Long term Ipswich resident 47370 made it’s final journey by rail this morning. Stored in January 2003 from the DFLM pool, the Freightliner locomotive has sat unused at the freight company’s Ipswich Loco Stabling Point for the best part of seven years. Purchased by scrap merchant TJ Thompsons at Stockton in late 2007, it has proved a logistical nightmare up until now to move the loco on Network Rail because of the conditions of the wheelsets on the ‘47′ and the lack of paths down to Felixstowe (the nearest useable road access point).
NR and FL bit the bullet this morning and took advantage of the bank holiday shutdown at Felixstowe to run a special 25mph trip conveying 47370 for it’s last foray. The 8Z47 Ipswich – Felixstowe Docks service was formed thus: 66569, 47370, 640322, 640321, 92643 – the three flat wagons acting as brake force runners.
A selection of photos can be viewed below, the last two of which are courtesy of Hutchinson Ports Ltd, Freightliner and the Felixstowe Docks Police Authority.
Thanks to Geoff for being taxi, kl47576 for the consist and everyone else for a pretty damn good morning!
66537 leads a lineup of 66s on Ipswich SP on Bank Holiday Monday morning.
Freightliner driver Andy Harlott draws the consist for 8Z47 out of the stabling point and onto the signal that protects the mainline at Ipswich.
Now well on the way! 66569 leads 47370 and the three flats past Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, as it joins the Felixstowe line at East Suffolk Junction.
The through braking arrangement is clearly visible on ‘370 as the ensemble heads off towards Westerfield.
8Z47 rumbles across Springs Road Viaduct in Ipswich, between Westerfield and Derby Road.
Fred 569 rolls down the incline at Trimley at a sedate 25mph.
Passing through Trimley on the final leg of 47370’s trip to the docks at Felixstowe.
Having been checked down at Felixstowe Beach station, 66569 receives the signal to proceed into Creek Sidings.
Nearly there! 8Z47 arrives at Creek Sidings.
Stabled in the dock basin, waiting road transport to Stockton tomorrow – 47370 at Felixstowe. Image courtesy Hutchinson Ports Ltd.
47370 and the South Terminal pilot, 08484, sit on the Dock Basin. Image courtesy Hutchinson Ports Ltd.
Guitarist, Photter, and Railway Cowboy who thought he'd try his hand at blogging..
Nice images! 10*/10
Top bombing shots mate! Ta for the morning out :o)
Well done to you all for a well documented move of ‘Pinky’ to Felixtowe, its all railway history and its good you and the rest of the ‘anglia-gen’ guys are out there documenting this kind of thing, see you soon ‘bung’ and thanks for the gen you send me, managed to catch 47832 last Sat!!
Shunta bruvva