Prototype An hour at Darlington - 2013.

Roger Pound

Western Thunderer
In 2013 my wife and I decided to visit the NRM 'outstation' at Shildon and in passing spent a short time at Darlington station. These few pictures reflect the traffic of the time seen during that brief stay. I would add that the inevitable class 66's were seen on the through lines by-passing the station, but were not photographed. Class 66 liveries noted were DB Schenker, Freightliner and Colas.

One of the now extinct class 142 units - they clung on to existence in front line service for much longer on local services in the North of England than was originally expected.
SAM_0340 (4).JPG

A class 92 propels a Kings Cross service out of the station
SAM_0342 (2).JPG

The next two pictures are of Cross-Country voyagers 'Voyagers'. This one is entering the station with a northbound service................SAM_0343 (2).JPG

........... whilst this one awaits departure to the south.
SAM_0344.JPG

Another type now no longer used on the ECML - class 43 HST unit with a Kings Cross service entering the station. After their replacement by 'Azuma' units on ECML services, I believe HST sets operated by the MML were still regularly seen at Leeds until relatively recently.
SAM_0347 (2).JPG


A real 'touristy' picture - Darlington Station's clock tower bell.
SAM_0352.JPG

So there we are - a reflection to indicate how some things have changed in the past seven and a bit years. Most of the units shown are still going strong - only the liveries have changed, with the possible exception of Cross -Country. As I continue to sort my photo albums out, I can only reflect on and be grateful for my good fortune at being around to see the swan-song of steam and the trials and tribulations that followed as the era of diesel and electric took over. Truly a fascinating period for a rail enthusiast.
i hope some of you may share some of my pleasure with these few pictures.

Roger.
 
Top