Designed by the LMS's William Stanier, this locomotive, No. 45223, is seen about to depart from Whetstone in November 1962. See Details
There were a number of different workings through Whetstone with the previously mentioned prestige expresses to and from London exciting the imagination of little boys (and their Dads). Added interest was provided by the semi-fast expresses from Nottingham and Leicester usually hauled by a Thompson B1 4-6-0, often a named loco. "Springbok", "Kudu" and "Impala" come to mind as being regulars. Gresley V2s were also used frequently on these services.
There were a number of cross-region workings on the G.C. usually relating to the Southern and Western Regions of B.R. These were best observed on a Saturday teatime between 4pm and 6pm
B1 Class 4-6-0, 61008 - KUDU, stands at Nottingham Victoria Station in 1957, hauling an Ian Allen Publishing 'Trains Illustrated' special from Paddington to Doncaster. See Details
The "Grimsby Fish" was a fast fitted freight service using insulated wagons to transport fish from Grimsby to the London area. The wagons were enclosed vans painted in blue-grey with white inscriptions INSULFISH and RETURN TO GRIMSBY. The southbound working in the morning was usually headed by a V2 but the evening northbound return was the interesting one as it almost always had a Western Region (G.W.R.) "Hall" class 4-6-0 heading it up. No. 6966 "Witchingham Hall" and 6922 "Burton Hall" were two remembered names. Also remembered was the lingering aroma on a summer Saturday afternoon after it had passed by!
On 25th May 1963, Manchester United and Leicester City met in the F. A. Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Special supporter trains were laid on - this one being hauled by ex-LMS 'Jubilee' 4-6-0, No. 45626, SEYCHELLES. See Details
The Bournemouth - York return northbound used to produce some interesting locomotives with occasionally some Southern Region Green coaching stock. A real treat was the appearance of a Southern Bullied Light Pacific "West Country" on this train although more often it was yet another of the W.R. Halls. There were a couple of instances when a W.R. "Manor" appeared on this working.
