That was obviously a Gresley-designed A3 Pacific locomotive hauling a Pullman service on the route of the old London and North Eastern Railway, most likely to have been taken sometime between 1952 and sometime in the early 1960s when that particular livery was prevalent.
Whereas that was taken in 1957 at Staithes Viaduct. I know nothing more about it.
This next one shows a Metro-Cammell Class 101 diesel multiple unit on its way to Scarborough. The 101s were introduced in 1956 and were one of the most successful (and longest-lived) designs of first generation DMUs.
Back to the glories of the pre-War LNER, and a classic shot of a Gresley A4 Pacific hauling an Anglo-Scottish express over the Royal Borders Bridge at Berwick-upon-Tweed:
The A4s (one of which still holds the world speed record for a steam engine) were among the most successful of British big expresses, though even they were underpowered for the work required of them (they were roughly 2,000hp machines, and were replaced by the 3,300hp Deltic diesels).
The Deltics weren't designed by Gresley and styled by Bugatti, though, and that final shot conveys the delightful presence and seductive power of the A4s.
4 comments:
Fantastic final picture le Duc the A4 looks so modern and stylish thanks for sharing it.
It is a great shot, isn't it?
Love the A4s, such a sleak, streamlined, almost sexy looking shape to them. Staithes viaduct is a pretty impressive looking structure too! I'm guessing its been gone for some time now though?
Some information on Staithes Viaduct:
To the north of the station the railway immediately passed over the Staithes Viaduct, built in 1875 but not opened to railway traffic until 1883 along with the rest of the line. The viaduct was built of iron and concrete, but due to the strong winds in the area trains could only cross at 20 mph. Safety of the viaduct was in some doubt after Tay Bridge disaster and two horizontal braces were fitted across the viaduct. All viaducts on the line were fitted with wheel guards to stop trains blowing over in high winds. Here equipment for measuring wind pressure was installed. When the wind reached a certain level a bell rang in the signal box and trains were not allowed to cross the viaduct until it had been inspected. Staithes Viaduct was demolished in 1960.
TEESSIDE--WHITBY VIA THE COAST
Trains from Teesside to Whitby started operation on 3rd December, 1883 with a northern terminus at Saltburn. Trains for Whitby Town reversed at Saltburn West Junction to allow them to take the extension line from Saltburn to Brotton and thence follow the coastal line to Whitby through Loftus which up to then had been a terminus.
I have a vague memory that only two metal viaducts survive in Britain, but that isn't very helpful, is it?
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