Trains: Crewe and Derby

A day out in Crewe and Derby gave us quite a nice variety of different trains, which we don't normally see.

Our day started off with a GWR HST set passing through Pontypool & New Inn, in the early dark hours of the morning, heading from St. Philips Mrsh H.S.T.D to Hereford. Then, after travelling on a train for two hours from Pontypool to Crewe, we then filmed two Virgin Trains Voyagers and an East Midlands Trains 153 Sprinter Unit.

We then travelled from Crewe to Derby on the 153, where we then filmed several CrossCountry and East Midlands Trains passenger trains. Sitting in a siding at one end of the station was one of the Europhoenix Class 37s (37800), and in another siding at the other end was a grey Class 56 (56104).

Later, a GBRf Class 66 (66752) was then seen pulling into the DRL with a freight train behind it, and then about half an hour later, a pair of DRS Class 68s (68016 & 68023) arrived in platform four with 'The Northern Belle' heading from Sheffield to Stoke-On-Trent.

The 68s made a really nice sound as they left the station, several minutes later. We then walked back up to the other ends of the station again, where we then filmed a GBRf Class 59 (59003) arrived moving light engine through platform five.

Travelling back to Crewe, we then filmed a few electric trains, including a LondonMidland Trains EMU and a Virgin Trains Pendolino, with two Arriva Trains Wales diesel units in the mix.

In the background of the shunting yards, 47804 was seen reversing and then moving forwards, making a nice little sound from in the distance.

Then, a pair of GBRf Class 73s (73962 & 73965) arrived at Crewe with a late test train from Derby R.T.C (Network Rail) to Crewe C.S. This was our main highlight of the day, as we weren't expecting to see Class 73s on the mainline. After waiting for a Virgin Trains Voyager to pass through, the 73s then left for Crewe C.S.

For the rest of the evening, we then just filmed electric passenger services, including some Arriva Trains Northern Class 323 units, some Virgin Pendolinos, and the twelve carriage Royal Mail EMU Train.

Once we got back to Pontypool, we then filmed the train we were on leaving Pontypool, and heading for Cardiff Central.

Filmed by Scott Coombes and Thomas Coombes, on Monday 19th December, 2016.