Archive VHS footage from 1984 before any wires were erected on the ECML at Peterborough. It includes 58004 at the Fletton Flyash Depot. Not the usual quality we are used to today but hope you will find the content of interest.
Two thumbs down from people who are too young to realise that a video camera in 1984 did cost a couple of monthly wages for the average man but didn't get you better quality than this to begin with, the fact that it was colour and had stereo sound was already top of the spec so to say. Then over time these VHS tapes degrade, for their age I think the quality is still surprisingly good. Nice footage, and nowadays we often don't realise anymore how many goods wagons were standing in station yards everywhere, nowadays these are stowed away in specialised yards and private premises away from the average travellers eyes, as shunting in built up areas is vastly dis-encouraged or even banned nowadays due to safety and noise regulations. But for me as a kid in the 1970s the clunking of wagons and engine sound from locomotives working in the night could be such a reassuring sound for me to fall asleep with.
It's great to see these videos of railway history from an era I found most interesting, a good source of inspiration for modeling. I wish I could go back in time with a modern camera and microphone.
I grew up in Peterborough and remember those super long freight trains. They were carrying fly ash if I'm not mistaken. It was to fill in the holes left by the old brick pits before the building of the new Hampton township, which has since been built and is stilll standing despite many saying it would sink!
....and I'm 19 again! Thanks for posting these videos Roy, I find them utterly absorbing and a chance to revisit the Peterborough station of my youth. "The Flyash" was a favourite spot for me back in the late 70s/early 80s - I could see it from some of my school windows.
Absolutely lovely stuff there sir I only wish I could go back and get on that load 10 steam heat peak, not bothered where it was going but in sure I would have enjoyed the journey
Fabulous video! Only footage I have seen of the flyash loop too. Wonderful variety and just goes to show even in the mid 80's how smoky things still were!
Classic action here, steam heating Peaks, Flyash trains with varied traction, HSTs screaming away, locos and wagons dotted everywhere, and even a sneaky Class 40 and Class 50 parked up!
The last time I was at Peterborough was about 5 yrs ago. We attended a de-railment of a stone Train. They were doing some extensive track work if I recall. The day was a gruller 🚂🚉
