Peterborough - May 2005
No locomotives to the seaside
Network Rail at the request of Central Trains performed a test run of locomotive hauled stock to the Lincolnshire seaside resort of Skegness as late as 29 March 2005. Central Trains wanted to increase capacity on the line and as no more multiple unit-type stock was available want to turn to locomotives and coaches.
The trial revealed "some issues" and we were told quite late in the day Skegness was not an option. So where else could we go in that area - Petereborough. A stop at Lincoln had been introduced already so the 40th SJDT ran to Lincoln and Peterborough.
The SJDT was late in setting off having had difficulties leaving Carnforth on time during the early hours of Saturday morning. The 7 hour stay in Lincoln became 6 and the short stay in Peterborough even shorter. Consequently, a large proportion of the Day Trippers alighted at Lincoln.
The return journey was uneventful until Sowerby Bridge when the leading locomotive (47 851 Traction Magazine) suffered loss of power. Arrangement were made to transfer the rear locomotive to the front so 47 826 Springburn led the train into East Lancashire with 47 826 (and the SJDT headboard) behind. Arrival at Blackburn was 1 hour late at 23:05.
