Railway Herald
The more things change the more they stay the same. Thirty years ago I will have looked over this very same bridge and seen a Stratford 'silver roofer' with a rake of blue and grey stock rattle past on 1E87 the Manchester Picc. to Harwich Parkestone Quay 'Boat Train'.
Fast forward to a very grey and rainy Friday, September 10th 2010 and No. 47580 resplendent in it's silver roof and 'large logo' livery passes Netherfield Junction but in this instance is in charge of just 4 blue and grey coaches comprising 1Z09 a Bombadier staff jolly, 1209 Derby to Sleaford.
The rails over which No. 47580 is travelling are probably those that were in situ when it last traversed the route with the 'boat train' but they may well now have been replaced as the piles of metal sleepers either side of the track and the rails laid in the 'four foot' are placed in readiness for a complete track renewal over the forthcoming six weekends.
Netherfield Jcn. box is similarly due to be replaced but has a little longer, July 2013 is the current date for its duties to be taken over by Derby IECC.
John Illingworth
