ECML Transition

This video highlights the transition from steam to diesel traction on the ECML from the late 1950s to turn of the decade in 1960. In the first section we see 'The Queen of Scots' Pullman train hauled by a Gresley A4 Pacific, a Gresley V2 2-6-2 hauling a fully fitted express freight train an N2 on an outer suburban commuter train and a Peppercorn A1 Pacific hauling an express comprising of a very mixed bag of BR Mk1, Gresley teak coaches in maroon and crimson and cream.
The next section concentrates on the early phases of the transition and here we see a Brush Type 2 A1A diesel electric (later Class 31) introduced late 1957 on an outer suburban train and the English Electric Co-Co experimental DP1 'Deltic' undergoing early trials on the ECML after its initial spell on the LM Region 1955-8. The Eastern Region requested DP1 after the LM Region concluded their trials with the prototype in the light of pending electrification. As the Eastern Region saw its chances of electrification diminish, the ER saw their opportunity with DP1 to improve and modernise their express passenger services between London and Edinburgh. 'Deltic', sometimes referred to as the 'Ice Cream Cart' impressed the authorities sufficiently for them to place an order with English Electric for 22 of these locomotives before the prototype expired in 1961. Here we the 'Ice Cream Cart' circa 1959 with a rake of Mk.1 coaches in crimson and cream, early in its EC trials. Steam still maintains a presence but not for much longer, in the shape of a modified Gresley A3 Pacific with smoke deflectors and double chimney hauling a set of Gresley teak coaches in maroon livery. Completing the scene is BR Standard 9F, certainly no older than DP1, hauling a loaded hopper train.
Thank you for watching.

[@jkb1955]

Great video, even had a B12 in it !

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hello John, Thank you for your endorsement. Delighted you enjoyed. Ah yes, the B12. I have several of these in various liveries.

[@noiselesspatient]

Beautiful.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Thank you for your comment. A single word has a profundity and meaning that a thousand looses.🙏

[@mytinplaterailway]

Excellent idea for a film. I am not one of these people who dislikes Diesels, but I do think the Deltic(s) are the only ones that have the grand elegance of the the great steamers.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Thank you for your thoughts. It's an interesting topic for discussion. From my perspective it's not so much a case of liking or disliking them. I do admire and recognise them for what they are as someone who takes in interest in railways and their contribution to the effective running of the railway. For me, any appeal they have is lacking an emotional dimension and this is something where the steam locomotive wins hands down every time. The steam locomotive is the nearest machine yet designed by man that comes close to being a living, breathing almost human entity. It has it's quirks, foibles, its good days, its bad days; it breathes, communicates how its doing. Look at the front of a steam locomotive.That's a face! And how it works, is fully on display which provides another human connection. Finally, who designs and who is the force behind the concept of a diesel locomotive? In other words, where are the equivalents of the Churchwards, Colletts, Gresleys, Ivatts, Staniers, Bulleids, Maunsells? These were giants in their respective fields and the designs they produed were reflections of their personalities. It's a human dimension.
Returning to the Deltic, it is probably the most iconic diesel for many and I recognise it (note my perception) for what it is and what it represents and its achievments. Having said all that, it does nothing for me, if anything, I prefer the Class 40. From an aesthetic standpoint, the Class 52 Western Diesel Hydraulics wins hands down every time! This is all my personal opinion.

[@mytinplaterailway]

@@crewelocoman5b161 Have you ever seen a steam car? I have watched a Stanley Steamer driving around a field. Not as majestic as a loco obviously, but just as alive. I think it's a lot to do with the boiler, steam, unpredictable sounds and sudden eruptions. But you have to spare every dog a bone, and the Deltic - to me - is a pretty handsome thing. I agree with you about the class 52's too. But not a patch on the humblest steam loco.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

@@mytinplaterailway Can't say I've seen a steam car, but as a very small boy I do recall seeing a road steam traction engine/lorry hauling a very heavy load up a main road from Bootle Docks...I think it was a Sentinel..? and of course plenty of those elegantly grand steam traction engines at fairground and outside events.

[@williammcavoywilliammcavoy]

eastcoast magic what better sight than a v2 on a fully fitted frieght

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Perhaps a Churchward 47XX 2-8-0? Many thanks for your observation.

[@Night_Ferry]

Nice session. The 31 and suburban coaches are what ran down my way in essex. I do like the prototype deltic. I always thought that would have looked smart in the standard black amd silver for prototypes. I love the blue and its iconic but its interesting to think what could have been. How often do you run your layout? There always seems to be something fresh for a video and I imagine it takes a while to pack away and get new stuff out.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Many thanks for your questions and incisive observations as ever! The prototype Deltic DP1 was a private venture by English Electric and delivered for trials in 1955, whereas the earlier prototypes were in the main ordered if not actually built by the 'Big Four' and followed the LMS application of black and silver highlighting which eventually gave way to standard lined green. The striking livery of light blue and cream probably had something to do with eyeing up the North American market. I believe they were hoping for some interest from Canada. Of course, the livery led to DP1 being refered to as the 'Ice Cream Cart' in some circles!
I run my layout two or three times a week. At the moment, I'm having to revisit some of the scenery and replace some sections.There is also an ongoing battle to keep the spiders and their cursed webs in check. Yes, there is a lot of packing and unpacking to be done in an attempt to maintain variety and that's quite a challenge. At the moment I'm engaged in a process to depict the transition between steam and diesel in the 1960s as I would imagine this would provide an additional interest for viewers instead of the endless steam sessions. However, I will not be going beyond 1968! As ever, thank you for your thoughts and watch this space...!