The journey from Crewe was most pleasant. I am only slightly put out that my seat in coach J is “backing” throughout. The weather is not too far removed of that of fifty years ago…mixed, dry (so far) and not too cold. Departure from Crewe was on time at 08.26hrs. I had played safe and stayed overnight at the Crewe Arms Hotel, which I understand was the first “railway hotel”, but now comes under “Best Western”. Breakfast was included in the reasonable £60, single occupancy of a double room. My plan was to drive home tonight, but I shall now stay until Sunday, when I can return home refreshed from, hopefully, a decent sleep.
I was reminded, briefly, of my final years as Driver with Arriva Trains North as, hauled by Cl.67, 67002, we covered the section between Wigan North Western and Preston. Working from Wigan was very rare for me, but frequently, I would work an evening service from Blackpool and Preston to Wigan North Western before travelling as passenger to Manchester Piccadilly and then working the last train to Buxton. In the very latter days, I would find time for a meal at Carluccio’s at Piccadilly! It’s hard to believe those seemingly recent days are no more.
Breakfast was served almost as soon as we left Crewe, and excellent it was too. Porridge, toast, coffee and a “full English”. That, on top of the most continental of breakfasts I chose at the Hotel!
67002 detached at Preston where ex. LNER Cl. A4 No 60009, a back up class 66 and support coach would attach to our train of B.R. of Mark 1 stock in a nostalgic mix of early B.R. carmine( red) and cream and B.R. Western Region chocolate and cream livery. This rake of passenger coaching stock is now managed by Riviera Trains Ltd.
I find that three steam trains are operating today and already, the other two have been seen, 45699 “Galatea” heading towards Carlisle (which we didn’t call at), and 45690 on its way from Appleby to Carlisle, both diesel assisted on “End of Steam” specials. One of these is due here at Appleby in around 30 minutes, giving me ample time to write this blog in the beautifully restored waiting room on the “south-bound” platform.
There’s a convivial atmosphere as a large gathering of people from children to those older than I am anticipate the arrival of one of these steam specials. What I was reminded of on this part of the journey was the vastness and utter beauty of this high up area of Northern England. I might have become something of a world traveller, but little I have seen so far away, surpasses the magnificence enjoyed from the carriage window this afternoon.
To be continued…
David's Cruise 