FROM PAUL JOHNSON, RAILWAY CAMPAIGNER
On Saturday, 14th July 2018 the Brigg Line had a very rare visitor.
Railbus 142001, which was the first of a batch of 96 built from 1985, paid a visit to the Brigg line, working the mid-afternoon train from Sheffield Midland to Cleethorpes and the return service.
142001, when first built in 1985, was painted in Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive orange.
After a number of years in the Manchester area, the train was transferred to the southwest where it worked around Exeter & Plymouth before returning to the Manchester area, under Northern, in 2008.
Still based in the Manchester area, this unit has been highlighted for preservation by the National Railway Museum and will probably return to the old orange livery.
There is a love/hate relationship with passengers, the railbuses being built using a British Leyland bus body on a freight wagon.
The real buses have been called cattle trucks or nodding donkeys. But, on the plus side, running these units meant many a rail branch line actually survived!
The pictures enclosed show the unit standing at Cleethorpes on Saturday, July 14, 2018, waiting to work the 15.11 service to Sheffield Midland via Brigg (photo used above taken by Kieron Beastall) and at Llandudno Junction in 1988 (picture used below taken by Rodger Marks).
N.F. ADDS: Paul also informs us that the Northern rail strike planned for Saturday (July 21) has been suspended by the RMT trade union. There is a dispute relating to guards being provided on trains operated by the company.
Brigg families and individuals wanting a day out in Cleethorpes will be able to board a train at Brigg station on July 21. The first train of the day to the resort leaves at 9.19am. You can pay the guard/conductor after boarding the service.
