Heavy Metal
An image rescanned for publication purposes, and now used to replace the original version uploaded some 9 years ago.
Peak 44005, once of 'Cross Fell' fame but now with nameplates removed, rolls south out of Toton Yard towards the site of the original Long Eaton station on the Erewash valley line.
Introduced in 1959 and weighing in at a massive 133 tons, the ten class 44s spent most of their lives working the heavy coal trains out of Toton, often destined for the London area. Withdrawal of the class commenced in 1976 and by 1977 they were starting to be seen on less challenging duties - the lightweight evening Spondon tanks would often see a member of the class in charge.
In the late 60s / early 70s a few hours spent at this spot or, even better, Trent Junction a mile or so further on where the flyover lines to the south could be seen, was almost guaranteed to serve up half of the class, or more. This shot was taken from a footbridge which no longer exists, and is close to where a Tesco Supermarket now stands, perhaps even on the site. Note too the gasometer on the right.
At the time I was still half-hopeful of bagging all ten with the camera, but sadly an ambition I never got to realise. 44005 would last a few months longer and was eventually withdrawn in 1978.
Agfa CT18
Around 6.30pm, 7th July 1977
Heavy Metal
An image rescanned for publication purposes, and now used to replace the original version uploaded some 9 years ago.
Peak 44005, once of 'Cross Fell' fame but now with nameplates removed, rolls south out of Toton Yard towards the site of the original Long Eaton station on the Erewash valley line.
Introduced in 1959 and weighing in at a massive 133 tons, the ten class 44s spent most of their lives working the heavy coal trains out of Toton, often destined for the London area. Withdrawal of the class commenced in 1976 and by 1977 they were starting to be seen on less challenging duties - the lightweight evening Spondon tanks would often see a member of the class in charge.
In the late 60s / early 70s a few hours spent at this spot or, even better, Trent Junction a mile or so further on where the flyover lines to the south could be seen, was almost guaranteed to serve up half of the class, or more. This shot was taken from a footbridge which no longer exists, and is close to where a Tesco Supermarket now stands, perhaps even on the site. Note too the gasometer on the right.
At the time I was still half-hopeful of bagging all ten with the camera, but sadly an ambition I never got to realise. 44005 would last a few months longer and was eventually withdrawn in 1978.
Agfa CT18
Around 6.30pm, 7th July 1977