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Erase and rewind

Another negative that has been rescanned and reprocessed to produce an improved result. The original image, uploaded seven years ago, has been deleted.

 

The shot was taken at Hartlepool while on a week-long Eastern Region Railrover ticket, and features class 37 unit 37160 hauling a rake of COVHOPS, possibly carrying lime destined for the nearby Steetley Works from Thrislington or Coxhoe Quarry.

 

Above the loco can be seen the floodlights of the Victoria Ground, home of Hartlepool United FC and, to the left of that, is the dog track - now demolished and replaced by a Morrisons food store. The signal box is just visible through the girders of the barn-like structure on the right.

 

In the brake van the Guard has his coat hung up, and he's no doubt thinking about the imminent arrival and any tasks he needs to perform before signing off.

 

The station and surroundings were looking pretty uncared for by this time, hardly unusual for the period. Even so, I suspect there would still be a queue to go back and take a few more snaps, should the opportunity ever come up!

 

Ilford FP4, rated at 95asa, developed in Acutol.

8th September 1976

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Uploaded on October 3, 2020
Taken on September 8, 1976