The Crewe-based pool saw many changes and a gradual
reduction in numbers since the mid nineties as First North Western downgraded
loco-hauled services to 2-car units to save money. During this time, many
old favourites have departed, and the stunning array of liveries on display
in 1995 was reduced as EWS standardised on Regional Railways blue and EWS
house maroon. I regret not photographing 37 407 Blackpool Tower or
the now-withdrawn Highland Region, or 421 when it still bore The
Kingsman nameplates, but many members of the ETH-fitted sub-class visited
us from 1998 to 2000
37 401 Mary Queen of Scots was a relative newcomer to the coast,
seen here passing Llanfair PG box on 15th July 1999
The 10:07 Birmingham New Street to Holyhead on 21 Oct 1999, on this occasion
running an hour late.
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