So my first tour of the year was the 125 special to Barrow Hill from London St Pancras. The train was also stopping at Duffield for anyone who wanted to take a trip on the fantastic Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
Having done that before and not been to Barrow Hill I obviously opted for Barrow Hill! The day was for a preview of the Fab Four event which was suppose to be having a line up of an A1, A2, A3 and A4 in steam. I say supposed to because The Flying Scotsman was not there! Mallard took its place however.
Back to the start of the day. I was going to meet Peter at some point before we headed to St Pancras. Until then I was out to get some winners. I couldn't decide where to head to do I let the winners take me to where they were going! First up was a winning 455 to Clapham from Earlsfield. Then another to Wimbledon. I then got a message from Peter as to where he would be and when so I needed to get to Marylebone. I got here via a big winner for both sight and haulage to London Bridge on 377316. It was then South Eastern from London Bridge to Charing Cross with a change of trains at Waterloo East. This bagged me another couple of winners before heading on the underground to Marylebone.
Whilst waiting for Peters train to arrive I saw newly refurbished and painted 82307 in ATW livery. It was a sight! What with silver 67 and a rake of virgin and blue/grey coaches it was certainly a mix mash!
After Peter arrived we headed out to Harrow on the Hill. As we passed Neasdon Depot we saw a welcome sight of four Class 20s. Two of which I needed for sight! Bonus! We then made our way towards Kings Cross St Pancras grabbing a few new S Stock units on the way.
Finally at St Pancras we headed to the correct platform. So the rear power car was a dud. I feared both would be as I am just over half way through the EMT ones for haulage. But luckily the front was very much required.
It was then a mostly uneventful trip to Barrow hill. Outside Derby was a fair few locos at the RVEL depot including a winning 37 and 45 for myself.
Just after Chesterfield we left the mainline and headed on the normally freight only lines towards Barrow Hill. New track now. After the slow and squeaky move round the bend into Barrow hill we reversed and disembarked the train.
Wow! I was looking forward to this but what I saw was amazing! Plenty of locos steaming and we were pretty much free to wonder round as we pleased. Everything I was hoping for but didn't think we would be allowed! The Roundhouse was amazing. I'm not gonna list it here but I saw so many new locos it was unreal. This included 07s, 08s, a 20, a 27, 45s and an 81. The biggest winners for me was all the Deltics and the Badger! Yes I know there is only one and is easy to see but I haven't seen it until now!
The weather held for long enough for me to get some good photos and the heavens opened just as it was time to leave! Fantastic event and well done I all involved.
It was then back to London. Again pretty uneventful. I had about an hour and a half to kill so I suggested to Pete some Thameslink bashing. Plenty of units to get and easy to get to Paddington off of Farringdon. Plenty I winning units were caught before we went separate ways.
Great day but I think it's fair to say I was pretty tired by the time I got home! Next up would be a trip to Paris on Eurostar.
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