Three Spires Tractors

Another battered EWS class 37 - this time 37417 'Richard Trevithick', passing the site of Three Spires Goods yard in Coventry.

 

the 37/4 was traversing the Prologis branch from Kerseley back onto the Coventry to Nuneaton line, gaining access at Three Spires Junction, which by then was merely a single line and a crossover.

 

A far cry from the 1980's when the junction was busy with coal traffic from Kerseley Colliery, via Three Spires Yard. The junction featured several crossovers, including a single slip, all controlled via the charming ex L & NWR signalbox. (demolished in the 1999 after an arson attack).

 

For anyone interested, here is a link to the awesome "Derby Sulzers" website with some equally brilliant images showing trains at and around Three Spires Jn:

 

www.derbysulzers.com/threespires.html

 

well worth a look.

 

My mate Rog Manton (weathering supremo) was on duty as signalman at the Portacabin that replaced the signalbox mentioned above that day. I didn't know Rog then, but its funny how people can be linked by places or events and not know each other, and you find out later that you were both there!

 

This loco has had a really varied life, and has carried several numbers, names and paint schemes:

 

Numbers:

1. D6969 - released into traffic on 22nd Feb 1965 to Canton

2. 37269 - renumbered in 1974 for TOPS

3. 37417 - refurbished at Crewe in May 1985

 

Names:

1. Highland Region

2. RAIL magazine

3. Richard Trevithick

 

Liveries:

1. BR Green

2. BR Blue

3. Large Logo Blue

4. Intercity

5. EWS

Done