This video highlights the transition from steam to diesel traction on the ECML from the late 1950s to turn of the decade in 1960. In the first section we see 'The Queen of Scots' Pullman train hauled by a Gresley A4 Pacific, a Gresley V2 2-6-2 hauling a fully fitted express freight train an N2 on an outer suburban commuter train and a Peppercorn A1 Pacific hauling an express comprising of a very mixed bag of BR Mk1, Gresley teak coaches in maroon and crimson and cream.
The next section concentrates on the early phases of the transition and here we see a Brush Type 2 A1A diesel electric (later Class 31) introduced late 1957 on an outer suburban train and the English Electric Co-Co experimental DP1 'Deltic' undergoing early trials on the ECML after its initial spell on the LM Region 1955-8. The Eastern Region requested DP1 after the LM Region concluded their trials with the prototype in the light of pending electrification. As the Eastern Region saw its chances of electrification diminish, the ER saw their opportunity with DP1 to improve and modernise their express passenger services between London and Edinburgh. 'Deltic', sometimes referred to as the 'Ice Cream Cart' impressed the authorities sufficiently for them to place an order with English Electric for 22 of these locomotives before the prototype expired in 1961. Here we the 'Ice Cream Cart' circa 1959 with a rake of Mk.1 coaches in crimson and cream, early in its EC trials. Steam still maintains a presence but not for much longer, in the shape of a modified Gresley A3 Pacific with smoke deflectors and double chimney hauling a set of Gresley teak coaches in maroon livery. Completing the scene is BR Standard 9F, certainly no older than DP1, hauling a loaded hopper train.
Thank you for watching.
7 сен 2024
