Photo-a-Day (Wednesday, 8th February, 2012)
Caledonian Sleeper
Photo: Rev David Long (Konica Minolta Dynax 7D)
The Caledinian Sleeper overslept
How interesting Rev, did you put the kettle on and invite them all for a cuppa.
At this time of the year, with the leaves off the trees, we get a clearer view across Ince Cemetery of traffic passing on the line. There there is a dip in the cutting where the syphon for the Ince Brook passed under the tracks. At first I thought all I could see was a local train waiting at signals - but then I spotted writing on one of the coaches, 'Caledonian Sleeper'. After it had sat there for a while I heard of the Bletchley derailment, and concluded the train had been halted there awaiting a clear passage onwards. So I went to take a few pics - again, the denuded trees allowed me more of a view than is possible in the summer - but getting the loco in focus was difficult because of the twigs in view.
There were no passengers (or visible crew) aboard. I understand they were taken off and sent on their way at Preston - which must have been a rude awakening. The train later made its way, diesel hauled from Crewe, via the Chilterns line, to Euston for its next trip.
Pity the poor passengers re their travel plans and commitments. It must have been frustrating for them.
your quiet right rev they pegged it at wn62 signal on the up goods. a class 67 from warrington came and dragged it back to london.
remember the old caledonian,used to collect the mail off it at Wigan n/w when on night turn.Was the old steamer then,about 30 years ago