This seemed like a good idea at the time when the three of us booked, but as we stood on the platform at Leeds on a very cold and dark Friday November evening, we thought otherwise!
The promise of Class 40 D200 brought some enthusiasm, but as 46026 rolled in at the front of the train – it wasn’t a good start. On arrival at Newcastle, 46026 retired to Gateshead Depot, and was withdrawn, never to work again?
With 31175 + 31106 now in charge, sleep beckoned, tomorrow was going to be a long day! We settled down into our 2+2 cubby hole and grabbed as much sleep as we could.
Stumbling off the train at Edinburgh to be greeted by 26003 + 26007 was a bit like still being in a dream. 26003 + 26007 were superb over the Highland mainline whilst we had breakfast, although I don't think Inverness appreciated getting a pair of ‘no boiler’ 26's in November. With the return being overnight, Inverness had to supply some power for us.
27008 took us from Inverness to Dufftown, Burghead, and Elgin East Goods, and back to Inverness with half the stock. We lost loads of time on the Dufftown branch as we kept slipping, reversing whilst the rails were sanded by hand. Back at Inverness, we all headed for the chippy!
