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24 Hours at Grantham Station in 1961: part 2, noon to midnight

Table 3: We have now entered what is probably the busiest part of our 24 hour period at Grantham, with many more main line express passenger trains pausing and passing through the station.

In the 'Up' southbound direction 'The Tees Tyne Pullman' passes through at 12.16pm and half an hour later we will see 'The Yorkshire Pullman' followed by 'The Talisman' at 1.37pm. Almost an hour later at 2.33pm the non-stop 'Elizabethan' makes an appearance with 'The Flying Scotsman' coming into view at 3.13pm. Finally 'The Northumbrian' is due at 4.04pm and 'The Sheffield Pullman' makes a brief stop at 4.25pm and with only 2 minutes in the station things are a bit hectic on the platform before the train heads south again at 4.27pm.

In the 'Down' northbound direction we have 'The Sheffield Pullman' with a brief stop from 1.04pm – 1.06pm followed by 'The Scarborough Flyer' from 1.20pm – 1.26pm which was a Saturdays Only (SO) summer service.

Following on 'The Queen of Scots' passed through at 1.41pm. This was then followed by 'The Northumbrian' scheduled to stop between 2.22pm and 2.28pm and finally 'The Tees-Thames' stopping over between 4.01pm and 4.05pm and 'The Talisman' at 5.43pm. The 1961 Summer Working Time Table was probably the last period when one could see the regular use of train headboards on the front of locomotives.

One of the highlights of the day was the passage of Train No 266, The Down 'Scotch Goods' scheduled for a stop at Grantham between 5.37pm and 5.47pm. Since the mid to late 50’s, haulage was usually the domain of a Kings Crossed based A4 Pacifics, which would be in charge (at a fast pace in traditional Bill Hoole style!) of the class C freight of approximately 40 vehicles. In The opposite direction Train No 273 was the corresponding Up 'Scotch Goods' passing at 12.22pm. However, on this service a Kings Cross based V2 was utilised instead of an A4. Later in the year a very small number of V2s were modified with Kylchap double chimneys and these found regular employment on this service.

TABLE 3 

The lunchtime, afternoon and early evening. This section covers the period from 12.48pm to 6.05pm

 

12.48 pm. With the 'Yorkshire Pullman' now well on its way to Peterborough, there's movement from the south in the form of an A3 (34A) hauled Passenger train (1A18). The A3 had left King's Cross at 10.45am and its train is bound for Newcastle.

It's up close and personal for these young spotters as they admire the sleek lines of A3 no 60044 'Melton' Copyright Mel Smith / TTG Archive

There has sometimes been an engine change here, with a Grantham A3 (34F) taking over the 34A A3 for the rest of the trip to Newcastle.

12.50 pm. Having left Lincoln at 12.11pm, another DMU service (1937) pulls up in the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1).

12.56 pm. Over in the Western Platform (Platform 5) a Derby bound passenger service (816) hauled by a B1 (40E) gets underway. L1s and K3s off 40E have also been noted with this train.

12.57 pm. The B1 is now heading along the Nottingham Branch and it will soon be overhauled by an EE Type 4 Diesel (52A) rushing through the station from the south with a Passenger train (1A22) This service left King’s Cross at 11.00am and is bound for Glasgow.

12.58 pm. Just a minute later, from the north an A3 (34F) slows with an express from Newcastle (1A19). Having left Newcastle at 9.47am there will be an engine change here.  An A4 (34A) will soon take over for the run to King's Cross where it will arrive at 3.01pm before returning at 6.20pm on (1N66). The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 1.04pm.

1.00 pm -

1.04 pm. At the Yard Box, with the engine change now complete, the A4 (34A) moves off with its train (1A19) for the journey to King's Cross.

1.04 pm. At the same time another EE Type 4 Diesel (34G) hauled Passenger train 'The Master Cutler' (1G60) arrives in platform 3 from the south. It left King’s Cross at 11.20am and is on the way to Sheffield. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 1.06pm.

1.06 pm. After only a short pause the EE Type 4 diesel (1G60) departs from Platform 3 for Sheffield.

1.09 pm. From the north an A4 (34A) brings 'The Norseman' (1A21) into Platform 2. The A4 (34A) left Newcastle at 9.55am and is due at King’s Cross at 3.10pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 1.13pm.

1.12 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) a Lincoln bound DMU (850) gets underway.

1.13 pm. A whistle from Platform 2 sees the A4 (34A) getting ready to continue its journey south with 'The Norseman' (1A21). A few seconds later a column of smoke indicates that it has now started to move off.

*A typical scene on the western side of the station as a 9F No 92183 pauses to take on water. It is thought that this train is the returning Meat Empties from King's Cross to Aberdeen.

1.15 pm. In the Down Goods Loop we can see that a Class F Freight (600) has arrived from the south and stopped for water. The locomotive left New England at 12.00pm and is on its way to York Down Yard, being due to arrive there at 6.45pm. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed). *Although the photograph above does not actually show this train, we've included it as a means of illustrating a typical water stop in the Down Goods Loop.  The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 1.29pm.

1.17 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) another DMU departs with a cross country service (818) bound for Skegness.

1.20 pm. Three minutes later, with the Skegness DMU probably now approaching Peascliffe Tunnel a Pacific (34A) hauled express pulls into Platform 3 from the south. The Pacific is in charge of 'The Scarborough Flyer' (1A84) which runs on a Friday and Saturday only, leaving King’s Cross at 11.28am. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 1.26pm.

*Having now topped up with water the 9F moves off to rejoin the Down main line.

*Again, the photograph shown above is not actually a Class C Freight, but we've included it as a means of illustrating a 'typical departure' from the Goods Loop.

1.29 pm. Over in the Goods Loop the Class F Freight (600) gets ready to move off for the rest of its journey to York Down Yard, arriving there at 6.45pm.

1.30 pm. A Class K Freight (4415) which left Colwick at 10.50am arrives in the loops to the west side of the station. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

1.35 pm. More activity on the west side of the station as an L1 with 2 Brake Vans - G EBV (1107) leaves for Highdyke and is due to arrive there at 1.50pm.

1.36 pm. In the Nottingham Bay (Platform 4) a K3 departs for Nottingham with a local passenger service (810). B1s and L1s have also been noted with this train.

1.37 pm. From the north we get the chance to see another Deltic (64B) whisk through the station with 'The Talisman' (1A23). This train left Edinburgh at 8.30am and is due at King’s Cross at 3.25pm.

1.41 pm. The next train to pass through the station is an EE Type 4 Diesel (55H) hauled express 'The Queen of Scots' (1S57). Having left King’s Cross at 11.50am the Type 4 is on the way to Glasgow but will return later with train (1E14).

1.42 pm. Over to the west side of the station a Class K Freight (1221) is leaving for New England, arriving there at 4.42pm. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

1.43 pm. A minute a later an L1 (40E) hauled passenger train (2457), having left Nottingham at 12.55pm, comes into the Western Platform (Platform 5). On other days both B1s (40E) and K3s (40E) have been seen on this train.

1.50 pm. The stock from the Nottingham train (2457) has been moved into the sidings and after a seven minute interval a V2 (34A) which left King's Cross at 10.50am arrives in the Western Platform (Platform 5) with a passenger train (1C41) which will terminate here. Other Pacific types (34A) have also been noted on this train.

1.51 pm. From the north an A3 (34A) comes round the curve with a passenger train (1E10) bound for King's Cross. It gradually slows through Platform 2 before coming to a halt near the Yard Box.  This train originated in Ripon at 10.35am and the Bradford portion at 11.04am. It's due to arrive at King’s Cross at 4.06pm. On other days A4s (34A) have also worked this train. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 1.56pm.

1.56 pm. A whistle from the guard on Platform 2 and the A3 (34A) slips away to the south with its train (1E10).

2.00 pm -

*In this photograph taken from the south end of Platform 3 a typical gathering of spotters watch O2 No 63975 heading through the station on the way back to Highdyke. Michael J Chapman Collection

2.04 pm. There's been a comparatively lengthy interval and the relative silence is rudely interrupted by the noisy clatter and chatter of an O2 (34F) hauled Class F Freight - empties (3021).  It was an early start from Frodingham at 7.26am, but there's not long to go now, with the O2 due to arrive at Highdyke at 2.22pm. On other days WDs (36C) have been in charge.

2.10 pm.  Another Freight from Colwick, this time a Class H (4339) arrives tender first and passes through the station.  The engine left Colwick at 1.15pm and is due to arrive at New England at 3.31pm. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed)

2.09 pm. After five minutes a K3 (40E) brings another noisy Class H Freight - Ironstone Empties (4439) K3 through the station.  The K3, having left Colwick at 12.30pm, is bound for Highdyke, arriving there at 2.27pm.

*A welcome oasis during our visit to Grantham station. Photograph by Cedric Clayson

2.20 pm. Time for a quick visit to the Refreshment Room on Platform 2 again and we emerge just in time to hear a DMU (1955) arriving in the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) with another cross country service that left Skegness at 12.27pm.

2.22 pm. 'The Northumbrian' (1A28) arrives from the south with an A3 (34F) in charge. The A3 is off the earlier train (1B02) that left Grantham at 7.23am for King's Cross. 'The Northumbrian' departed from King's Cross at 12.30pm and there will be an engine change here to another A3 (34F). The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 2.28pm.

2.28 pm. With the engine change now complete, the fresh Grantham based A3 (34F) gets underway from Platform 3 for the rest of the trip to Newcastle (1A28).

2.33 pm. Over on the west side of the station the L1 with extra Brake Vans - EBV Branch Relief (1212) having left Highdyke at 2.22pm arrives with returning Grantham personnel.

2.33 pm. Just then, from the north, we hear a distant chime whistle and very soon 'The Elizabethan' (1A33) sweeps around the curve. Today it's an A4 (34A) but on other alternate days it's an A4 (64B). The A4 left Edinburgh at 10.00am and will arrive at King’s Cross at 5.05pm.

2.37 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) a DMU leaves with a local service (986) for Lincoln. Further north it will meet one of its stablemates making the return trip to Grantham.

2.41 pm. Four minutes later the returning DMU (1949) that left Lincoln at 2.00pm arrives in the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1).

2.47 pm. From the north the now unmistakable sound of a Deltic (34G) heralds the arrival of a Hull to King's Cross passenger train (1E29).  The Deltic had previously passed through this morning northbound at 10.51am with (1N06). The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 2.51pm.

2.51 pm. Down at the Yard Box on Platform 2, the Deltic with (1E29) has been idling away for some minutes, but after a short 'toot' the engines pick up again and the powerful  locomotive departs for King's Cross.

2.57 pm. Over in the Western Platform (Platform 5) an L1 (40E) arrives with a passenger service (2381) which left Derby at 1.20pm. B1s (40E) and K3s (40E) have also been used on this service.

3.00 pm -

3.00 pm. In the last few hours we've seen plenty of 'named' passenger trains and here's yet another one coming in from the south! This time it's 'The Heart of Midlothian' (1A30) and it has an A3 in charge today, but A4s are also often seen on this train. The A3 left King's Cross at 1.00pm and is taking those on board to Edinburgh.

3.00 pm. Over in the Nottingham Bay (Platform 4) another L1 (40E) departs with a passenger train (828) bound for Derby. B1s (40E) and K3s (40E) have also been used on this service.

3.04 pm. A DMU service that come from Boston (908) arrives in the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1).

3.07 pm. A few minutes later a Class K Pick Up Freight (1163) which had left Doncaster at 7.05am arrives. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

*EE Type 5 D9013 ''Gordon Highlander' with the Up 'Flying Scotsman' 1A35. Photograph by Cedric Clayson

3.13 pm. We are getting to the middle of the afternoon session now and right on time another Deltic (34G) rounds the curve and races through the station with 'The Flying Scotsman' (1A35). Having left Edinburgh at 10.00am it will get to King’s Cross at 5.05pm.

3.21 pm. An A3 (34A) hauled express, with portions originating in Bradford at 12.54pm and Leeds at 1.22pm, drifts into Platform 2 with an Up train (1E11) and comes to a halt at the Yard Box. It's on the way to King’s Cross where it will arrive at 5.32pm. An A4 (34A) has also been noted with this train. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 3.26pm.

3.23 pm. Approaching the station from the south is an A1 (36A) on a passenger train (1N19) which left King’s Cross at 1.25pm. Portions are destined for Leeds and Bradford. The A1 had earlier travelled south with (1E02), which we saw passing through at 9.18am,

3.26 pm. There's a whistle from the A3 (34A) near the Yard Box on Platform 2. The A3 came in some five minutes ago at 3.21pm with (1E11) but is now moving off and slowly gathering speed for the journey south.

3.34 pm. After an eight minute interval our next sighting is of a K3 (40E) coming in from the south with a Class H Freight - Ironstone (1180).  Having left Highdyke at 3.23pm it's on its way to Colwick and will then head on to Stanton & Staveley near Ilkeston.

3.40 pm. Looking south again we can see a 9F hauling a Class C Freight - Blue Spot fish empties (264).  The 9F left King’s Cross Goods at 12.05pm and will pause in the Goods Loop before continuing its journey to Aberdeen. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 3.48pm.

3.41 pm. A DMU that left Boston at 2.43pm arrives in the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) with a cross country service (1969).

3.48 pm. After stopping in the Down Loop for water the 9F gets its train (264) underway and joins the Down Main Line to continues the journey to Aberdeen.

*A V2 No 60956 dashes through the station with a northbound train made up of empty coaching stock.

3.55 pm. A train made up of Empty Coaching Stock (764) and bound for Clifton Sidings in York hurries through the station. This train left King's Cross at 11.20am and will in York at 8.30pm. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

3.56 pm. On Platform 2 the A3 that came in from Bradford (1E12) at 3.50pm now gets away. There's a little bit of wheel slip but the loco soon finds its feet and departs for King's Cross.

4.00 pm -

4.01 pm. By tradition it's now tea time, or should we say 'Tees Time' as from the south an A2 (34E) brings in 'The Tees Thames' (1A34). This train left King’s Cross at 2.00pm and will pause at Platform 3. After an engine change it will move off again for the trip to Saltburn.  An A3 (34E) has also been spotted on this service. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 4.05pm.

The following sequence shows a typical engine change on the Down 'Tees Thames' and on this occasion we have an A4 being replaced by an A2/3.

In this first photograph the A4 has uncoupled from its train, which has just arrived in platform 3 from King's Cross. On the right the A2/3 waits in the engine spur and is ready to take over. The A4 will now run forward a short distance along the Down Main Line before reversing back towards the engine shed area.

The second photograph shows the A4 reversing past The A2/3, which is waiting to take over the train. The A4 will now move on to the reversing triangle, often called the 'Angle' before proceeding to the shed. It will then be prepared for the return trip to London which will take place later in the day.

With the A4 now safely out of the way, the A2/3 will draw forward from its position in the engine spur and move on to the Down Main Line. It will then be reversed and coupled up to the train in readiness for an imminent departure for The North.

4.05 pm. The A2/3 now pulls away from Platform 3 with 'The Tees Thames' and soon passes the North Box. After leaving Grantham behind it will head north on the Down Main Line for the rest of the journey to Saltburn.

Just then a southbound EE Type 4 Diesel (55A) blasts through the station from the north with 'The Northumbrian' (1A37). It left Newcastle at 12.50pm and is due at King's Cross at 6.07pm.

4.06 pm. The EE Type 4 with 'The Northumbrian' (1A37) has now cleared the Great North Road Bridge to the south of the station, whilst the A2/3 with 'The Tees Thames' (1A34) having made a spirited departure from Platform 3 is now well on its way north.

4.07 pm. A couple of minutes later a WD (40E) approaches from the Nottingham Branch with a Class H Freight (4477)  The WD left Nottingham London Road at 2.35pm and is due at New England at 5.25pm. On other days a K3 (40E) has also worked this train.

4.09 pm. An A1 (36A) brings another express (1A36) into Platform 3. The A1 came off 1A01, departed from King’s Cross at 2.10pm and is on its way to York and Hull. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 4.13pm.

4.13 pm. A brief whistle from the guard and the A1 (36A) leaves Platform 3 for the north with the York and Hull train (1A36).

4.14 pm. In the Nottingham Bay (Platform 4) an L1 (40E) now moves off with a passenger train (846) bound for Derby. K3s and B1s have also been seen on this train from time to time.

4.20 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) another DMU (1983) having joined the Up Main Line at Barkston East Junction arrives from Lincoln, having left there at 3.43pm.

4.24 pm. It's a very quick turnaround for the DMU in the Lincoln Bay (1983) as it now departs for another journey back to Lincoln (844).

4.25 pm. From the north an EE Type 4 Diesel (34G) comes into Platform 2 with a train from Sheffield unofficially called 'The Sheffield Pullman' (1B21). This train left Sheffield at 3.20pm and is due at King’s Cross at 6.15pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 4.27pm.

4.27 pm. The EE Type 4 has been idling away near the Yard Box on platform 2 for a few minutes now, but a whistle from the platform sees an increase in engine revs and it soon gets away with (1B21) for the trip to King's Cross.

4.29 pm. With the EE Type 4 (1B21) now heading under the Great North Road Bridge, a V2 (34A) approaches from the south with a Class C Freight - Empty Meat Containers (262). The V2 which left Ferme Park at 2.20pm and is bound for Niddrie, near Edinburgh, before moving on to Aberdeen.

4.30 pm. The V2 on (262) has passed through the station and is making its way along the Down Main Line towards Barrowby Road. As it does a WD (40E) that left Colwick at 3.30pm approaches from the Nottingham Branch with a Class H Freight (4341) and then crosses over on to the Up Main Line. It's due to arrive at New England at 6.00pm. K3s (40E) have also been noted on this train.

4.35 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) another DMU bound for Boston (848) now departs.

4.38 pm. An O2 (34F) that left Highdyke at 4.28pm with G EBV - light engine and extra Brake Vans, No 2 Branch Pilot (1236) returns with Grantham personnel.

4.39 pm. The next train to arrive originated in Glasgow at 9.30am. After an engine change in Newcastle it's now headed by an A4 (52A). The A4 sounds a long warning whistle as it comes in from the north with an express (1A39). The whistle continues as it blasts through the station leaving a smoke trail that soon thins as the train heads away south. It's due to arrive at King’s Cross at 6.43pm.

4.42 pm. Some three minutes later a Pacific approaches from the south with another stopping express (1A38). The Pacific departed from King’s Cross at 2.50pm and will pause here for an engine change to a North Eastern based Pacific before heading off again for Newcastle. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 4.48pm.

4.48 pm. With the engine change now completed the Pacific gets away from Platform 3 with the Newcastle express (1A42).

4.52 pm. From the south we spot a Class F Freight - empties (1386) coming in. This train left New England at 3.40pm and will arrive at Doncaster Decoy at 8.30pm. The train moves into the yards on the west side of the station. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed). The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 5.15pm.

4.55 pm. In the Western Platform (Platform 5) an L1 (40E) having left Nottingham at 4.05pm arrives with a local train (2465). On other days both B1s (40E) and K3s (40E) have been noted on this service.

5.00 pm -

5.01 pm. Having left King’s Cross at 3.10pm, from the south an EE Type 4 Diesel (52A) comes into view and quickly dashes through the station with an express for Newcastle (1A42).

5.06 pm. Five minutes later a 9F (34E) brings through a Class C Freight with loaded Presflo cement wagons (260) having left West Thurrock, near Grays, Essex at 11.40pm it's on the way to Cambuslang, Glasgow.

5.10 pm. A Class C Freight (482) sets off from the west side of the station and if all goes well it will arrive at Dringhouses, York at 9.27pm. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

5.15 pm. The Class F Freight - Empties (1386) now heads away from the west side of the station and joins the Down Main Line. It's bound for Doncaster Decoy. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

5.17 pm. Close behind, the first Parcels train (3N09) of the early evening pulls up in the Western Platform (Platform 5).  It's headed by a V2 that left King's Cross at 12.25pm and is due to arrive at York at 10.10pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 6.36pm.

5.19 pm. In the Nottingham Bay (Platform 4) a DMU that left Nottingham at 4.38pm arrives with a local service (1991).

5.25 pm. A short whistle sees an A1 (56C) coming round the curve with 'The White Rose' (1E13) which originated in Bradford at 3.12pm before calling at Leeds at 3.32pm. The A1 will get to King’s Cross at 7.20pm.

5.31 pm. Six minutes later another A1 (56C) having left King's Cross at 3.40pm, after coming off the earlier (1E04), heads by northbound with a Leeds and Bradford express (1N21).

5.34 pm. In the Western Platform (Platform 5) a passenger train (852) from Derby and headed by a B1 (40E) slowly comes to a halt. L1s (40E) and K3s (40E) also work this service.

5.37 pm. Our attention is drawn back to the Main Line as the familiar shape of an A4 (34A) working the Class C Freight - 'Scotch Goods' (266) approaches from the south. The A4 left King’s Cross Goods at 5.54pm and will pause in the Goods Loop for ten minutes to pick up water as Werrington Troughs are currently out of order. Once replenished the A4 will head north again for Niddrie. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 5.47pm.

5.41 pm. A Class H Freight (6205) having left Dewsnapp near Manchester at 11.05am drifts through the station. It's heading for New England and will arrive there at 7.05pm. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

Train 1A46, the 16:00 from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley, 'The Talisman', hauled by Deltic locomotive No.D9018 'Ballymoss'.  Photograph by Cedric Clayson.

5.43 pm. A few minutes later the characteristic sound of another Deltic (52A) fills the air. As it gets ever closer, there's a short warning blast of the horn before the loco in charge of 'The Talisman' (1A46) powers through the station on its way to Edinburgh. This particular Deltic went south with (1A09) earlier and then left King’s Cross again with this train at 4.00pm.

5.46 pm. There's another A1 (36A) heading in from the north with an express from Doncaster (1B11).  This train left Doncaster at 4.40pm and will pause here for a few minutes before departing again for King’s Cross, arriving there at 8.00pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 5.49pm.

5.47 pm. It's now time for the A4 (34A) to move off from the Down Goods Loop and re-join the Down Main Line with the 'Scotch Goods' (266).

5.49 pm. There's some activity on Platform 2 next to the Yard Box as the A1 (36A) that has been standing there for a few minutes gets underway for King's Cross with the train that came in from Doncaster (1B11).

6.00 pm -

6.00 pm. In the Western Platform (Platform 5) a passenger train (2465), having left Derby at 4.12pm and headed by an L1 (40E), slowly comes to a halt. B1s (40E) and K3s (40E) also work this service.

6.03 pm. - Turning back to the Main Line again, an EE Type 4 Diesel (52A) brings in the 'Anglo - Scottish Car Carrier' (1A41).  It slowly passes the Yard Box on the Up Main Line and diverts to the Up Slow Line. Once clear of the Main Line it will come to a halt. This train left Edinburgh at 12.25pm and will get to Holloway, London at 8.25pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 6.18pm.

6.04 pm. - With the 'Anglo - Scottish Car Carrier' now standing in the Up Slow Line, an A3 (34A) approaches from the south with another express (1N22).  This train left King’s Cross at 6.05pm and, after a four minute stop here, it will then continue on its journey north to Leeds, Bradford and York. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 6.08pm.

6.05 pm. From the yards to the west side of the station an O2 (34F) leaves with extra Brake Vans - G EBV (1194). It's heading for Highdyke and will arrive there at 6.21pm with Grantham personnel to work the branch.

Table 4: We have now entered the last 6 hours of our 24 hour period at Grantham, with many more main line express passenger trains pausing and passing through the station.  It's been a bit of a marathon, but we can have a preview of some of the key sightings involving main line express services for the final six hours of our 24 hour stint at Grantham.

First to come into view will be the Up (Southbound) express 'The Queen of Scots' Pullman which passes through at 6.14pm. This is followed by 'The Heart of Midlothian' with a stopover from 7.06pm – 7.12pm. Finally 'The Talisman' roars through at 8.56pm.

The Down (Northbound) direction sees three successive Pullman Trains which all pass non-stop through the station. 'The Tees Tyne Pullman' at 6.33pm, 'The Yorkshire Pullman' at 7.17pm and 'The Sheffield Pullman' at 8.58pm. Finally the first of the night time sleeper services 'The Aberdonian' stops at the station between 9.27pm and 9.33pm.

The 8.41pm Up arrival at Grantham from Retford saw the only regular working of a Diesel Multiple Unit along this section of The East Coast Main Line during this period.

A one off ironstone working occurred with the passage through at 6.44pm of the Highdyke to Aldwarke (near Rotherham) working. For The Summer of 1961 the train was made up of unfitted (grey-painted) iron ore tipplers but, early in1962, it was to achieve some fame when fitted (bauxite-coloured) tipplers were introduced with Class C haulage, mainly by Grantham-based A3s, but also occasionally A1s. However, because of problems keeping the train marshalled correctly this formation only lasted for about a year.

TABLE 4 

The early evening and up to midnight. This section covers the period from 6.14pm to 11.53pm

 

6.08 pm. The A3 (34A) that has been standing in Platform 3 for four minutes departs with the Leeds, Bradford and York train (1N22).

6.14 pm. Over in the sidings to the west of the station an O2 (34F) Light Engine (1201) having travelled along the Nottingham Branch comes to a stop. The O2 joined the branch at Belvoir, an ironstone line between Grantham and Bottesford at 5.55pm.

6.14 pm. Back on the Main Line another EE Type 4 Diesel (55H) quickly heads in from the north with 'The Queen of Scots' (1E14).  The Type 4 Diesel had previously travelled north with (1S57) before leaving Glasgow at 11.00am. Arrival time at King’s Cross is 8.09pm.

6.18 pm. Over on the Up Slow Line the EE Type 4 Diesel (52A) that brought in the 'Anglo - Scottish Car Carrier' (1A41) moves off and re-joins the Up Main Line to continue its journey to Holloway, arriving there at 8.25pm.

6.18 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) another DMU gets away with a local train (874) for the relatively short but picturesque journey to Lincoln.

6.22 pm. Four minutes later there's a local train (868) moving off from the Nottingham Bay (Platform 4) headed by an L1 (40E). It's heading for Nottingham. B1s (40E)  and K3s (40E) also sometimes work on this service.

6.28 pm. The crew on board the L1 now coming into the Western Platform (Platform 5) more than likely met and acknowledged their counterparts aboard the L1 heading to Nottingham.  This L1 is hauling another local train from Nottingham (2467) having left their at 5.40pm. On other evenings B1s (40E) and K3s (40E) have been noted on this service.

Photograph by Cedric Clayson

6.33 pm. It's back to the Main Line and we see another named train approaching from the south. It's an A4 (34A) at the head of 'The Tees Tyne Pullman' (1A50) which left King’s Cross at 4.50pm and is bound for Newcastle.

6.36 pm. An unidentified loco brings a Class C Freight (529) through the station on the Up Main Line.  This train left Dringhouses, York, at 3.15pm and is due to arrive at New England at 7.22pm.

6.36 pm. The V2 that came in at 5.17pm with a Parcels train (3N09) now heads off northwards from the Down Goods Loop and joins the Down Main Line for the rest of its journey to York.

*Photograph by Cedric Clayson

6.42 pm. Six minutes later a B1 (34A) comes round the curve from the north with a Class C Freight - Fish (581). The B1 had worked north to Hull on the previous night's train (666) before leaving Hull again at 4.10pm.  It's on the way to the East Goods Yard near Finsbury Park, London.

6.42 pm. After being held for the passage of the B1, a WD (40E) comes off the Nottingham Branch and joins the Up Main Line with a Class H Freight (4521). The WD left Colwick at 5.25pm and will divert into the Up Slow Line for a short stop before continuing on its way to New England, arriving there at 8.10pm. A K3 (40E) is also used on the is train. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 6.50pm.

6.44 pm. Back on the Main Line an O2 (34F) rattles through the station from the south with a Class H Freight - ironstone (1228) which left Highdyke at 6.33pm and is on the way to Aldwarke near Rotherham.

6.50 pm. After an eight minute stop the WD (40E) that has been standing in the Up Slow Line with the Class H Freight (4521) departs for New England.

7.00 pm -

7.00 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) another DMU having left Boston at 6.00pm arrives with a cross country service (1993).

7.03 pm. In the Western Platform (Platform 5) a B1 (40E), that departed from Nottingham at 6.15pm, arrives with a local train (2471).  L1s (40E) and K3s (40E) have also been noted on this train.

7.06 pm. We turn our attention back to the Main Line again. In the next ten minutes we will see two more named expresses. The first is an A4 (52A) and it's already coming round the curve from the north and approaching Platform 2 with 'The Heart of Midlothian' (1A47) which left Edinburgh at 1.30pm. There will be an engine change here and another A4 (34A) will take the train on to King’s Cross, arriving there at 9.09pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 7.12pm.

'The Heart of Midlothian' being prepared to depart on the evening of Thursday 31st August 1961.
Photograph by Cedric Clayson

7.12 pm. We hear a brief whistle on Platform 2 and after a six minute stop the A4 (34A) now gets away with 'The Heart of Midlothian' (1A47).

7.16 pm. From the south a WD (36C) comes into view with a Class H Freight - Ironstone (1194) which left Highdyke at 7.00pm and is bound for Frodingham. The WD moves into the Down Goods Loop and will wait there before re-joining the Down Main Line. An O2 (34F) is also often seen with this train. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 7.27pm.

7.17 pm. As the evening moves on a K1 hauling a Class F Freight - Steel (499) that left Newport, Stockton-on-Tees at 8.45am passes through heading south for New England where it will arrive at 8.32pm.

7.17 pm. Another named express is coming in from the south. It's an A3 (34A) hauling 'The Yorkshire Pullman' (1N24). The A3 left King’s Cross at 5.20pm and will return tomorrow on (1E06). The train swiftly passes through heading for Harrogate, Bradford and Hull. The Hull portion is detached at Doncaster and the Bradford portion will be detached at Leeds, with the main section of the train continuing to Harrogate. 

7.19 pm. With 'The Yorkshire Pullman' now on the way to Peascliffe and Barkston, a K3 (40E) moves off from the Nottingham Bay (Platform 4) with a train for Derby (800). On some days L1s (40E) and B1s (40E) also work this train.

7.21 pm. Another A1 (56C) brings a London bound express (1E15) through the station from the north. This train left Bradford at 5.00pm before calling at Leeds at 5.32pm. It's due at King’s Cross at 9.30pm. A3s (56C) have also been noted on this train.

7.27 pm. Having left Lincoln at 6.39pm a DMU arrives in the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) with a local service (1999).

7.28 pm. We have another light engine movement (1182) as an O2 (34F) sets off from the yards on the west side of the station bound for Highdyke, where it will arrive at 7.45pm. This movement has also seen a WD (36C) in operation.

7.30 pm. Coming in from the north a V2 (50A) brings a set of Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) (3E30) through the station.  This stock left Delaval Sidings, Newcastle at 9.55am and will get to Holloway at 12.22am tomorrow morning. Both A2s and A3s (50A) are sometimes seen with this train.

7.30 pm. As the V2 heads south it is met by a K3 (40E) working a Class F Empties (1050) to Colwick.  The K3 left New England at 6.20pm and now diverts off the Down Main Line to take a route through the west side of the station. A WD (40E) is also a regular engine class used on this train.

7.35 pm. With the K3 heading down the Nottingham Branch and probably nearing Gonerby Tunnel another train is approaching from the south. It's an EE Type 4 Diesel (40A) in charge of a Newcastle service (1A54).  After slowing for the station the Type 4 stops at the north end of Platform 3. This train left King’s Cross at 5.35pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 7.37pm.

7.37 am. The EE Type 4 Diesel has been idling away for a few minutes but now gets the 'right away' from Platform 3 to continue its journey to Newcastle (1A54).

7.40 pm. As the EE Type 4 Diesel heads north it will meet an A3 (34F) arriving travelling south with a train from Hull (1E31).  The A3 has left Hull at 5.15pm and will pause here before continuing on with its journey to King’s Cross, arriving there at 9.52pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 7.46pm.

7.46 pm. Down at the Yard Box on Platform 2 the A3 (34F) that came in six minutes ago moves off with its London bound train (1E31).

7.44 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) a DMU gets away with a local service to Lincoln (916). It will arrive there at 7.44pm.

7.55 pm. Just over ten minutes a later another DMU from Boston (876) pulls into the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1).

7.56 pm. As the passengers from Boston are walking to the exit an A3 (34F) hauled passenger train (1C45) comes in from the south.  The A3 had previously worked (1A13) from Sunderland to King's Cross and we saw it take over from an A1 here at 11.28am this morning, before it headed south at 11.33am.  This is the A3s return trip home having left King’s Cross at 4.57pm.

7.58 pm. Over at the Western Platform (Platform 5) an L1 (40E) which left Nottingham at 7.10pm draws in with a local train (2493).

8.00 pm -

An example showing a typical Class C Freight using the Down Goods Loop to the west of the station. Class A4 locomotive No. 60010 Dominion of Canada has charge of a northbound fully fitted express freight train at Grantham on 12th July 1962. It has paused on the Up & Down Goods line and sets off once more on its journey. Photograph by Cedric A. Clayson, © John Clayson

8.04 pm. From the south a V2 (34A) approaches with a Class C Freight (714). The V2 departed from King’s Cross Goods at 4.10pm and will stop in the Down Goods Loop for a time before leaving for the final leg of its journey to Selby, arriving there at 10.24pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 8.16pm.

8.09 pm. In the Western Platform (Platform 5) another L1 (40E) is ready to leave with a local train (820) to Nottingham. B1s (40E) and K3s (40E) often cover this service.

8.10 pm. The L1 moves past the North Box and takes the Nottingham Branch but just a minute later an A1 (56C), which left King's Cross at 6.12pm after arriving there on (1E08), hurries through the station with a northbound express (1N25) with portions bound for Leeds, Halifax and Hull. The A1 soon overtakes the L1 before disappearing around the curve to the north.

8.16 pm. Some six minutes later the V2 (34A) with the Class C Freight (714) leaves the Down Goods Loop and re-joins the Down Main Line for the trip north to Selby.

8.16 pm. Once on the Down Main Line the V2 meets an A4 (52A) heading the other way with a train from Newcastle (1A49).  After leaving Newcastle at 5.00pm and will reach King’s Cross at 10.05pm.

8.30 pm. There's been a suitable interval in our observations to allow the last few sandwiches to be finished off and also have a welcome cup of tea! As the top is screwed back onto the flask a WD (40E) comes into view from the Nottingham Branch with a Class E Freight - Braked (4535).  The WD left Colwick at 7.40pm and is headed for New  England, arriving there at 9.33pm. A K3 is sometimes allocated to this train.

8.31 pm. With the WD disappearing southwards an A3 (34F) has come into Platform 3 with a train bound for Hull (1N66). The A3 has previously travelled south with (1A19) and left King’s Cross at 6.20pm. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 8.36pm.

8.33 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) a DMU that left Boston at 7.33pm arrives with another cross country service (1849).

8.36 pm. Adjacent to the North Box in Platform 3 the A3 (34F) in charge of the Hull train (1N66) makes a measured start and steams off to the north.

8.41 pm. In the Nottingham Bay (Platform 4) another DMU, this time with a service from Retford (869) has just arrived. It left Retford at 7.58pm.

8.42 pm.  From the south an O2 (34F) with a Class H Freight - Ironstone (1182) slowly comes into view. The O2 (34F)  left Highdyke at 8.31pm and is making its way to Frodingham but will pause here in the Down Goods Loop to allow following traffic to use the Main Line. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 9.02pm. A WD (36C) has also been noted with this train.

8.47 pm. Over in the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) a DMU bound for Lincoln (894) makes quite a noisy start as it gets away.

8.50 pm. From the south a Parcels train (1845) which left Spalding at 7.02pm arrives in the Western Platform (Platform 5) (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

8.52 pm. - Two minutes a later another WD (40E) also comes in from the south with a Class E Freight - Braked (1248) and moves into the Down Goods Loop.  The WD left New England at 6.52pm and after pausing here will move off along the Nottingham Branch for Colwick.  K3s (40E) have also been noted on this train. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 9.05pm.

8.56 pm. Back on the Up Main Line and sounding a warning whistle an A4 (34A) sweeps in from the north with 'The Talisman' (1A51). The train left Edinburgh at 4.00pm with the A4 coming on from Newcastle. It's due at King’s Cross at 10.40pm.

8.58 pm. The smoke trail from the A4 has now cleared and we soon have another 'named' express, coming in from the south. This time it's an EE Type 4 Diesel (34G) with the unofficially named 'The Master Cutler' (1G61) which left King’s Cross at 7.20pm and is on its way to Sheffield.

8.59 pm. In the Western Platform (Platform 5) a K3 (40E) departs with a train (888) bound for Derby. L1s (40E) and B1s (40E) are also often used on this service.

9.00 pm -

9.02 pm. With the K3 on the Derby train now clear the O2 (34F) that came in with a Class H Freight - Ironstone (1182) slowly gets away for the rest of its journey to Frodingham.

9.05 pm. The O2 is now heading north along the Down Main Line towards Peascliffe and Barkston so it's time for the WD (40E) with the Class E Freight - Braked (1248) to now move off and recommence its journey and take the Nottingham Branch to Colwick.

9.09 pm.  A few minutes later yet another WD (40E) comes into view with a Class F Freight - Empties (1066) from New England and is also heading for Colwick.  As with the previous working, the WD will now sit in the Down Goods Loop. K3s are also used on this train. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 9.18pm.

9.13 pm. With the Western Platform (Platform 5) now clear a B1 (40E) arrives with a local train (2495) from Nottingham, having left there at 8.25pm. On other nights L1s (40E) and K3s have been spotted on this train.

9.15 pm. It's time for a Parcels train (3N10) to make an appearance and as it passes through on platform 3 we note that tonight it has a 9F in charge.  The 9F left King's Cross at 6.16pm and is due at York at 11.44pm. V2s have also been seen on this Parcels train.

9.18 pm. The WD (40E) sitting in the Down Goods Loop slowly gets away with  the Class F Freight - Empties (1066) and will continue on with its journey to Colwick.

9.22 pm. Over in the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) another DMU service (1859) that left Lincoln at 8.45pm arrives.

*Photograph by Cedric Clayson

9.25 pm. A WD (40E) comes off the Nottingham Branch and joins the Up Main Line with a Class D Freight (4543). At the Yard Box it diverts to the Up Slow Line to clear the Up Main Line in readiness for the next train coming in from the north. The WD, having left Colwick at 8.50pm will get to New England for 10.10pm. A K3 is sometimes seen in charge of this train.

9.27 pm. From the south we soon pick up the distinct sound of a Deltic (64B) approaching with a passenger train 'The Aberdonian' (1A58) This train includes sleeping cars. The Deltic had travelled south with (1A23) and departed from King’s Cross at 7.30pm for the trip to Aberdeen. The powerful locomotive brings its train to a halt at the north end of Platform 3. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 9.33pm.

9.29 pm. - Both Up and Down Main Lines are now occupied. An EE Type 4 Diesel (50A) has arrived from the north with a Class C Freight - Meat (257) and will go on to The Up Slow from Yard Box to South Box for a crew change; York men off and Grantham men on to Kings Cross.  This train left Aberdeen at 10.05am and is heading for King’s Cross Goods. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 9.31pm.

9.31 pm. Minutes later the EE Type 4 Diesel in Platform 2 leaves to continue on with its journey to King's Cross with (257).

9.33 pm. The 'Deltic' now also gets away for the north with 'The Aberdonian' (1A58).

9.39 pm. To provide an overall picture of weekday services we have included the following movement:-  At this time on a Friday, we would have been able to watch an A4 (34A) approaching from the south with an another Down express (1A60) bound for Newcastle.  This train leaves King’s Cross at 7.37pm and would have had a six minute stop here. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 9.45pm.

9.41 pm. There's another 9F (36A) coming round the curve from the north. It's on a Class C Freight - Fish (589). It left Hull at 6.45pm and is heading for King’s Cross Goods.

9.45 pm. As noted above, on Fridays this would be time for the A4 (1A60) to now depart for Newcastle.

9.45 pm. Over in the yards on the west side of the station an O2 (34F) heads off 'Light Engine' (1112) for Highdyke and will get there at 10.02pm.

9.52 pm.  A B1 (34F) now moves off from the Western Platform (Platform 5) and joins the Down Main Line with a Parcels train (984) heading for Boston.

9.59 pm. In the Nottingham Bay (Platform 4) an L1 (40E) departs with a local service to Nottingham. B1s (40E) and K3s (40E) are also often seen working this train.

10.00 pm -

10.00 pm. Over in the yards on the west side of the station another O2 (34F) leaves 'Light Engine' (1281) for Highdyke and will get there at 10.21pm.

10.01 pm. Back on the Main Line we have a passenger train (1S40) coming in from the south and quickly passing through the station. It's headed by an EE Type 4 Diesel (50A). The Type 4 left Colchester at 5.15pm and is on its way to Glasgow.

10.08 pm. A K3 (40E) that left Nottingham at 9.20pm brings a local Passenger train (249) into the Western Platform (Platform 5). L1s (40E) and B1s (40E) have been noted on this service.

10.10 pm. A distant chime whistle from the south heralds the approach of an A4 (34A) on the 'Car Sleeper Limited' (1A62). The A4 dashes through the station and hurries north. After leaving King's Cross at 8.05pm it's destination is Perth.

10.15 pm. With the A4 is now probably somewhere near Barkston. Five minutes behind it a V2 (34E) brings a Class C Freight (1260) northwards through the station. Having left Westwood Yard, Peterborough, it's now bound for Manchester.

10.22 pm. A B1 (34E) arrives in Platform 2 from the north with a Parcels train (3B17) that left Doncaster at 8.30pm. There will be a ten minute stop at the Yard Box before it sets off for King's Cross, arriving there at 1.30am. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 10.32pm.

10.23pm A minute later we pick up the sound of another Deltic (34G) approaching from the south. The Deltic  is heading a passenger train (1A66) including two or three Royal Mail TPO (Travelling Post Office) vans and soon comes to a halt at the north end of Platform 3. The loco departed from King’s Cross at 8.20pm and is bound for Edinburgh. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 10.29pm.

10.29 pm. The Deltic has been ticking over in Platform 3 for some six minutes now. The driver looks back from his cab and finally gets the road. The revs pick up and the locomotive eases its train out of the station to restart its long journey to Edinburgh with (1A66).

10.32 pm. The B1 (34E) that has been standing in Platform 2 at the Yard Box with the Parcels train (3B17) now departs for London.

10.34 pm. In the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) a DMU (990) leaves for Lincoln. It will arrive there at 10.34pm.

10.35 pm. Another Freight train (1216) leaves the sidings to the west of the station for the relatively short trip along the Nottingham Branch to Colwick. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

10.38 pm. - Three minutes later another Parcels train (3N11), this time headed by a V2 (34E) that left March at 8.50pm, comes into Platform 3 from the south.  It's timed to get to York for 12.55am, so there's just six minutes allowed for those on the station to go about their business. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 10.44pm.

10.44 pm. With everything now sorted the V2 (34E) on (3N11) gets the right away from Platform 3 and moves off into the night. We watch the red tail light until it disappears around the curve.

10.48 pm. Although this is the 'summer' WTT it's getting a bit chilly again and tiredness is starting to set in. Not surprising, as we've had a very long but enjoyable session here at Grantham. There's just over an hour to go and still plenty for us to see. It was rather fortunate that we managed to get our flask refilled minutes before the Refreshment Room closed! There's the now familiar sound of the regular DMU coming into the Lincoln Bay (Platform 1) with a cross country service (1863) which left Boston just under an hour ago at at 9.58pm.

10.50 pm. A few travellers from the DMU move off towards the exit. From the south we soon hear an O2 (34F) with a Class H Freight - Ironstone (111). The O2 left High Highdyke at 10.39pm and seems to be running well and making steady progress as it passes through the station on its way to Frodingham. WDs (36C) are also seen working this train.

10.54 pm. Over at the Western Platform (Platform 5) a B1 (40E) arrives with a train (2499) that left Derby two hours earlier at 8.55pm. L1s (40E) and K3s (40E) have been spotted on this working.

10.58 pm. Back on the Up Main Line a Class F Freight (1071) passes through the station. It left Doncaster Decoy  at 8.35pm and will arrive at New England at 12.17am. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

11.00 pm -

11.00 pm. Two minutes later, but this time from the south, a Class F Freight Empties (1184) appears from New England. It will stop here for a while in the Down Goods Loop to allow following trains to have the Down Main Line before heading off again for Scrooby, north of Retford. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed). The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 11.19pm.

11.04 pm. With the Class F standing in the Down Goods Loop, a 9F (36A) rounds the curve from the north with a Class C Freight (1321). The 9F left Doncaster Decoy at 9.00pm and will travel south to Bounds Green, London, arriving there at 4.00am.

11.10 pm. Six minutes later an A3 (52B), having set off from Doncaster at 9.40pm, brings in a Parcels train (3B18). It's also due to arrive at Bounds Green but at 12.40am so it will pause at Platform 2 for a quarter of an hour. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 11.25pm.

11.12 pm. With staff on the station busily engaged in sorting the Up Parcels train now standing in Platform 2, an EE Type 4 Diesel (50A) approaches from the south. The Type 4 Diesel is on a Class C Freight (660) bound for Newcastle Forth. It had previously travelled south with (1E03) before departing with this Parcels train from King’s Cross Goods at 8.35pm.

11.14 pm. Over in the Western Platform (Platform 5) an L1 (40E) leaves with a local train (902) for Nottingham. B1s (40E) and K3s (40E) have both been noted on this train.

11.15 pm. Over in the sidings to the west of the station another O2 (34F) heads off  Class G 'Light Engine' (1026) for Highdyke and will arrive there at 11.32pm.

11.19 pm. The Class F Freight - Empties (1184) in the Down Goods Loop now moves off and joins the Down Main Line for the relatively short journey to Scrooby. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

11.25 pm. It's time for the locomotive standing near to the Yard Box in Platform 2 to leave with the Parcels train (3B18).  A whistle from the Guard and it soon gets away, diverting onto the Up Slow line. It's heading for Bounds Green. (The locomotive type is still to be confirmed).

11.30 pm. With the Parcels train 3B18 heading south on the Up Slow Line an EE Type 4 Diesel (50A) runs through from the north with a Class C Freight - Fish (611) which left Clifton Siding, York at 9.00pm. The Type 4 is travelling to King’s Cross Goods.

11.31 pm. From the south an A3 (56B) is working a Class C Freight (1224) to Leeds having left King’s Cross Goods at 8.36pm. On some nights a A1 (56C) or a V2 (56B) has also been in charge of this train.

11.43 pm. Not long to go now in our 24 hour observation and the next train to appear is a B1 (36A) running through the station from the north with a Class H Freight (1193). The B1 left Loversall Carr, Doncaster, at 6.46pm and will arrive at New England at 1.05am.

11.52 pm. Just under ten minutes later we see an A1 (50A) on an Aberdeen to King's Cross Goods Class C Freight - Fish (259). The A1 will move into the Up Slow line after the Yard Box and pause for nearly twenty minutes. An A2 (50A) has also often worked this train. The 1961 summer WTT provides a stopover at Grantham until 12.10am.

11.53 pm. Well, that's nearly it. We have one more sighting, it's a 9F (36A) and it's on a northbound Class C Freight 'The Tees Tyne Freighter' (524). The 9F left King’s Cross Goods at 8.30pm and is due at Park Lane, Tyneside at 4.22am.

Midnight -

12.10 am. Midnight has come and gone. It's a new day and a new 24 hour cycle has started. Over in the Up Slow Line the A1 with the Class C Freight - Fish (259) gets ready to depart.... and so must we.

We would like to acknowledge and thank those people who have helped us with our research during the compilation of this article. Their subject knowledge has been invaluable. Tommy Knox has increased our understanding on the usage of the larger LNER classes on express trains along the Southern section of The East Coast Main Line. David Percival kindly offered his help and assistance in checking through our interpretation of the Working Time Table. Mick Grummitt has kindly provided first hand detailed information based on his working knowledge of observations, movements and events in and around Grantham. Also the many contributors and owners of photographic collections who have freely offered items for inclusion.

If you have managed to make it through the night and have read this far, you will have noticed that we still have a few gaps to fill in. Can you help us with this? We really look forward to receiving your comments. These will allow us to add further detail and perhaps bring to light some of that elusive information, so please do get in touch.

The Tracks through Grantham Team


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