Retro trip report - Peaks, Sinfin and Toton in 1981 (+overnighter, and Summer Sat)

[eastwestdivide]

Apologies for the late write-up, but the forum wasn't invented back then.

Day 1 of an E Mids Ranger ticket, Fri 12/6/81. Three Peaks (well three classes of), plus Sinfin and Toton.

From Leicester behind 45108 in a Mk1 compartment at 0709 to Derby arrive 0745, passing the prototype HST power cars 975812/813 in the research centre.
In 50667 (Cl.120 DMU) at 0753 from Derby to Sinfin Central 0800/0805 back again through to Matlock 0858/0903 to Derby again 0937. Sinfin had a short-lived "experimental" passenger service at the time. One of the SR 4-PEP prototypes (4001 or 4002) was in St Mary's yard, Derby.
Saw 31239 at Derby on a Bristol-Leeds with 6 mixed Mk1/early Mk2 coaches. Think I'd prefer a Voyager these days for speed.

Behind 45103 in a Mk1 open at 1006 Derby to Wellingborough, passing private shunter 3101 at Loughborough yard (belonged to ARC at the time). A couple of 25s on Leicester depot, another two on freights around Leicester. Wellingborough arr 1122.
Behind 45145 in a Mk2 aircon at 1222 Wellingborough-Leicester 1257. 5x25s, 2x31s, 2x45/0s and an 08 on Leicester depot.

In Cl.120 DMU 59255 at 1437 Leic-Nuneaton 1506. Nuneaton: electrics stabled or passing: 2x81, 85, 86/0, 87, plus 3x25s and an 08 in the sidings.
In Cl.304 EMU 028 at 1525 Nuneaton-Tamworth 1542
Behind 45010 in a Mk1 compartment at 1556 (in an FO train, sorry, don't know what service) Tamworth-Derby. Two shunters on Burton, Derby arr 1620. Freights passing Derby: 1x56, 1x47, 2x20, 1x25. Also a 46 on a NE/SW passenger turn.

Behind 45143 in a Mk2 aircon at 1757 Derby to Leicester 1823.
Behind 45124 at 1845 (The Master Cutler via Toton) in a Mk2 aircon to Chesterfield. On Toton, 08s, 25s, 20s, a 47 and withdrawn original Peak 44008.
Chesterfield arr 1932 (47 minutes Leic-Ches, compared to today's 42 mins on the 1901 from Leic). Freights/parcels passing Chesterfield: 1x25, 1x31, 1x45 on container flats, 2x20s.

Behind 47444 "University of Nottingham" in a Mk2 aircon at 2019 Chesterfield-via Derby-Leicester arrive 2120.

 

[Cowley]

Love it. Have you got any more? A few old favourites in there, so much variety too.

 

[Techniquest]

That was a different read, but still very enjoyable. It just sounds like such a different world to what we have now, but I wasn't even close to being born when this trip happened!

 

[eastwestdivide]

Thanks. Yes, the variety and the unexpected provided a lot of fun back then. If I get a spare moment, I'll add a couple more. Pity I never made a note of what I ate, and what the weather was like.

 

[noddy1878]

I enjoyed that! Was before my first time but Dad used to tell me about all the stuff that was running then and what he could get! Although by the time of your trip then my dad wasn't out much as I was about two and he couldn't get out as Mum wouldn't let him!

 

[eastwestdivide]

Stop making me feel old!

East Mids ranger/rover again, Mon 15/6/81

Behind 31176 in a Mk1 open at 0910 Leicester-Peterborough arrive 1021*.
Passing through Peterborough, 37099 on Mk1s, noted as a school special, 56056 and 47251 on separate flyash presflo trains, 47486 (Bescot-based) on semi-fast KX-York, two separate 08s transferring wagons from yard to yard, 31270 on a train of mostly parcels vehicles with a few Mk1 passenger coaches - 14 bogie vehicles and 1 4-wheel CCT, slow progress for a single 31! Stabled: 3x08, 1x25, 1x31, 1x47.
In DMU 56414 (Cravens 105) at 1157 to Spalding, view out of the front: getting worryingly close to a lorry on an open crossing en route. Spalding arr 1221, one 08 in yard.
In DMU 56439 (another Cravens) at 1231 Spalding to Doncaster... locos around Lincoln: one of its allocation of 03s, 03026, 08242, 20001, 31242, plus accident-damaged EMU 313033 and match coaches, presumably en route to Doncaster/York for repairs. Consecutively-numbered 31180+31181 on a spoil train at Lincoln.
Approaching Doncaster, our Cravens DMU was somehow overtaking Deltic 55015 on an ECML express. Doncaster arrive 1433, followed 2 mins later by that Deltic. Works pilot was 08776.
A quick change and in DMU 56049 (Lincoln Cl.114) at 1445 to Scunthorpe, passing a 31 with covhops (presumably sand for the glassworks) on the branch at Kirk Sandall, 2xImmingham 31s on bogie tanks at Stainforth, a 31 on a weedkiller train at Thorne S, a 20 in Gunness siding.
Scunthorpe arrive 1520. Freights passing: 2x20 on a single brake van, 47221 (Immingham) on Amoco tanks, 47307 (Tinsley) on MGR HAA wagons, 31113+31195 (both Immingham) on loaded steel BDAs, 31281+31300 (both Tinsley) on unfitted coal and coke hoppers, 31170 (Bristol Bath Road) on steel BDAs, 20011 on a single brake van.
In DMU 51297 (a Norwich Cravens) at 1729 Scunthorpe-Barnetby arrive 1746. Passing Barnetby: two iron ore trains, 37126+37221 and 37115+37221 (all Immingham), 47220 (Immingham) with mixed AB and unfitted freight, mostly steel but also caustic soda and VTG ferry vans.
Behind 55004 in an air-con Mk2 at 1822 Barnetby via Lincoln St Marks and Newark to Peterborough - yes, a Deltic on a Cleethorpes-London train. One 08 at Newark, another at Grantham, Peterborough arrive 2014**. Stabled: 3x08, 4x31, 1x37.
Behind 47270 (Haymarket) in a Mk1 open at 2114 to Doncaster. This was an overnight train, with 2 vans, 4 sleepers (Mk1), 7 day coaches.
Doncaster arrive 2237 for an overnight stay on the station. Madness - should I list the trains we saw on that overnight?
Anyway, got back to Leicester by 0830 next day for breakfast before another day out.

Edits:
*Today, you can leave Leicester at 0918 for Peterborough at 1014. A bit faster, despite 3 stops. I think the 31s were non-stop back then doing Birmingham-Norwich runs, with DMUs doing Leic-Pbo shuttles for Melton Mowbray etc.
** Today, you can leave Barnetby at 1853, change at Doncaster and be in Peterborough at 2047. Not a lot of difference time-wise.

 

[noddy1878]

Sorry! Bet you're glad you noted the DMUs you rode in. A mate of mine didn't and now regrets it. He got on them when there was no choice.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Sorry! Bet you're glad you noted the DMUs you rode in. A mate of mine didn't and now regrets it. He got on them when there was no choice.

I noted nearly everything, except, annoyingly, the start/destination of most of the services that we were on. I thought I'd just refer back to the timetable, which of course I don't have any more now.

 

[Cowley]

Sorry! Bet you're glad you noted the DMUs you rode in. A mate of mine didn't and now regrets it. He got on them when there was no choice.

I didn't note DMUs, EMUs or HSTs. Too many locos to chase, you don't always realise when you're young that what you see around you every day will eventually become very interesting. Ah well.

If you can be bothered eastwestdivide I'd be interested to know what you saw on your overnight.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Well you did ask...
Doncaster overnight from 2300 on Mon 15/6/81 to 0640 on Tue 16/6/81 (with a gap from about 0330-0430 where I think sleep got the better of me).

Passing, in order seen:
31405 up mostly parcels incl 2 Mk1 compartments
47422 up freightliners
31239 up mixed vac-braked freight (vans, steel coil, tipplers and one parcels GUV)
31175 (Tinsley) down Mk1s and parcels (passenger to Edinburgh)
47418 down parcels and sleepers
40068 up TPO and 2 passenger Mk1s
56032 up MGR HAAs
56030 down MGR HAAs
47289 (Thornaby) down freightliners
31232 up light engine
--midnight--
55009 down parcels and Mk1 sleepers
47512 (Landore) up freightliners
56028 up MGR HAAs
47272 (Haymarket) down freightliners
31292 down mixed AB and VB and unbraked freight, mostly BDO bogie bolsters
47125 (Landore) up freightliners
56022 up MGR HAAs
47407 down parcels
37095 (Gateshead) down SPA steel
40085 up cartics and AB steel including an AB Trestrol and ferry wagons
47524 up light engine
--01:00--
56032 down MGR HAAs
47210 (Eastfield) down Mk1s passenger and TPO to Edinburgh
56029 down MGR HAAs
47410 up Mk1 sleepers
31222 up Mk1 sleepers + 1 seated Mk1 (probably a Leeds sleeper portion as the coaches were then joined to the train above)
56022 down MGR HAAs
55018 up parcels and seated Mk1s
46056 down parcels and seated Mk1s
31232 down AB freight same as 40085 had above
--02:00--
47049 (Crewe) down freightliners
40086 up mixed VB freight
31222 down 1 parcels van
47425 down Mk1 sleepers and seated (to Aberdeen)
55004 down 2x Motorail car carrier vans (the Newton Chambers ones) plus Mk1 sleepers
47264 (Crewe) down AB freight mostly steel
47211 (Haymarket) up AB vans - at least 18 VDAs, an Italian ferry van and more
31207 up 3 seated Mk1s and a brake
31239 down VB mixed freight
--03:00--
55013 up 2x Motorail car carrier vans (the Newton Chambers ones) plus Mk1 sleepers and seated
31272 down sand hoppers (HKV/HJV) etc
40117 down parcels
55015 down Mk1 seated + parcels
47124 (Cardiff) up Mk1 sleepers and seated
47315 up freightliners
--fell asleep to 04:40--
47216 up track machine, mixed VB and AB freight
--05:00--
37252+37131 (Immingham) down 4w Fina tanks + one bogie tank
56020 down MGR HAAs
47370 up MGR HAAs
47116 (Stratford) down freightliners
31147 down cartics
40077 up parcels (18 bogie vehicles!)
37018 (Eastfield) down mixed VB freight incl covhops
--06:00--
37008 (Thornaby) up Shell 4w and bogie tanks
37106 (Gateshead) up light engine
31248 down sand in covhops
56011 down MGR HAAs

and at 0640 we caught a DMU to Sheffield, falling asleep in the warm buzz.

 

[Techniquest]

Jeez that was a busy night! hock:

Quite an interesting on that East Midlands rover too!

 

[Cowley]

Look at the variety of trains and locos, amazing really. The railway was a fascinating place back then, it's great that you've still got your notes.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Many thanks for starting this thread as its brought back some wonderful memories!

I'm guessing that the class 08s at Burton must have been shunting the yard at the MGR repair depot as the brewery traffic had pretty much finished by then. This really does bring back memories as my Dad was friends with the depot engineer there. From memory his nickname was Dai Diesel; Dai because he was Welsh and Diesel because he was involved with diesel preservation.

I remember the ARC yard at Loughborough mainly because the goods shed still survived along with the loading gauge. And of course the Seacows that always seemed to be there.

The mention of the class 120 DMU sends a shudder down my spine thanks to the long and awful journey on them whilst travelling to the Mecca that was Crewe! Even all the railway activity around Stoke including locomotives at Cockshute yard could not numb the pain!

Thanks again for the memories!

 

[AJM580]

Very interesting logs. It surprised me that you had Cravens units from NR depot that far north - but I guess they were workings on the joint line from Cambridge via March and Spalding. I had 37099 on a schools special that summer but according to my notes the date was 13.7.81 so I guess that it must have worked two such workings that summer.

 

[RichmondCommu]

The other interesting thing is the presence of class 08s at places such as Spalding and Newark. One can only assume that public goods facilities were still open at those locations.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Thanks for the comments people.
On the 08s at Spalding and seemingly everywhere with a siding - there was still plenty of goods traffic to all sorts of places around the network back then. If you can get hold of a spotters' book called "Shunter Duties", it shows you where they were all rostered. At that period, there were probably well north of 600** shunters on the network - there weren't that many gaps in the 08 numbering sequence, and that went up to the 900s, plus a fair smattering of 03s.
On the far-and-wide DMUs - seem to recall that it wasn't uncommon for units to be "borrowed" - it's not as if they were complicated bits of kit with specialist training needed. The Cravens via Scunthorpe would probably have got to there via the joint line but perhaps borrowed by Lincoln depot. It's also possible that it had been transferred to Lincoln and the spotting books hadn't caught up. Those 120s popped up everywhere it seemed, as did the Lincoln-based 114s.
The school special - I don't recall seeing many of those, but other "extras" were also the SAGA trains, taking pensioners on holiday, a fair few football trains, and Merrymakers run by BR as Sat or Sun day trips, usually to the seaside.

** In fact, according to the brdatabase.info site, as at Jan 1981, there were 847 class 08s in service, and another 52 class 03s.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Going back a day to Sat 13/6/81, a "Summer Saturday" when passenger trains did strange things for holidaymakers...

Behind 45066 in a Mk1 open at 0800 from Leicester on board the SO Wellingborough-Scarborough (8 Mk1s). Around Leicester station/depot 08618, 2x25s. Stops at Loughborough, Beeston, Nottingham (run round 0833-0843), where 31102 was on Mk1s to Skegness, possibly from the Sheffield direction as that was a Tinsley loco.
To Sheffield arrive 0938. Saw a combining move, where a southbound NE/SW service came in as a Leeds portion (31287 + 4 Mk1s) whose coaches were then shunted by station pilot 08749 onto the rear of 46056 + 8 Mk1/earlyMk2s. If you were quick, and dodged the platform staff, you could get shunter haulage. Also at Sheffield, 47512 on a Swansea train, 47447 on a St Pancras-Sheffield, 31418 on a Bristol-Leeds, and...
Behind 47341 on an SO Manchester-Gt Yarmouth, dep Sheffield 1031 for Retford, passing: a 47 and an 08 in Nunnery carriage sidings; 6x76s at Rotherwood; 4x08s (Shirebrook-based), 6x20s (Tinsley-based), 1x31and 2x56s at Worksop;
Retford arrive 1109, and in DMU 56037 (Lincoln 114) dep 1123 back to...
Sheffield arr 1202, where 40080 was on a parcels train (or possibly the Cleethorpes-Manchester newspaper empties), and 47541 (Haymarket) was on a NE/SW service.
In DMU 51276 (yet another Cravens) at 1228 to New Mills, passing 45015 and 45009 stabled S of Sheffield station, New Mills arrive 1326 for the return in DMU 56438 (the other half of that Cravens set) to Sheffield arr 1427. The Hope Valley stoppers only ran Sheff-New Mills at that point, connecting into Manchester-New Mills services. At Sheffield, 47111 on a train of compartment Mk1s including a buffet, destination unknown.
Behind 47026 in an early Mk2 at 1436 to Rotherham (Masborough) arrive 1444. At Rotherham, 08866, 46009 on Mk1s passing, a Longsight DMU M50629+56267 (on a local service I think), then:
Behind 45066 in a Mk1 open at 1516 from Rotherham via the "Old Road", Treeton and Barrow Hill (on the return working from the first train this morning, although only Scarborough-Leicester rather than Wellingborough).
Chesterfield arr 1541: 47030 on a NE/SW service, Mk1s to Leeds,
Behind 45053 in an early Mk2 to Derby arrive 1616 (service to Plymouth).
Services at Derby: 46049 on Mk1s to Leeds (NE/SW working); 47193 on Mk1s from Weymouth; 45013 on early Mk2s including restaurant to Newcastle; 45115 on Mk1s terminating from St Pancras (at that time there were still Mk1s on the Midland main line semi-fasts, approx every 2 hours St P-Derby); 45142 on Mk2 aircons StP-Sheffield; 45042 on Mk1s Newquay-Sheffield; 45044 on early Mk2s Newcastle-Swansea; and...
Behind 25062 (Longsight) in a Mk1 open dep 1715 to Nottingham (the Llandudno-Nottingham SO service, a single 25 with 9 Mk1s)
Nottingham arr 1744, took a DMU 50652 (Cl. 120) at 1802 to Carlton, walked to Netherfield for DMU 50015 (Lincoln 114) at 1820 back to Nottingham 1826, just to see what was in the East end sidings: 08858, 08894, 47444 and 45033.
Behind 45033 in an air-con Mk2 at 1903 to Leicester. Unusually, a non-ETH peak on a St Pancras air-con rake. Leicester arrive 1932. Time for fish and chips probably.

 

[Cowley]

Locos everywhere. Did you have a particular class you liked or was it a case of getting the numbers in? Also a 25 with 9 on must have been good fun, it's amazing what they made those little locos do back then, I'd love to know the power to weight ratio of that train

 

[Merthyr Imp]

The other interesting thing is the presence of class 08s at places such as Spalding and Newark. One can only assume that public goods facilities were still open at those locations.

Could they have been for sugar beet factory traffic at both locations? Can't remember if Newark was still rail-served at that time but it certainly was a few years previously.

 

[Merthyr Imp]

Behind 45053 in an early Mk2 to Derby arrive 1616 (service to Plymouth).
Services at Derby: 46049 on Mk1s to Leeds (NE/SW working); 47193 on Mk1s from Weymouth; 45013 on early Mk2s including restaurant to Newcastle; 45115 on Mk1s terminating from St Pancras (at that time there were still Mk1s on the Midland main line semi-fasts, approx every 2 hours St P-Derby); 45142 on Mk2 aircons StP-Sheffield; 45042 on Mk1s Newquay-Sheffield; 45044 on early Mk2s Newcastle-Swansea; and...
Behind 25062 (Longsight) in a Mk1 open dep 1715 to Nottingham

If you have a look at my thread 'Railroving 1970s - 1990s' you'll see our paths crossed at Derby that day - although I was only there from arriving from Birmingham at 1642 behind a Class 45 the number of which I didn't record, but from looking at your notes could have been 45013, and departing for Nottingham at 1646 on a Class 104 dmu.

 

[Cowley]

If you have a look at my thread 'Railroving 1970s - 1990s' you'll see our paths crossed at Derby that day - although I was only there from arriving from Birmingham at 1642 behind a Class 45 the number of which I didn't record, but from looking at your notes could have been 45013, and departing for Nottingham at 1646 on a Class 104 dmu.

I was wondering having read Merthyr Imps reports whether you'd been in the same area at the same time? I would have travelled around the Nottingham area in the early 80s as a child too and have some memories from then but pretty hazy. I do remember how much track and infrastructure there seemed to be compared to where we lived...

 

[eastwestdivide]

Locos everywhere. Did you have a particular class you liked or was it a case of getting the numbers in? ...

No real favourite - it was the variety and unexpectedness that kept me going, and the "exploration" aspect of finding stuff out. Then I did a bit of everything really - number snatching, unusual routes (e.g. Sinfin), odd haulage, the occasional photos, but for me by 1984ish it was more about freight and photos, especially from non-station locations. It all faded into the background when I got settled in a job and a relationship (still going) from the late 80s onwards.
Things got rekindled in the mid 2000s by two things - rediscovering my hoard of photos in my parents' attic and the building of Tornado.

If you have a look at my thread 'Railroving 1970s - 1990s' you'll see our paths crossed at Derby that day...

!! Wouldn't be the strangest thing ever - via another forum, I "bumped into" an old spotting friend who I'd lost touch with. We were both using nicknames unknown to each other, and the penny gradually dropped.

... I do remember how much track and infrastructure there seemed to be compared to where we lived...

and wagons, wagons everywhere too.

 

[30907]

Could they have been for sugar beet factory traffic at both locations? Can't remember if Newark was still rail-served at that time but it certainly was a few years previously.

Sounds likely.

As to the Cravens units - I had one down the Joint line to Worksop (continuing to Sheffield) in the spring of 1982. 0852 off Cambridge, 0910-35 Ely, the replacement for (and connection off) the Continental which was running via Peterborough by then.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Going back a day to Sat 13/6/81, a "Summer Saturday" when passenger trains did strange things for holidaymakers...

Behind 45066 in a Mk1 open at 0800 from Leicester on board the SO Wellingborough-Scarborough (8 Mk1s).

Looking back it's incredible to think that there were trains starting at Wellingborough. Obviously the MPD was still open for the loco to be serviced overnight before taking it's train but I'm amazed that Mk1s were being stabled over night at Wellingborough.

 

[Merthyr Imp]

Looking back it's incredible to think that there were trains starting at Wellingborough. Obviously the MPD was still open for the loco to be serviced overnight before taking it's train but I'm amazed that Mk1s were being stabled over night at Wellingborough.

Or could the loco and train just have been worked as empty stock to Wellingborough from wherever (Leicester? Derby?) in time to form the service?

 

[eastwestdivide]

Looking back it's incredible to think that there were trains starting at Wellingborough. Obviously the MPD was still open for the loco to be serviced overnight before taking it's train but I'm amazed that Mk1s were being stabled over night at Wellingborough.

I think in earlier years, that service was a Luton-Scarborough, so the loco and stock may well have worked in from somewhere else.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Continuing from the Doncaster overnighter, now Tues 16/6/81.
A jaunt to Northampton and a couple of hours spotting at Derby:

In DMU 56037 (Lincoln Cl.114) at 0640 Doncaster-Sheffield.
Sheffield arrive 0712, in the station was 46009, which was to last another few years until they crashed it into the nuclear flask for a safety demonstration.
Behind 45124 in an aircon Mk2 at 0720 "The Master Cutler" to Leicester via Toton. Little noted on Toton depot, but condemned original peak 44008 was visible. Passing trains: 2x20s at Tibshelf, 2x20s and a brake vans at Trent, 2x31s on AB bogie steel wagons at Loughborough, 2x20s at Humberstone Road, Leicester.
Leicester arrive 0822, 1h10 from Sheffield via the Erewash valley (today via Derby, 54m or 1h03, depending on which of the two per hour you get).
Break for breakfast, then back to the station. Leicester station area, 0945-1030: 2x08s, 45013 on parcels, 2x 45/1s on St Pancras trains, and on the depot, 3x25s and a 45/0.
Behind 31205 in an early Mk2 at 1034 to Nuneaton (Norwich-Birmingham service), passing a 25 on ballast at Croft quarry, and 2x20 on freight heading out of Nuneaton towards Leicester.
Nuneaton arrive 1059. Stabled: 1x08, 3x25, 1x45/1, 1x47, 1x81. Passing: 8x AC electrics, 85/86/87s, including an 85 on ballast.
In EMU 304 011 at 1133 to Rugby arr 1157, Rugby: 1x08 (Bletchley-allocated)
In EMU 057 (cl.310) at 1214 to Northampton. Stabled: 1x08 (Bletchley again), 6x25s.
In EMU 053 (cl.310) at 1322 to Rugby arr 1343. Usual array of AC electrics passing, EMU 312201, one of a batch of 4 that hung around the W Mids, came in on a local.
Behind 86227 in an aircon Mk2 at 1430 to Nuneaton arr 1443. 1x25 on Ketton cement going over the top on the Nuneaton avoiding line, 1x45/0 on coal in 16T minerals.
In DMU 50720 (Cl.120) at 1455 Nuneaton to Leicester, passing 1x25 with bricks on freightliner wagons passing Croft. Leicester arr. 1525 and
Behind 45138 in an aircon Mk2 at 1531 to Derby, passing 47558 (Laira) on an up St Pancras train, relatively unusual to get a 47 instead of a 45/1, more unusual to get a WR one.
Derby arr1602. Stabled 1x25, 2x47. Passing: 45103 on Mk1s for St Pancras; 2x25 on gravel in MSV tippler wagons; 46044 on Mk1/2s incl buffet on a NE/SW service; 47310 on MGR HAAs; 47163 on non-aircon Mk2s incl restaurant (Poole-Newcastle+Leeds); 47545 on a St Pancras service (2nd of the day); 25032 pushing some vans around; 08605 shunting parcels+TPO stock; 47189 on MGR HAAs (with a CAR brakevan at each end - this was a common arrangement for a particular service round there, can't remember where to/from); 47375 on MGR HAAs; 45144 on a St Pancras train; 45131 on non-aircon Mk2s to Swansea (relatively unusual then to get 45/1s on NE/SW trains); 45059 on methanol tanks; 47500 on aircon Mk2s (NE/SW train); 47316 on MGR HAAs.
Plus various DMUs, and an HST set going into Litchurch Lane. Not bad for a couple of hours.
Behind 45145 in an aircon Mk2 at 1757 to Leicester arrive 1835. Time for bed.
Classes of loco seen: 08, 20, 25, 31, 44 (withdrawn), 45, 46, 47, 85, 86, 87, and an HST.

 

[Cowley]

Very interesting. A sea of blue and blue and grey. Had all the 44s been withdrawn by then? I assume 44008 would have been among the last ones running?

 

[eastwestdivide]

Last 44 workings were November 30th 1980 according to derbysulzers at http://www.derbysulzers.com/class44.html. So dumped at Toton in summer 81 seems reasonable.
I just managed to see the remaining 3 in traffic in 1980. They had quite a few workings through Leicester on coal, Toton-somewhere round Coventry I think.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Derby arr1602. Stabled 1x25, 2x47. Passing: 45103 on Mk1s for St Pancras; 2x25 on gravel in MSV tippler wagons; 46044 on Mk1/2s incl buffet on a NE/SW service; 47310 on MGR HAAs; 47163 on non-aircon Mk2s incl restaurant (Poole-Newcastle+Leeds); 47545 on a St Pancras service (2nd of the day); 25032 pushing some vans around; 08605 shunting parcels+TPO stock; 47189 on MGR HAAs (with a CAR brakevan at each end - this was a common arrangement for a particular service round there, can't remember where to/from); 47375 on MGR HAAs; 45144 on a St Pancras train; 45131 on non-aircon Mk2s to Swansea (relatively unusual then to get 45/1s on NE/SW trains); 45059 on methanol tanks; 47500 on aircon Mk2s (NE/SW train); 47316 on MGR HAAs.
Plus various DMUs, and an HST set going into Litchurch Lane. Not bad for a couple of hours.
Behind 45145 in an aircon Mk2 at 1757 to Leicester arrive 1835. Time for bed.
Classes of loco seen: 08, 20, 25, 31, 44 (withdrawn), 45, 46, 47, 85, 86, 87, and an HST.

That train would have come off the Denby branch at Little Eaton Junction and will have almost certainly been heading to Willington Power Station. The reason for the brake vans being the large number of level crossings on the Denby branch.