Nostalgic Electric

This shot shows a type of electric locomotive that seems to be indispensable. They have been used on the East Coast route between London, Yorkshire and Scotland since around 1990. Two years ago they were being taken out of use on this route. Some of them ended up in scrapyards, but then there were problems with the new trains, and the realisation that there were not enough new trains to operate a more intensive timetable planned - so some of these older locomotives were back in use.

More recently some have had an overhaul and repaint at Doncaster locomotive works, with a new colour scheme with historic overtones. The colour scheme when they were first built was similar to this, but the broad dark band along the side was originally dark grey, but is now dark ox blood, one of the main colours decorating the newer trains.

This locomotive is stood at platform 6 at York railway station, waiting to take a service south to London. Hopefully I might get a ride on one of these old trains when visiting one of our daughters. I prefer them to the new trains - the seats are far more comfortable on these!

Ian

[Nina Ganci]

it's a smart-looking locomotive! Love their bright colours

[Peter Dulis]

Cool machine

[Beth]

You come up with the most amazing train pictures. This one looks like it would mover fast.

[carol white]

Nicely captured

[Joan Robillard]

Good train shot

[bkb in the city]

Very nice shot

[gloria jones]

Terrific angle shot

[Pyrrhula]

Still looks very modern to me. Great pov. and shot.

[Pat]

A lovely bit of nostalgia Ian, your train knowledge is so impressive.
I hope your wish comes true..

[John Falconer]

Great narrative. Sounds like Sydney ferries. The new ferries are rubbish and they are having to rescue the old larger better ferries from the soon to be scrapped yards. Great shot.

[Kathy A]

I much prefer the seats on the older trains too

[Wylie]

Big change from your steam trains though!

[Dione Giorgio]

Very nice shot. Your train station may seem like a living museum with so many different trains passing through.

[Christine Sztukowski]

Nice capture

[Sylvia du Toit]

Fav

[Fisher Family]

@ninaganci @pdulis @vernabeth @carolmw @joansmor @bkbinthecity @seattlite @pyrrhula @pattyblue @johnfalconer @kjarn @pusspup @sangwann @365projectorgchristine @sdutoit

Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.

Though over 30 years old, the locomotives still in use are regularly running at 125mph and completing over a thousand miles a day. During their lives each of these locomotives will have covered over 8 million miles. Not a bad achievement!

Ian

[Paul Williamson]

It reminds me of my old Citroen BX 19, very angular Italian design. Sorry Ian, I prefer the car to this engine.

[Fisher Family]

@alfsson

Everyone to their own Paul - but I have lots of memories (good and bad) of journeys on these trains!

Ian