CLASS 20
Type 1s Nos. 20142+20189 undertook a light engine move from Tyseley to Worcester Yard and back on November 2, while Nos. 20007 and 20205 continued with their autumnal shunting duties at Peak Forest. That left the LS duo of Nos. 20096 and 20107 to make most of the news with their main line perambulations. On November 8 they moved B1 4-6-0 No. 61306 and its support coach from Kidderminster to Crewe and the following morning set off with kitchen car No. 80043, forming the 5Z43 10.30 Crewe HS-Eastleigh Arlington, returning north with Mk.2 No. 3231 on November 10. Eight days later they were back at the Hampshire works to collect No. 80043 and return it to Locomotive Services at Crewe. As part of a route refreshing programme, Nos. 20096+20107 ran light from Crewe to Shoeburyness on November 21, stabling overnight at Southall before heading off to Leigh-on-Sea the following morning. 20142 had a very hectic end to the month on Vintage Trains’ ‘Polar Express’ trips. The Type 1 handled five passenger trains with No. 7029 Clun Castle on November 25 and two days later the duo ‘top and tailed’ five return journeys between Birmingham Moor Street and Dorridge.
CLASS 37
Highlighted in our last issue, West Coast Type 3 No. 37668 was similarly active during November when operating passenger and freight traffic. For example, on November 12 Nos. 37668+37676 set off with the 1Z01 07.01 Burton-on-Trent-Newcastle charter, working the train as far as Crewe before heading light to their Carnforth base. Three days later No. 37668 was attached to stable companion No. 37685 at Carnforth, the latter having brought 22 tank wagons south on the 6B37 10.30 Grangemouth-Gascoigne Wood, both Type 3s going forward to destination. That evening No. 37668 was left at York while No. 37685 ran light to Carlisle.
On November 17 Nos. 37516 and 37668 were briefly utilised on RHTT work on behalf of Colas, ‘top and tailing’ the 3J77 05.35 from Tyne Yard to Newcastle, Morpeth, Alnmouth and along the Tyne Valley, later heading to York. The following afternoon found No. 37668 Swindon bound, ready to team up with No. 66846 on
