I was an avid spotter back in the late 60`s and early 70`s. I used to spend all my available time at either Darlington Bank Top station, or Salter`s Lane or Glebe road bridge.
I remember one instance of being at Bank Top, probably in the early 70`s, and the station pilot was dragging what I seem to remember was a class 86 electric loco, up towards the now removed turntable just south of the station , near the signal box.
We even got a chance to ride a few yards in the cab, as it was a very quiet Sunday afternoon.
I think this loco was E3173, after getting the suspension upgrades due to rough riding, the turntable was being used for bogie turning exercises.
Can any body confirm this, and indeed, Was it E3173, & why was the loco in Darlington, well away from its WCML stomping ground.
I remember one instance of being at Bank Top, probably in the early 70`s, and the station pilot was dragging what I seem to remember was a class 86 electric loco, up towards the now removed turntable just south of the station , near the signal box.
We even got a chance to ride a few yards in the cab, as it was a very quiet Sunday afternoon.
I think this loco was E3173, after getting the suspension upgrades due to rough riding, the turntable was being used for bogie turning exercises.
Can any body confirm this, and indeed, Was it E3173, & why was the loco in Darlington, well away from its WCML stomping ground.