55004 Queen’s Own Highlander departs Newcastle on May 14, 1977.

The Castle Keep at Newcastle was a great vantage point, with clear views of lines approaching from the north and also the view looking towards the station, where trains could be seen leaving for the north and diverging to the left towards High Level Bridge and Gateshead.

Six of the 22 Deltics were initially based at Gateshead, eight at Haymarket and eight at Finsbury Park. On May 14, 1977, I spent about an hour on the Keep, getting pictures of three Deltics, a Class 40 and a Peak, so I was well pleased.

55004 Queen’s Own Highlander of Haymarket accelerates out of the station with the 07.55 London King’s Cross to Edinburgh after a brief station stop.