Passenger Train to Leiston1

We've all done it - get to the station praying that the train is late as usual and of course the day you want it to be late it's bang on time and you watch it disappear into the ether. Normally there's another one you can catch so it's not a total disaster. However had you missed your train to Saxmundham at Leiston on Sept 10th 1966 you would have had extra reason to grumble and bemoan your fate. That's because the next passenger train wouldn't arrive for over 51 years. (edit: If you missed the charter in 2007 that is) Now that's an inconvenience.

However on Sunday the wait was over, albeit a charter train. What was meant to be a steam train - The Mayflower - was changed to a Class 37 due to gauging issues, not that I was complaining, and on a very murky Sunday lunchtime it hauled 9 coaches and a Class 47 down the branch from Saxmundham to Sizewell. It was quite a sight although I got the impression many of the spectators - who seem to be conspicuously absent at 2am when the test trains come through - were still expecting a steam loco. I was at Saxmundham station at midday to see the train glide through.

West Coast Rail 37569 leads the Mayflower through Saxmundham.

On the rear was 47580 County of Essex, that I last saw in Stowmarket last year. A good compliment to the 37.

47580 on the rear

It was time to head down the branch, and I made a beeline to the level crossing that Tim and I normally use to photograph the test trains, only to find that I was not alone and many others had also chosen that spot. Not to worry though, room for everyone as the charter approached the crossing, which has to be manually unlocked and operated.

The crossing keeper alights the 37

It really was a sight to see the train at this location. Just a shame the sun couldn't make an appearance.

the Leiston side of the crossing

I headed to Leiston but the train beat me to it, and I decided not to go to Sizewell but get in position on what used to be Leiston station platform. There are no fences or barriers to breach, and with one passenger train every 51 years I don't think the risk factor is too great! Anyhow I waited for what we think was the first 47 ever to traverse the branch. You can still see the old sidings from the platform

The siding at Leiston

The 47 waiting to cross the main road at Leiston

And then it came in, the first passenger train at Leiston heading for Saxmundham for over 51 years (edit: Shhh 2007 didn't happen). It felt quite surreal. I just wish I could go back in time to see that station in its heyday, taking holidaymakers to Thorpeness and Aldburgh.

What a magnificent sight.

The train waited a few minutes for the crossing to be locked shut until the next test train makes a visit, and then was gone. Peace descended on Leiston station once more. How long until the next passenger train? I truly hope it's not another 51 years as I can't guarantee to be there! (Or even 11 if I'm honest!)

The Mayflower glides out of Leiston

Tim hot footed it to Saxmundham to capture the train heading back up the East Suffolk Line towards Woodbridge. It would be nice if a few more railtour trains headed this way - we have a lot to offer.