Class 45 - the Peaks
The Class 45 Peaks were rarities in North Wales until 1980 when, as part of a reorganisation of Trans Pennine services, they became frequent visitors on passenger services. Various Cross-Country services were introduced such as Holyhead - Newcastle and Scarborough - Llandudno. Their introduction also resulted in fewer services being worked by wholly unsuitable classes of DMU. This happy state of affairs lasted until 1987 when the introduction of Sprinters saw the loco hauled workings replaced by the new units.
45060 has brought the tank train in the background to Courtaulds at Holywell Junction, here it returns east light engine, 19th June 1985.
Another view of part of the Courtaulds plant as 45142 passes on the same date as the above photo.
45116 near Mostyn, 4th of July 1984.
With Point of Air colliery prominent in the background, Toton based Class 45 No. 45007 heads along the Dee estuary past Ffynnongroew on an up spoil train on October the 15th 1986. These locos, while common enough on Freightliner trains, were very rare on lowly workings such as this.
An up service passes Gronant on July the 22nd 1984 behind 45127.
Class 45 no. 45058 passes Prestatyn on an up ballast on August 20th 1986.
45105 leaves Prestatyn on a Bangor train, 7th August 1984.
The morning Holyhead - Newcastle train nears Prestatyn on April 28th 1987 with Class 45 No. 45130 in charge. The 7 mark 2 coaches are newly repainted in Provincial Services livery with Trans Pennine branding.
The site of Foryd Junction, for the Vale of Clwyd line, is passed by 45146, 25-9-1986.
45138 leaves a breezy Abergele on July the 22nd 1985.
45116 heading west near Abergele on a Manchester - Bangor working, July 4th 1984.
45150 passes through Deganwy on a Scarborough to Llandudno train, 2nd of January 1987.
45114 at Bangor, 4th of July 1986.
Next page - Farewell to the HSTs