29th December 1983 (Santa Steam Special)

Date Thursday, 29th December 1983

Locomotive 45305

Ran as 5305

Direction South

Load 11

Diesel None

Tour name Santa Steam Special

Headboard Santa Steam Special

Tour promoter Steam Locomotive Operators Association

Operating company British Railways

Route

  • London Euston
  • Carlisle (5305 on)
  • Hellifield (5305 off)
  • London Euston
5305 is highlighted by the weakest of Winter light with a seasonal SLOA excursion. The dent in the locos boiler cladding - inherited from its BR service - was retained at the time but the platework was subsequently renewed at a later date.LANGWATHBY 29TH DECEMBER 1983
 by Lord Stamp. 5305 passes the old p-way hut with a Christmas working on 29/12/1983 Scan from an Agfa slide Copyright David Price No unauthorised useSanta Special at Keld
 by David Price. The Black 5 makes a vigorous departure past the dairy with a southbound Santa Special on 29/12/1983.There was once a siding into the dairy through the gate Copyright David Price No unauthorised use5305 leaving Appleby
 by David Price. Fireman Gordon Hodgson is just visible from the cab window as the lattice post ex MR home signal accepts the same tour through Kirkby Stephen. The light had virtually gone by this time but Ilford HP5 film rated at 800 ASA and a Pentax 6x7 camera produced a result that would be taken for granted with todays digital technology.KIRKBY STEPHEN 29TH DECEMBER 1983
 by Lord Stamp.