31st March 2004

This was a classic railtour day - one of the best for me. It was operated to mark the end of Class 56 "Grid" operation on the main line by EWS, and presumed to be the last day for any Class 56 operation full stop. In truth this was not the case as we know, but on this day that was the belief. Read my blog for a full account of the day - http://steve56121.photium.com/the-twilight-of-the-grids

Here is Class 56 no. 56078 "Doncaster Enterprise" arriving for its debut on the "Twilight of the Grids" railtour, when the loco, along with 56115 "Barry Needham", top & tailed the tour from York on a circular trip over the Pennines and back. The large logo livery had been applied a week or two before and was a welcome touch.