Home»All Photographs»Year Albums»2023»July»2023_07_01 ELR Summer Diesel Spectacular

With three main-line steam hauled trains operating in the north of England I should have been spoiled for choice. I ruled out Flying Scotsman running York to Edinburgh as it was one way only and therefore a lot of miles for nothing on the return. The Saphos and WCRC trips to Carlisle and return were very tempting but the policy of ‘pool’ allocation was not acceptable for me. Also, I cannot support anything to do with WCRC running stock that does not conform to modern requirements regarding carriage locking. They have known it was necessary for years and should be banned until they comply with regulations. LSL/Saphos have done it so how come WCRC and Vintage Trains are not being forced to comply. That left me with the opportunity to visit the ELR’s diesel event. I am rarely tempted by double headers but a pair of double Maybach engined Warships was an echo of 1968-70 West Country expresses that I could not resist. The triple combination with a Hymek in the early evening was, for me, a step much too far. The weather in the morning was very poor but conditions improved markedly in the afternoon when it really mattered.