"The Pines Express" - Guildford to Crewe featuring 31625, 33208 & 44767, 22nd November 1997

On 22nd November 1997 the Mid-Hants Railway ran a main line special from Guildford to Crewe to collect the unique Stanier/Ivatt "Black 5" 44767 and bring it to the Mid-Hants Railway. From Guildford Maunsel "U" class mogul 31625 was used to pilot the train with BR Class 33 locomotive D6593 [33208] as train engine as well as to provide heat. This was also 33208s first main line run in preservation, which was my reason for travelling.

31625 was removed at Knowle & Dorridge on the outbound journey and re-attached there as pilot engine to 44767 on the return. 33208 remained at the "north" end of the train throughout. 31625 went to Tyseley for a short rest between its runs. At Banbury Inter City liveried 47827 makes an appearance morning and evening with Cross Country services. An unidentified Freightliner 47 is seen in Banbury yard. After departing Birmingham New Street a very good run was had with 33208, with its maximum plated speed being sustained for several miles between Stafford and Crewe.

[Hi8 source]

00:00 31625 & 33208 - Guildford
02:08 31625 & 33208 - Banbury
03:32 47827 - Banbury
04:44 31625 & 33208 - departing Banbury
05:51 33208 - Birmingham New Street
06:40 33208 - Crewe
07:43 44767 - Crewe
08:12 44767 & 33028 - Small Heath
08:40 33208 - Knowle & Dorridge
08:54 31625 & 44767 - Knowle & Dorridge
09:10 47827 - Banbury
09:56 33028 - Banbury