One Four Seven
 The closure of
Ipswich Tunnel for eight weeks in the summer of 2004 provided the
opportunity of travelling between London and Norwich with Class 47 haulage
once again. This time though, the diversionary route away from the East
Anglian main line presented a far more interesting journey. Thanks to the
co-operation of Anglia passenger operator ‘one’ and locomotive owners
Cotswold Rail, our cameras and microphones were on board 47 818 to record
one of these fascinating short-lived journeys from the locomotive
footplate.
Immediately after leaving Liverpool Street with the 11.47 departure for
Norwich, 47 818 is tackling the short, sharp 1 in 70 climb up Bethnal
Green bank. The journey through the north London suburbs continues along
the Southbury Loop via Hackney Downs, and Seven Sisters to Cheshunt. From
there, it joins the Lea Valley route where the 47 is on full power for
virtually all of the 22-mile climb through Broxbourne, Harlow Mill and
Bishops Stortford to Elsenham summit. After slowing for Cambridge,
there’s a spirited 15-mile run across the Fens to Ely, during which it
passes the southbound 47-hauled passenger service. At Ely the train bears
right to take the antiquated route through Brandon, Thetford and Wymondham
to Norwich. Gated crossings, jointed track and telegraph wires accompany
the manual signal boxes and semaphore signals along this delightful
stretch of track. And it’s all filmed on a glorious summers afternoon!
The fascinating 125-mile journey concludes with arrival at Norwich
station, and brings back memories of the days when Class 47s ruled the
roost on East Anglia passenger services.
"Enjoyable watching, well filmed and with plenty
of noise from the Brush type 4." RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED
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Programme Fact File
Narrator: David Maxey
First Published: 2006 DVD
Route Featured: Liverpool St - Ely - Norwich
Class Featured: 47.
Availability: Now
Click here for
ordering details |
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Other Locomaster Profiles Programmes featuring Class 47 motive
power:
Power Hour, Day
Rover, Brighton Brush, North
Star South-West and the Traction Series. |
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