47484 at Skegness (1984)

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Saturday 23rd June 1984, and Old Oak Common based 47484 is at Skegness to work the 1A38 0946 to King's Cross.

This was one of the few trains which, rather than the sidings, used the now removed crossover between platforms 4 and 5 to position the locomotive at the front end.

The summer Saturday morning through train to King's Cross was introduced in 1980 and continued up to 1984. After a year of haitus, in 1986 it was replaced by a morning departure to York in 1986, Leeds in 1987, and Newcastle upon Tyne from 1988.

47484 was built at the Crewe Works, entering service on 27th February 1965 as D1662. Some time after my photographs were taken, it was repainted into green for the GWR 150th Anniversary in 1985. It was withdrawn on 1st June 1998, and is currently awaiting restoration.

47484 and its train after arriving on the 5A38 ECS from Nene Sidings, Peterborough.
Having negotiated the crossover from Platform 4 to 5, the locomotive awaits being reattached. Senior Railman Ian Cunningham (in the orange high-vis), designated Shunter for the day, will shortly deal with the coupling up. 
The driver checks the line is clear, then slowly backs the train down the platform.
47484 ready for departure.

47484 departing for King's Cross.

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