The original message was that a Deltic would haul the train - this was changed later to a class 50. Then we heard that 50 017 had failed and 55 019 was taking over, so we weren't sure what to expect. We joined the small gaggle of enthusiasts gazing out to the east from the road bridge while fending off the usual "is a steam train coming" questions from passers-by.
Then the unmistakeable Deltic front end came into view and as it drew closer it became apparent that the Fifty had come along for the ride.
There were only a dozen or so passengers on the train, which bore the headboard
ARENA 2001 SKY BLUE SPECIAL
It transpired that the charter had been organised by the architect chosen to design Coventy City's new stadium to thank all the people involved. Luckily for us he was a railfan and had also been unable to secure a path from Railtrack for the Settle and Carlisle line. So the passengers had the privilege of being on the first Deltic-hauled train along this line. Those who travelled all the way to Holyhead were the rail enthusiasts in the contingent, the rest having disembarked at Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Junction to see the sea. It's a shame they didn't have better weather, but at least it was dry.
55 019 ran round and is seen here backing onto its stock, having left
50 017 at the back.
We returned to the road bridge for a shot of the English Electric types 3
and 5.
It was apparent that the 16:50 service was going to leave first, so we headed
back to Bangor.
About ten minutes later, and an hour behind its scheduled time, the special
passed through Bangor on the centre road. The light was too poor for action
photography but I gave it a try. My shot of the front was too blurred, but
this shot of 50 017 at the back wasn't too bad.
Return to Bikes and Trains
North Wales Coast page
Return to Bikes and Trains main page