Yard to Trafford Park, Manchester with 66576 providing the traction.

    Another diverted Freightliner working enters the loop on the east side of the station. The train is 4M81 1117 Ipswich Yard to Trafford Park, Manchester with 66576 providing the traction.

  • An EWS loco, 66031, and train enters the loop from the north. 6L40 is the 1005 Mountsorrel to Kennet loaded stone train, made up of 40 PGA hoppers.

    An EWS loco, 66031, and train enters the loop from the north. 6L40 is the 1005 Mountsorrel to Kennet loaded stone train, made up of 40 PGA hoppers.

  • Anglia liveried 150217, first seen two days ago, departs Ely with a class 1 train, 1L71 1212 Peterborough to Ipswich.

    Anglia liveried 150217, first seen two days ago, departs Ely with a class 1 train, 1L71 1212 Peterborough to Ipswich.

  • Another north bound freight shakes the platforms of Ely station. 66003 fronts 6M14 1130 Harlow Mill to Bardon Hill empty stone hoppers. If this is correct it should have four wheeled hoppers, not the 18 BHQ bogie hoppers in tow.

    Another north bound freight shakes the platforms of Ely station. 66003 fronts 6M14 1130 Harlow Mill to Bardon Hill empty stone hoppers. If this is correct it should have four wheeled hoppers, not the 18 BHQ bogie hoppers in tow.

  • For many months 170399 was running around in a plain white livery, in fact it was white when I photographed it exactly two weeks previously. Now it is branded in an advertising livery for Central Train and is employed on 1L12 1027 Birmingham New Street to Stanstead Airport.

    For many months 170399 was running around in a plain white livery, in fact it was white when I photographed it exactly two weeks previously. Now it is branded in an advertising livery for Central Train and is employed on 1L12 1027 Birmingham New Street to Stanstead Airport.

  • With the demise of the Royal Mail traffic EWS has had to find other work for their fleet of class 67 locos. 67011 enters Ely from the south with a class 4 freight working, 4Z70 0955 Wembley to Ely Potter Group Intermodal.

    With the demise of the Royal Mail traffic EWS has had to find other work for their fleet of class 67 locos. 67011 enters Ely from the south with a class 4 freight working, 4Z70 0955 Wembley to Ely Potter Group Intermodal.

  • Freightliner 57011 comes south with a diverted working 4L97 0457 Trafford Park to Ipswich.

    Freightliner 57011 comes south with a diverted working 4L97 0457 Trafford Park to Ipswich.

  • 47714 wears the turquoise and white stripe Anglia livery as it pilot 90014 and its train of mkII stock. This is 1G09 1212 off Norwich to Liverpool Street station, London.

    47714 wears the turquoise and white stripe Anglia livery as it pilot 90014 and its train of mkII stock. This is 1G09 1212 off Norwich to Liverpool Street station, London.

  • A short while later the first down train passes through Ely station led by newly repainted "one" liveried 47818. The service is 1G24 1147 Liverpool Street - Norwich.

    A short while later the first down train passes through Ely station led by newly repainted "one" liveried 47818. The service is 1G24 1147 Liverpool Street - Norwich.

  • On the back of 1G24 1147 Liverpool Street to Norwich is 90006 also in "one" colours. Nice match!!

    On the back of 1G24 1147 Liverpool Street to Norwich is 90006 also in "one" colours. Nice match!!

  • Bubblecar 153309 draws into Ely with a working from Ipswich to Peterborough, 1215 off 1E72.

    Bubblecar 153309 draws into Ely with a working from Ipswich to Peterborough, 1215 off 1E72.

  • I was leaving the station when the two tractors returned south bound. 37057 now leads 37109 as its P Way train slows to drop off the route pilotman. 6L35 was off Whitemoor Yard at 1310 heading for Temple Mills, but 37057 failed just north of Cambridge and 37109 took the train into Cambridge where is stayed until 2200hrs which may have been its booked path as this train usually ran at night.

    I was leaving the station when the two tractors returned south bound. 37057 now leads 37109 as its P Way train slows to drop off the route pilotman. 6L35 was off Whitemoor Yard at 1310 heading for Temple Mills, but 37057 failed just north of Cambridge and 37109 took the train into Cambridge where is stayed until 2200hrs which may have been its booked path as this train usually ran at night.

  • Moving away from Ely and onto the line to March and Peterborough. 153309 returns from Peterborough with 1L72 1412 to Ipswich crossing the 100 foot Washes near Pymoor.

    Moving away from Ely and onto the line to March and Peterborough. 153309 returns from Peterborough with 1L72 1412 to Ipswich crossing the 100 foot Washes near Pymoor.

  • The sound of a class 66 working hard against the 1 in 260 grade made me turn round for 66538 lifting its heavy Freightliner working 4M87 1251 Ipswich Yard to Trafford Park service.

    The sound of a class 66 working hard against the 1 in 260 grade made me turn round for 66538 lifting its heavy Freightliner working 4M87 1251 Ipswich Yard to Trafford Park service.

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    The signalman had told me about this working so I waited for it. 66248 powers the diverted 6A33 1418 North Walsham to Harwich loaded condensate tanks. This train of 18 Carless TEA bogie tanks was diverted due to the Ipswich tunnel blockade. Time to move on.
    66202 approaches Ely West Junction from the Peterborough direction. Its train is 6L55 1414 Wakefield Euorport to Felixstowe Intermodal. This diverted working is 25 minutes early and waiting for the road.
    66204 gets away from Ely with an unknown working of Lafarge stone hoppers.