‘Parly’ from the past

I found the feature on Parliamentary Trains ( RAIL 901) very interesting. The value of these lines is not be underestimated.

For many years I followed the wanderings of the one-time ‘North Country Continental’ - Harwich to Liverpool (later to Glasgow). The most interesting part of the journey was the section between Sheffield and Manchester.

That train has been on every possible route. For example, take the journey of July 11 1986 - Sheffield Midland to Manchester Victoria via the Hazel Grove curve, Stockport, Denton Junction, Ashton Moss South Junction, Park and Miles Platting.

Also, on our way to Manchester, we went through three tunnels - a total distance of well over seven miles of possible darkness. 47580 to Sheffield, then 47503 onwards.

Eleven coaches, light loading. RT all the way - most unusual!

The northbound section at Ashton Moss Junction demanded extreme caution because of would-be ‘hangers-out-ofwindows’. The jungle at Ashton had not been trimmed back for years.

Another diversion was on July 22 1986 - Sheffield Midland to Manchester Victoria via Romiley, Woodley, Hyde North, Guide Bridge, Fairfield, Gorton. Ashburys, Miles Platting and Philips Park No.1.

It was always a very interesting journey right up to the end of the through service on May 28 1994. Sadly, it was done by a diesel multiple unit (158851).

The train was then cut back to Peterborough and that final run was on May 31 1997. This also was by a DMU (150217).

And so the train passed into history. It tried hard to be a proper train, but never quite made it.

Douglas Brown, Essex