North Star South-West
47840 North Star was the fifth and final
Virgin Class 47 to be re-painted into an historic livery to commemorate
the end of Class 47 haulage on CrossCountry services. Representing the
corporate BR blue era, the locomotive was a regular performer on Western
Region passenger duties during the 1970s and early 80s when it was
numbered 47077. On August 19th 2002, the loco reverted to this historic
identity when, together with 47847, it departed from Penzance with
Virgin’s final loco-hauled 1M56 08.46 service to Manchester. Three days
previous, North Star was given a final solo outing on the same
train. This programme, which is introduced by Chris Green, combines cab
and lineside footage from both journeys to provide a nostalgic record of
Virgins last long-distance Class 47-hauled service.
To capture 47840 hard at work, the
loco is ‘Wired for Sound’ to capture the famous ‘Sulzer’ sound.
With a demanding set of timings, North Star is soon put through its
paces as it tackles a series of Cornish gradients - the 10-mile climb from
Hayle to Redruth, the 1 in 78 standing start from Truro, the short sharp
climb from Par to Treverrin Tunnel and the impressive slog up Largin Bank.
After crossing the spectacular Royal Albert Bridge, the 1M56 passes
through the Plymouth suburbs before encountering the fearsome ‘banks’
of Hemerdon and Dainton. There’s a brief respite for the 47 as the train
skirts the coastline along the sea walls of Teignmouth and Dawlish before
reaching Exeter, after which there’s a spirited run up to Whiteball
summit. Some fast running ensues to Bristol from where there’s a rousing
assent to Filton. At Westerleigh Junction, the 1M56 heads north through
Yate and Cheltenham to Bromsgrove which marks the start of the most
demanding part of the journey – the infamous Lickey Incline. After
reaching the summit at 40mph, the journey continues through the Birmingham
suburbs to reach New Street Station via Proof House Junction.
The programme concludes with further scenes from August
19th’s commemorative farewell as 47077 & 47847 haul an
additional 1Z56 Birmingham-Derby before both locos take their place in an
historic livery line-up at Toton TMD, thus closing yet another chapter in
railway history.
A well produced two-hour programme, likely
to be at the top of any Type 4 enthusiasts shopping list. RAILWAYS
ILLUSTRATED
