This run was obstensively to test 87002 in traffic after it's 18 month layoff and Cargo-D provided 5 vehicles for it's run. It also offered a good excuse to test vehicles 9508, 10588 and 11089 after extensive work had been carried out on these vehicles. The train's consist was 10588, 11065, 11089, 11084 and 9508.
Departure was at 08.05 from LNWR Crewe and apart from a stop in Crewe station to test a faulty speedometer, we enjoyed a brisk run north via the down loop at Carnforth to check all was well. The return run saw 87002 peform just as well, with 86101 not needed at all, apart from using it to pull us into the loop north of Carstairs.
For us, the real test was the re-introduction of MkIII(b) 11089 which as never operated with us since purchase a year ago. This vehicle had needed a major rebuild and had sat waiting many parts for many months. However, it rode beautifully and performed well. This now gives Cargo-D 7 operational MkIII(b) FO vehicles.
Apart from a few niggles with the locomotive, expected after a period out of use, the test run was deemed a success.
The MkII/MkIII stock performed faultlessly throughout the journey, with many photographers out to record the run.
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