2nd Jan 1993

Having reached the end of the line at Redmire the returning Hertfordshire Railtours "Wensleydale Lament" cautiously approaches the level crossing at Bedale in order to exchange tokens with the signalman. The day featured sub-zero temperatures and low, freezing fog, and as can be seen, it was still hanging about in the early afternoon when this train passed by. My friend and retired signalman Ray Allen was stationed at this box before he retired, but today a relief "bobby" is doing the honours.

Inter City-liveried 47820 leads the train, the 1G24 07.40 London Kings Cross to Redmire to London Kings Cross, and Class 37s nos. 37714 and 37884 "Gartcosh" are out of sight on the rear.

In the end the line didn't close as such, as today it is partly open as a heritage operation, the Wensleydale Railway, and the occasional Ministry of Defence military train serves the local barracks at Catterick.