Picture of the Day 14 October 2024

Today’s Picture of the Day is 60532 “Blue Peter” on its 1992 loaded test run and ties in with today’s news that it is scheduled to move from Toton to Crewe on Thursday. Picture link here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/190687851@N02/53713358869/in/photolist-2pQt1fi

Having arrived at Hasland, near Chesterfield, I found a number of other people waiting to photograph the A2 on its first loaded test run since being restored. Hasland is a classic location, for one can include the town’s famous twisted spire in the photograph, as south bound trains tackle the gentle curve. Eventually, 60532 appeared in the distance, but it was immediately obvious, from its slow speed and scorched firebox door, that all was not well.

Seconds after the picture was made, the A2 came to a grinding halt and support crew staff soon got to work on trying to repair 60532, while one acted as look out – constantly blowing his warning horn as passenger trains slowly crept past the stricken train. After around an hour, a temporary repair had been completed, which at least allowed the train to limp back to Derby – albeit at reduced speed.

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