Mail train, west Cumbrian line.

[Blakes]

As a youngster I developed an interest in the railway and spent a fair bit of time out watching the local line.

I grew up in Bootle Cumbria, and I can remember seeing the 'coal train' which was hauled by a class 47, coming from Maryport coal terminal I believe.

I also remember the 'mail train', however I can't find any pictures or info on it. I have a vague recollection of the loco having 3 front window panels. Class 25 perhaps? Pretty sure it wasn't a 31, but I don't really know.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Blakes.

 

[randyrippley]

Depending on how old you are it could have been a class 28 Co-Bo

 

[Bertie the bus]

Search Workington TPO in Flickr and you'll find photos of 25s, 31s and 47s working it. Workington - Huddersfield was the service.

 

[jimm]

As a youngster I developed an interest in the railway and spent a fair bit of time out watching the local line.

I grew up in Bootle Cumbria, and I can remember seeing the 'coal train' which was hauled by a class 47, coming from Maryport coal terminal I believe.

I also remember the 'mail train', however I can't find any pictures or info on it. I have a vague recollection of the loco having 3 front window panels. Class 25 perhaps? Pretty sure it wasn't a 31, but I don't really know.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Blakes.

You are probably thinking of the Huddersfield-Whitehaven-Workington Travelling Post Office service, in its latter years usually a Class 31 with two Royal Mail coaches and a couple of BGs. Last ran in 1991.

Some history and pictures here http://www.trainweb.org/drs/tpo.htm

 

[AndrewE]

A Google search for "up whitehaven mail train pic" gives this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=up+...AhXLCsAKHS1mCyQQ9QEIMjAB#imgrc=2iQrtDv5c-i4gM:
showing a class 31 - B the b beat me to it! Whitehaven to Huddersfield it was.

 

[Blakes]

Thanks for the info peeps, much appreciated.

For what it's worth, I'm 37 now, and it must have been like 28 years ago!

Blakes.

 

[randyrippley]

Thanks for the info peeps, much appreciated.

For what it's worth, I'm 37 now, and it must have been like 28 years ago!

Blakes.

That rules out my idea then

 

[Blakes]

I'll guess that you thought I was older then?