Other than the small ‘N’ Gauge model railway in my bedroom, electric trains were not that widespread in North Yorkshire in the 1980’s. Diesel traction was the norm north of London, unless you travelled on the WCML.
Trips down to the South Coast involved third rail stock, but it wasn’t until we travelled from Euston to Willesden Junction to look round Willesden TMD and Old Oak Common TMD - that we saw mainline electric locomotives. The ECML was only electrified to Hitchin at the time.
Its amazing to think how the overhead electrification expansion has changed how we travel today. The 393-mile-long ECML was electrified up to Edinburgh starting in 1984 – reaching Leeds in 1988, York in 1989 and Edinburgh in 1991.
I could never get over how the Southern region got away with running a 750V third rail on the same level as the track – still can’t believe they use that system to this day.
So most of the pictures you will find in the database will be from the WCML and Willesden TMD prior to the 1990’s.
The sleek modern electric multiple units we see today are just so boring. The ‘Azuma’ units may look stylish – but is it only me that finds then extremely uncomfortable to travel on?
