Saturday 21st July 2008.
1Z52 05.47 Salisbury - Liverpool Lime Street.
Salisbury - Warminster - Trowbridge - Bath Spa - Bristol Temple Meads (Run Round) Bristol Parkway - Cheltenham Spa -Barnt Green - Birmingham New Street - Wolverhampton - Stafford- Crewe - Liverpool Lime Street. (Break).
1Z54 17.43 Liverpool Lime Street - Salisbury.
Liverpool Lime Street - Crewe - Stafford - Wolverhampton - Birmingham New Street - Barnt Green - Cheltenham Spa - Bristol Parkway - Dr Days Junction - Bath Spa - Trowbridge - Warminster - Salisbury.
D1015 made the first ever visit of a Class 52 to Liverpool hauling Pathfinder's "The Festival of the Sea" railtour to the European Capital of Culture.
Departure from Salisbury was around five minutes late due to some late arrivng passengers however, D1015 quickly got into her stride and pathing for the trip allowed 30 minutes for a run around at Bristol Temple Meads. A Spirited departure followed with a stunning assault of the 'Lickey' incline in which the speed never decreased below 30mph. After a crew change at Birmingham New Street we arrived on time in Liverpool allowing passengers six hours in which to enjoy Liverpool's Festival of the Sea - The Parade of Sail event.
In late afternoon sunshine we departed on time from Liverpool for the return journey to Salisbury, after dropping passengers at Bath Spa we were delayed due to a broken window in one of the toilets at the back of the train and awaiting a route conductor to join the crew, this led to us arriving 15 minutes late back in Salisbury. All in all another superb railtour with D1015.
D1015 opens up at Bristol Temple Meads before running around the stock to take the tour forward to Liverpool. Photo : John Foster
D1015 caught at Standish. Photo : Jamie Squibbs.
Having just arrived at Liverpool Lime Street D1015 makes History yet again by being the first Class 52 to visit Liverpool. Photo : Paul Winter.
Another shot of D1015 ticking over at Liverpool. Photo : Paul Winter.
D1015 sits at Liverpool prior to a light engine departure to Edge Hill
D1015 waits to depart Liverpool for the return journey to Salisbury. Photo : Alan Stabler.