Finding myself at a loose end today I managed to get myself down to Middlesbrough in order to catch 2E01 the 0953 to Danby and 2E02 the 1201 (1125 ex-Whitby) back again to Middlesbrough (just time for a quick walk up to the moors between trains). Formed of two units, 156443 and 158853, the ECS (5E01 0924 from Darlington) rolled into the platform 2 a few minutes early at 0941 with a conductor waiting for it at Middlesbrough who quickly boarded to prepare the train for service.
View attachment 149497
(Image shows 158853 and 156443 stood at Middlesbrough prior to departure as 2E01 the 0953 Northern service to Whitby)
Once the necessary checks were completed (and having evicted the passengers who boarded too early) the train was boarded and departed (with a different conductor to the one who prepared it for service) a minute down at 0954. I would say from observation there were around forty or so people waiting at Middlesbrough for the service. It was then fast to Nunthorpe, with a minor pause at Gypsy Lane for the crossing, and another, roughly, twenty passengers were picked up. I think from a quick look before I left at Danby there were around 60 people aboard. Upon arrival at Danby there were about four off (including me) and around four on. At least two of whom were after another intermediate station (Glaisdale from what I overheard).
View attachment 149499
(158853 and 156443 basking in the winter sunshine at Danby prior to carrying on towards Whitby)
I then went on my walk up to the moors which was very pleasant, thanks for asking
View attachment 149500
(Image looking over the valleys showing the edge of Castleton in the distance, a very bucolic scene in the winter sun)
Arriving in plenty of time at Danby for the return journey (I didn't fancy being stranded until the 1658 back to Middlesbrough!) I was able to take a moment to enjoy the pleasant station "building" (perhaps more accurately termed "hut") next to the original most substantial station building which seems to have been well cared for by the local community including some residents of the Botton Village which is mainly a
Camphill Community providing supported living for adults with learning disabilities.
View attachment 149501
(Image showing a well cared for station hut with a small library of books and some nice shelving with bits and pieces to brighten up the station environment)
Station security was also present keeping a close eye on proceedings to ensure that there was no anti-social behaviour or other issues from waiting passengers!
View attachment 149502
(Image shows a dog poking its head through a curtain behind the window of the station building giving your intrepid author a good look over, I must have looked suspicious...)
And with that it was time to go home! At bang on 1200 2E03 with 156443 now leading 158853 hove into view round the corner and under the bridge. Another four or so people exited the train and a similar number boarded and from my visual glance it would appear that there were perhaps 30 or so onboard the train as we departed Danby at 1201.
View attachment 149504
(Image shows 156443 and 158853 rolling into Danby)
Upon arriving at Nunthorpe around, I would estimate, twenty or so people appeared to be waiting to board the train on to Middlesbrough. Meaning I would say around 50 or so people probably were on the train as it arrived back in Middlesbrough at 1245. There was quite a reasonable churn at Middlesbrough and I would have said that there were probably around 50 people on board as it head to Darlington but most of them probably joined at Middlesbrough. As I was alighting it wasn't possible to be sure but I don't think many remained on going beyond Middlesbrough.
View attachment 149505
(Image shows 156443 and 158853 stood at Middlesbrough waiting their departure time. This part of the station canopy has been removed, presumably for refurbishment)
So the services (at least the first two anyway) were relatively popular in both directions such that I would personally call it a success with, I think, comfortably over a 100 people conveyed across the two services. I have my doubts that it will have been a financial success however! Two conductors (who I'm led to believe were receiving a
very attractive pay rate for their shift today), two cleaners and three travel safe officers were also in evidence along with the driver as well as, of course, the fuel and other costs of the trains themselves.
The eagle eyed will have spotted a poster advertising the service in the background of the photo taken at Danby and the service definitely did get promoted. I've seen a copy of that poster at Darlington as well as at Middlesbrough (and presumably the other stations served today) it also featured a couple of times in the local press. I'm not sure if it was promoted by Northern on social media, the Esk Valley Railway community rail group certainly promoted it on their Twitter but they don't have that many followers so hard to know how far it spread from there efforts!
View attachment 149506
(Image shows poster at Middlesbrough advertising today's limited service to Whitby with a timetable and suggesting a visit to Whitby or a stroll in the National Park whilst advising dogs go for free, usual fares apply and advance booking not required)
So hard to see how it stacks up financially but the two trains I was on certainly didn't carry fresh air so I, personally, wouldn't have said it was money wasted whoever it was that stumped up the money to make it happen. Perhaps it will help make the case for more local services in the North East in the future. But still even if it is only a one off not to be repeated in future years it was at least an enjoyable way to spend a morning for your correspondent.
