In an exercise in co-operation unimaginable in today's railway, Railfreight Coal and Regional Railways got together and organised an enthusiasts day in 1991.  The plan comprised a number of special trains between Crewe and Llandudno worked by an assortment of normally freight locomotives.  Pairs of classes 20, 37, 56 (2 pairs), 58 and 60 were used.  All trains carried a small Railfreight Coal headboard and were formed of eight Mark 2's in a variety of liveries.  A special runabout ticket was available on the day valid on all the special trains.  Another Railfreight Day was held on a smaller scale on the 20th May 1995.

The first pair to work on the day were 37225 and 37045, seen here
running round at Llandudno after arrival from Crewe.

37225 and 37045 are seen near Deganwy returning to Crewe.

Next pair to appear were Roumanian built Class 56's Nos. 56009 and 56028,
again seen passing Deganwy, this time heading for Llandudno.

20059 and 20151 approach Llandudno Junction.

The impeccable timekeeping of the day was thrown into chaos because of dragging brakes on the afternoon Holyhead - Euston service.  A spectacular cloud of smoke is seen here billowing from the sixth vehicle.  The train was hauled by 47525 and was eventually terminated at Rhyl.

20059 and 20151 pass under the gantry at Abergele bound for Crewe.

60044 and 60061 passing Abergele en route to Llandudno.

The unprecedented sight of a pair of Class 58's Nos. 58003 and 58007
just east of Mostyn bound for Crewe.

60044 and 60061 return to Crewe past Mostyn.

With the "Duke of Lancaster" in the background, the final pair of the day,
56111 and 56112, are seen near Mostyn on their way to Llandudno.

Return to the index page