THE WISBECH BRANCH.

The Wisbech Branch was the remains of the GER line from March to Kings Lynn via Wisbech East, closed in 1966 I think. The nine-odd mile section to Wisbech was retained as considerable seasonal freight traffic was generated in the area. This soon petered out and, when I moved to Wisbech in 1975, had been reduced to a few coal wagons and a Class 08. The goods yard at Wisbech, which had been built on a completely different site to Wisbech East, was quite extensive, with offices, a dock, about 6 good length sidings and a fairly short run round loop on a curve. In it's 9 miles back to March, it boasted 8 level crossings, a river bridge and 2 bends. Traffric on the Branch increased in the late '70's when Spillers, who had a dog food factory adjacent to the yard, decided to ship their products to their depot at Deanside in Paisley by rail, exchanging product with their Scottish plant in the process. This train was, at one time, the longest uninterrupted freight flow in the country and one of the few to operate loaded in both directions. Over the course of the next 20 years, it took every route to Scotland concieveable and boasted just about every class of motive power on the railway at some point. I saw my last petfood train in July 2000, at which point the Wisbech factory switched to catfood production in little metal trays - no need for a train. Concurrently with the petfood trains ran trains of tinplate from Trostre in Wales to Metal Box in Wisbech, their factory also being adjacent to the goods yard. This travelled to and from Wales in vans via the Whitemoor - Severn Tunnel Junction Speedlink services and at times produced quite a large flow of traffic. These trains ceased shortly after the collapse of Speedlink in 1991. So, in the early '80's, the schedule for the branch would have been something like this:

About 0430: Deanside - Wisbech arrives, about 17 VGA's, engine light to Depot.
About 0830: Whitemoor - Wisbech steel, shunting as required.
About 1230: Wisbech - Whitemoor, empty steel vans.
About 1700: Wisbech - Deanside petfood.

As the branch was 'one engine in steam', these times varied hugely and often the evening petfood was much later as they hurried to finish loading at Wisbech.
The locomotive on the petfood train varied over the years from Class 40's, through pairs of 37's to Class 56's and finally to Class 66. The Metal Box trip would produce whatever was spare on March Depot. This was usually a loco off one of the overnight Speedlink trains which they didn't dare to send far because no one in East Anglia signed it! Hence the reason that fror several years in the early '80's the loco was usually a Class 40. Strangely enough, Class 31's (and 31B Class 31's even more so!) were quite rare down the Branch.
In later years, after March Depot had closed, the brakevan was dispensed with and the train ran direct from Wisebch to Deanside with no halts. Thus, in latter years, the Branch was worked by the train engine and we often got the same locos on alternate days for perhaps as long as a fortnight. During this period, Metal Box still used to get odd shipments of tinplate but they were tripped in and out on the back of 6S93 and thence back to Wales via the Enterprise system.
Towards the end of it's working life, Class 56's dominated Branch traffic, until the last year or so when the inevitable Class 66's took over. During 2000, traffic on the branch became intermittent, sometimes only one or even no trains running in a week and the departure time from Wisbech got later and later until it was only possible to see 6S93 in daylight in the summer months.
Locals claim that everything went down there but Class 25 and Class 45 and I personally doubt that they ever risked a Class 60 on such dodgy trackwork. Well, I have produced a shot of 25 201 in Wisbech Yard here and have a shot of 45 013 in the pouring rain there also in my slides.
The last train ever to travel to Wisbech was 'The Fenman', a Pathfinder freight line tour. Even this got no nearer to Wisbech than Weasenham Lane crossing gates because Spiller's would not allow them access to their property!At that time, and up until 2005, it was the only train ever to have used the newly relaid east curve into Whitemoor. The Wisbech Branch is not closed but 'mothballed', whatever that may mean! Network Rail's new Whitemoor Yard occupies one end of it whilst Spillers lost no time in building all over the freight yard once the trains stopped. They had purchased the yard outright from BR some years previously.
When two of the level crossings had their roadways relaid recently, the track was removed at the same time. The 'Bramley Line' preservation society hope to re-open the Branch and have made some progress in that direction but I must say that I am highly dubious myself.
I lived and/or worked for 30 years about 500 yards from Wisbech Yard and used to bunk off up there whenever I could. Every night on my way home to March, I would duck into the Yard, see what the loco was and, if it was worth it, race home to March, grab my camera and get out again to some vantage point to await it. To be fair, on a branch with 8 level crossings and a speed limit of 25mph, you didn't need to be Michael Schumacher! Unfortunately, most of my pictures of the Branch are slides and will have to await my puchase of a 35mm slide copier but I have produced here what I have and hope they will be of some interest.
I will apologise here and now if the dates in this are wrong. I have written this entirely from memory and notebooks (illegible! - have you seen my writing?) and produce it only as a rough guide.



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47 371 has a very light load for its return journey to March
47 371 has a very light load for its return journey to March
1980-06-30 00:00:00
 31 176 is ready to depart for March from Wisbech - most of these dates a guesses but all are pre-1982.
31 176 is ready to depart for March from Wisbech - most of these dates a guesses but all are pre-1982.
1980-12-30 00:00:00
 37 088 is ready to leave for Whitemoor with a rake of steel empties.
37 088 is ready to leave for Whitemoor with a rake of steel empties.
1980-12-31 00:00:00
 40 197 soaks up the weak winter sun in Wisbech Yard.
40 197 soaks up the weak winter sun in Wisbech Yard.
1981-01-10 00:00:00
Despite March Dep[ot having a large allocation of Class 31, they were fairly rare at Wisbech. Here 31322 waits to depart engine-and-brake.
Despite March Dep[ot having a large allocation of Class 31, they were fairly rare at Wisbech. Here 31322 waits to depart engine-and-brake.
1981-03-30 00:00:00
 37198 basks in the spring sunshine in Wisbech Yard. Branch locos were very rarely locally allocated.
37198 basks in the spring sunshine in Wisbech Yard. Branch locos were very rarely locally allocated.
1981-04-01 00:00:00
 There was still coal traffic to Wisbech in 1981 and 40 060, whci must have a new end fitted, waits to depart with a short rake of empties.
There was still coal traffic to Wisbech in 1981 and 40 060, whci must have a new end fitted, waits to depart with a short rake of empties.
1981-04-12 00:00:00
 47 267 is engaged in shunting the yard at Wisbech.
47 267 is engaged in shunting the yard at Wisbech.
1981-04-22 00:00:00
47 075 is evidently ex-Works as it waits to depart for March.
47 075 is evidently ex-Works as it waits to depart for March.
1981-05-15 00:00:00
 40 167 is shunting wagons into the can factory at Metal Box. I only lived about 400 yards away at this time.
40 167 is shunting wagons into the can factory at Metal Box. I only lived about 400 yards away at this time.
1981-05-21 00:00:00
 47 102 has a good rake of steel empties for its return journey to Whitemoor.
47 102 has a good rake of steel empties for its return journey to Whitemoor.
1981-05-22 00:00:00
 40 067 is just approaching Weasenham Lane LC with the steel train for Metal Box. This sometimes ran twice a day.
40 067 is just approaching Weasenham Lane LC with the steel train for Metal Box. This sometimes ran twice a day.
1981-05-27 00:00:00
40 056 waits to depart from Wisbech with just a brake. For some reason I never understood, Class 409 was okay to Wisbech but not Class 45.
40 056 waits to depart from Wisbech with just a brake. For some reason I never understood, Class 409 was okay to Wisbech but not Class 45.
1981-06-01 00:00:00
 40 158 waits depart with the steel empties. Most Class 40's had not much time left in traffic by this time.
40 158 waits depart with the steel empties. Most Class 40's had not much time left in traffic by this time.
1981-06-05 00:00:00
 40 194 has run round on the loop in the fioreground and is now taking its steel wagons off to Metal Box.
40 194 has run round on the loop in the fioreground and is now taking its steel wagons off to Metal Box.
1981-06-18 00:00:00
 31 205 has couple of petfood vans to return to March, probably cripples. This train left around lunch time.
31 205 has couple of petfood vans to return to March, probably cripples. This train left around lunch time.
1981-06-30 00:00:00
37 078, in appalling condition, takes a break from shunting.
37 078, in appalling condition, takes a break from shunting.
1981-06-30 00:00:00
 40 153 has a long rake of open steel ermpties ready to head for Whitemoor. The mighty steed leaning on the buffer was my sole mode of transport.
40 153 has a long rake of open steel ermpties ready to head for Whitemoor. The mighty steed leaning on the buffer was my sole mode of transport.
1981-07-30 00:00:00
 47 088 departs for March over Weasenham Lane LC.
47 088 departs for March over Weasenham Lane LC.
1981-10-13 00:00:00
 The first occurence of the event that never happened! 25 284 waits to depart from Wisbech Yard.
The first occurence of the event that never happened! 25 284 waits to depart from Wisbech Yard.
1982-01-05 00:00:00
31 417 had a short rake of steel empties, awaiting departure - my favourite Wisbech shot of all time.
31 417 had a short rake of steel empties, awaiting departure - my favourite Wisbech shot of all time.
1982-03-01 00:00:00
 47 086, still bearing the name 'Cyclops', sits in Wisbech Yard on a rake of coal empties.
47 086, still bearing the name 'Cyclops', sits in Wisbech Yard on a rake of coal empties.
1982-03-03 00:00:00
 47 093, a Stratford 'Silver Roof' awaits departure from Wisbech Yard.
47 093, a Stratford 'Silver Roof' awaits departure from Wisbech Yard.
1982-03-24 00:00:00
 31 110, which was to become one of the very last survivors of Class 31, waits to leave Wisbech on veryh cold winter day.
31 110, which was to become one of the very last survivors of Class 31, waits to leave Wisbech on veryh cold winter day.
1984-01-29 00:00:00
47 270 approaches Weasenham Lane LC with a train of tinplate for Metal Box. Note the double track formation.
47 270 approaches Weasenham Lane LC with a train of tinplate for Metal Box. Note the double track formation.
1984-10-01 00:00:00
 Cripples from the petfood rakes were allowed to accumulate at Wisbech and then tripped back to Whitemoor for attention. 47 278 has such a rake here.
Cripples from the petfood rakes were allowed to accumulate at Wisbech and then tripped back to Whitemoor for attention. 47 278 has such a rake here.
1984-10-10 00:00:00
 47 301 is caught in the midst of shunting steel wagons for Metal Box - it could be a fairly complex job.
47 301 is caught in the midst of shunting steel wagons for Metal Box - it could be a fairly complex job.
1984-11-13 00:00:00
 A long exposure shot from my mini-tripod of 31 146 waiting to depart from Wisbech - 31B Class 31's were always quite rare on the Branch.
A long exposure shot from my mini-tripod of 31 146 waiting to depart from Wisbech - 31B Class 31's were always quite rare on the Branch.
1984-11-22 00:00:00
25 175 waits to leave Wisbech Yard in the pouring rain - I had to lay in a puddle for this shot - how we suffer for our obsessions!
25 175 waits to leave Wisbech Yard in the pouring rain - I had to lay in a puddle for this shot - how we suffer for our obsessions!
1984-12-04 00:00:00
 According to the March Sages, this couldn't happen as Class 45 were too heavy for the Black Bridge! Well, it did! 45 013 waits for loading to end at Wisbech.
According to the March Sages, this couldn't happen as Class 45 were too heavy for the Black Bridge! Well, it did! 45 013 waits for loading to end at Wisbech.
1984-12-06 00:00:00
 47 377 should not be unduly taxed by its trailing load as it heads back to March.
47 377 should not be unduly taxed by its trailing load as it heads back to March.
1984-12-18 00:00:00
 31 105 stands at the head of a special train of trailer bodies from Seadyke Trailers on Nene Quay.
31 105 stands at the head of a special train of trailer bodies from Seadyke Trailers on Nene Quay.
1985-01-03 00:00:00
The sidings were not long enough to take the whole train and 31 105 is joining the halves.
The sidings were not long enough to take the whole train and 31 105 is joining the halves.
1985-01-03 00:00:00
 31 213, taken from the ground on a long exposure, waits to depart from Wisbech.
31 213, taken from the ground on a long exposure, waits to depart from Wisbech.
1985-02-02 00:00:00
 47 354 is approachi9ng the Black Bridge from Wisbech with a good rake of steel empties. The tinplate came from the Trostre Works in South Wales.
47 354 is approachi9ng the Black Bridge from Wisbech with a good rake of steel empties. The tinplate came from the Trostre Works in South Wales.
1985-02-19 00:00:00
 The 'Anglian Vibrator' Railtour ran to Wisbech on possibly the most horrible day ever. The run round loop is short and so railtours were limited to DMU's, as 'top 'n' tail' hadn't yet been invented!
The 'Anglian Vibrator' Railtour ran to Wisbech on possibly the most horrible day ever. The run round loop is short and so railtours were limited to DMU's, as 'top 'n' tail' hadn't yet been invented!
1985-11-23 09:00:00
Composed of two 3-car Paddington Class 117's and a 'Bubble Car', I can;t imagine the trip down the Branch was luxurious! Here the train has stopped at Waldersey gates.
Composed of two 3-car Paddington Class 117's and a 'Bubble Car', I can;t imagine the trip down the Branch was luxurious! Here the train has stopped at Waldersey gates.
1985-11-23 09:01:00
 Class 121 'Bubble Car' 55021 formed the centre coach. I'd have stood too - probably more comfortable than sitting down!
Class 121 'Bubble Car' 55021 formed the centre coach. I'd have stood too - probably more comfortable than sitting down!
1985-11-23 09:02:00
 The 'Anglia Vibrator' powers off along the Coldham Straight, the Branch 'racing ground' - 40mph!
The 'Anglia Vibrator' powers off along the Coldham Straight, the Branch 'racing ground' - 40mph!
1985-11-23 09:03:00
 I took this shot so long ago that I have no idea of number or date. I guess it is in the early '80's as the steel is carried SPV's. This 47 is in Wisbech Yard, ready to depart with empties.
I took this shot so long ago that I have no idea of number or date. I guess it is in the early '80's as the steel is carried SPV's. This 47 is in Wisbech Yard, ready to depart with empties.
1986-01-01 00:00:00
31 199 pulls away from Weasenham Lane Crossing with a rake of steel empties.
31 199 pulls away from Weasenham Lane Crossing with a rake of steel empties.
1986-05-08 00:00:00
 47 186 crosses the ungated crossing on the A47 bypass at Wisbech with the petfood. Getting this picture took weeks as this is a very busy road and traffic always mucked it up.
47 186 crosses the ungated crossing on the A47 bypass at Wisbech with the petfood. Getting this picture took weeks as this is a very busy road and traffic always mucked it up.
1986-06-12 00:00:00
 47 156 ambles towards Coldham with a train of steel for Metal Box.
47 156 ambles towards Coldham with a train of steel for Metal Box.
1986-07-08 00:00:00
 Apparently, this never happened! 25 201 sits at the head of the petfood in Wisbech Yard. Local legend has it that a 25 never ventured down the branch - well, one did!
Apparently, this never happened! 25 201 sits at the head of the petfood in Wisbech Yard. Local legend has it that a 25 never ventured down the branch - well, one did!
1986-09-11 00:00:00
Poor picture I'm afraid - straight into the sun - of what could easily be a ghost train! 31 138 on a ballast train on the Branch! I didn't think there was any ballast down the Branch!
Poor picture I'm afraid - straight into the sun - of what could easily be a ghost train! 31 138 on a ballast train on the Branch! I didn't think there was any ballast down the Branch!
1986-11-04 00:00:00
 I've no real idea when this is but the late '80's looks right. This old GRCW Class 100 dmu had been converted into Inspection Saloon 975637/975664 'Stourton Saloon'.
I've no real idea when this is but the late '80's looks right. This old GRCW Class 100 dmu had been converted into Inspection Saloon 975637/975664 'Stourton Saloon'.
1987-06-15 00:00:00
 Radio Cambridgeshire has hired it as a mobile studio and were touring the Fens doing outside broadcasts. The date is just a guess.
Radio Cambridgeshire has hired it as a mobile studio and were touring the Fens doing outside broadcasts. The date is just a guess.
1987-06-15 00:00:00
 37 031 crosses the Black Bridge, engine-and-brake for Wisbech.
37 031 crosses the Black Bridge, engine-and-brake for Wisbech.
1987-08-21 00:00:00
47 211 rolls across the Fens with a rake of steel empties and 47 231 following along behind.
47 211 rolls across the Fens with a rake of steel empties and 47 231 following along behind.
1987-10-25 00:00:00
 47 231 brings up the rear as the steel empties head for March near Black Bridge. The run round loop at Wisbech was out of use, hence top 'n' tail working.
47 231 brings up the rear as the steel empties head for March near Black Bridge. The run round loop at Wisbech was out of use, hence top 'n' tail working.
1987-10-25 00:00:00
 47 280 leaves the Wisbech Branch with a very small petfood train, this being the factory's holiday week.
47 280 leaves the Wisbech Branch with a very small petfood train, this being the factory's holiday week.
1990-07-31 00:00:00
 The petfood still ran round in Whitemoor at this time but time was running already short.
The petfood still ran round in Whitemoor at this time but time was running already short.
1990-08-28 00:00:00
47 114 sits at the head of the petfood train, waiting for permission from March to go ofrward onto the branch.
47 114 sits at the head of the petfood train, waiting for permission from March to go ofrward onto the branch.
1991-03-29 17:18:00
 47 114 approaches Coldham from Wisbech with the petfood. It's like another planet! Totally featureless and vastly interesting.
47 114 approaches Coldham from Wisbech with the petfood. It's like another planet! Totally featureless and vastly interesting.
1991-03-29 17:45:00
 37 225 and 37 271 are stretching out across the extremely interesting countryside between Waldersey and Coldham on the petfood.
37 225 and 37 271 are stretching out across the extremely interesting countryside between Waldersey and Coldham on the petfood.
1991-08-23 00:00:00
 37 075 is collecting empty tinplate vans from the Metal Box transhipment shed.
37 075 is collecting empty tinplate vans from the Metal Box transhipment shed.
1991-09-09 10:45:00
37 075 has completed shunting and is ready to return to March with the steel empties, here crossing Weasenham Lane LC.
37 075 has completed shunting and is ready to return to March with the steel empties, here crossing Weasenham Lane LC.
1991-09-09 11:00:00
 37 075 arrives in March Down Yard with the Cardiff-bound tinplate empties.
37 075 arrives in March Down Yard with the Cardiff-bound tinplate empties.
1991-09-09 11:55:00
 37 225 leads 37 107 over the level crossing at Waldersey with the steel empties.
37 225 leads 37 107 over the level crossing at Waldersey with the steel empties.
1992-09-06 00:00:00
 37 417 and 37 426 approach Flaggrass Road LC on the petfood, running late and getting dark. 37/4's were a great rarity on the branch.
37 417 and 37 426 approach Flaggrass Road LC on the petfood, running late and getting dark. 37/4's were a great rarity on the branch.
1992-09-14 00:00:00
37 065 and 37 185 are really thrashing as they pull away from Wisbech with about 800 tons behind them.
37 065 and 37 185 are really thrashing as they pull away from Wisbech with about 800 tons behind them.
1992-09-18 00:00:00
 37 250, with 37 107 not visible behind it, stand in Wisbech Yard. This brakevan was used on the branch for years and was only there for the convenience of the traincrew when operating the gates.
37 250, with 37 107 not visible behind it, stand in Wisbech Yard. This brakevan was used on the branch for years and was only there for the convenience of the traincrew when operating the gates.
1992-09-23 00:00:00
 This is the cripple siding at Wisbech Yard. Wagons were allowed to accumulate until there were enough to make a trip worthwhile.
This is the cripple siding at Wisbech Yard. Wagons were allowed to accumulate until there were enough to make a trip worthwhile.
1992-09-23 00:00:00
 37 109 and 37 250 are waiting to join the two halves of the petfood train together before heading for March.
37 109 and 37 250 are waiting to join the two halves of the petfood train together before heading for March.
1992-09-23 00:00:00
37 073 and 37235 slow to walking speed for the ungated crossing on the A47 at Wisbech.
37 073 and 37235 slow to walking speed for the ungated crossing on the A47 at Wisbech.
1992-10-26 00:00:00
 47 323 appraoches the ungated crossing at Redmoor Lane on the petfood.
47 323 appraoches the ungated crossing at Redmoor Lane on the petfood.
1992-12-07 00:00:00
 47 229 crosses the Twenty Foot Drain at Black Bridge with a heavy load.
47 229 crosses the Twenty Foot Drain at Black Bridge with a heavy load.
1992-12-09 00:00:00
 47 330 arrives in March Dolwn Yard with steel empties and petfood cripples from Wisbech.
47 330 arrives in March Dolwn Yard with steel empties and petfood cripples from Wisbech.
1992-12-11 00:00:00
47 291 crosses Weasenhal Lane LC with a train of steel for Metal Box.
47 291 crosses Weasenhal Lane LC with a train of steel for Metal Box.
1993-02-08 00:00:00
 The desperate state of Whitemoor Yard by 1993 can be seen here as 47 279 passes the site of Whitemoor Junction Signalbox. The fog hut is a listed building and survives to this day!
The desperate state of Whitemoor Yard by 1993 can be seen here as 47 279 passes the site of Whitemoor Junction Signalbox. The fog hut is a listed building and survives to this day!
1993-02-23 00:00:00
 The lavish facilities at the phoning in point just before the Twenty Foot Crossing at Black Bridge.
The lavish facilities at the phoning in point just before the Twenty Foot Crossing at Black Bridge.
1993-02-23 00:00:00
 47 279 crosses Waldersey LC at slow speed with the steel empties. There was never a station here but a very busy goods yard.
47 279 crosses Waldersey LC at slow speed with the steel empties. There was never a station here but a very busy goods yard.
1993-02-23 00:00:00
56 040 leaves March Down Yard with one of the last direct Metal Box - Cardiff Tidal Sidings workings.
56 040 leaves March Down Yard with one of the last direct Metal Box - Cardiff Tidal Sidings workings.
1993-02-24 00:00:00
 The guard is phoning in to Wisbech East from the Twenty Foot to announce their presence whilst 47 085 looks on.
The guard is phoning in to Wisbech East from the Twenty Foot to announce their presence whilst 47 085 looks on.
1993-02-25 00:00:00
 47 085 approaches the Twenty Foot AHB with the steel empties.
47 085 approaches the Twenty Foot AHB with the steel empties.
1993-02-25 00:00:00
 31 224 approaches Flaggrass Rd LC with the steel emptis. Note Cargowaggon criplle on the back.
31 224 approaches Flaggrass Rd LC with the steel emptis. Note Cargowaggon criplle on the back.
1993-02-26 00:00:00
31 224 enterts March Down Yard with it's train of steel empties from Wiosbech.
31 224 enterts March Down Yard with it's train of steel empties from Wiosbech.
1993-02-26 00:00:00
 By this time, Whitemoor Yard had closed at the petfood was running round in March Up Yard. Here 47 284 departs for Scotland in the fog.
By this time, Whitemoor Yard had closed at the petfood was running round in March Up Yard. Here 47 284 departs for Scotland in the fog.
1993-03-05 00:00:00
 47 378 passes along the Coldham Straight, paralleling the road to March, with the petfood. This section of track had been reballasted and has a speed limit of 40mph.
47 378 passes along the Coldham Straight, paralleling the road to March, with the petfood. This section of track had been reballasted and has a speed limit of 40mph.
1993-05-04 00:00:00
 The petfood approaches Flaggrass Road LC behind 47 228.
The petfood approaches Flaggrass Road LC behind 47 228.
1993-05-10 00:00:00
Articulated 4 wheel vans, loaded in Wisbech Yard. Two rakes of stock ran on this service, one of 17 VGA's and one of 16 of these Cargowaggons.
Articulated 4 wheel vans, loaded in Wisbech Yard. Two rakes of stock ran on this service, one of 17 VGA's and one of 16 of these Cargowaggons.
1993-10-15 00:00:00
 Wisbech Yard looking north, Spillers factory behind the loaded VGA's. The sidings nearest me were just used for shunting by this time.
Wisbech Yard looking north, Spillers factory behind the loaded VGA's. The sidings nearest me were just used for shunting by this time.
1993-10-15 00:00:00
 Looking towards March in Wisbech Yard, Metal Box on the left, Spillers behind to right, rub round loop in front.
Looking towards March in Wisbech Yard, Metal Box on the left, Spillers behind to right, rub round loop in front.
1993-10-15 00:00:00
 56 057 gets the road from March West and turns 6S93 towards Scotland.
56 057 gets the road from March West and turns 6S93 towards Scotland.
1996-08-09 17:54:00
56 047, in 'Dutch' livery, heads for Chain Bridge with 6S93.
56 047, in 'Dutch' livery, heads for Chain Bridge with 6S93.
1996-09-11 17:17:00
 37 685 leaves the branch at Whitemoor Junction with 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside. A single Class 37 on S93 was quite a rarity.
37 685 leaves the branch at Whitemoor Junction with 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside. A single Class 37 on S93 was quite a rarity.
1996-09-13 17:33:00
 56 123, a regular performer on the Branch, crosses the Black Bridge heading for March.
56 123, a regular performer on the Branch, crosses the Black Bridge heading for March.
1996-09-16 00:00:00
 56 123 approaches the phone post at Chain Bridge so that the crew can get the road.
56 123 approaches the phone post at Chain Bridge so that the crew can get the road.
1996-09-16 00:00:00
56 054 races the sunset at Coldham on 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside.
56 054 races the sunset at Coldham on 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside.
1996-10-17 17:34:00
 Loadhaul liveried 56 110 is shunting in Metal Box and is here standing on Weasenham Lane LC. I have no idea why this picture is in b&w.
Loadhaul liveried 56 110 is shunting in Metal Box and is here standing on Weasenham Lane LC. I have no idea why this picture is in b&w.
1997-06-21 00:00:00
 Pathfinder Tours regularly ran freight line tours whci included the Wisbech Branch, Kings Lynn Harbour Lines and Middleton Towers Branch on one tour. On one such, 33103 appraoches the Black Bridge.
Pathfinder Tours regularly ran freight line tours whci included the Wisbech Branch, Kings Lynn Harbour Lines and Middleton Towers Branch on one tour. On one such, 33103 appraoches the Black Bridge.
1998-11-21 10:00:00
 As the run round loop at Wisbech was too short, trains needed to be 'top 'n' tail' so 37 242 brings up the rear as Chain Bridge AHB is cleared.
As the run round loop at Wisbech was too short, trains needed to be 'top 'n' tail' so 37 242 brings up the rear as Chain Bridge AHB is cleared.
1998-11-21 10:04:00
Jump on the motorbike and off to Redmoor Lane, which 33103 is seen approaching across the misty Fens.
Jump on the motorbike and off to Redmoor Lane, which 33103 is seen approaching across the misty Fens.
1998-11-21 10:25:00
 33 103 approaches Redmoor Lane LC at the head of the 'Crompton Pedigree' railtour. The green livery is wrong, too bright.
33 103 approaches Redmoor Lane LC at the head of the 'Crompton Pedigree' railtour. The green livery is wrong, too bright.
1998-11-21 10:29:00
 37 242, a 'Dog-Nose' on a tour to a petfood factory, in Mainline Blue, the livery that suited better than any other in my view.
37 242, a 'Dog-Nose' on a tour to a petfood factory, in Mainline Blue, the livery that suited better than any other in my view.
1998-11-21 10:30:00
 37 242 is now leading the 'Crompton Pedigree' as the train crosses Newbridge Lane on it's return journey.
37 242 is now leading the 'Crompton Pedigree' as the train crosses Newbridge Lane on it's return journey.
1998-11-21 11:20:00
33 103 hangs on the rear in countryside that looks anything but Fen-like at Newbridge Lane.
33 103 hangs on the rear in countryside that looks anything but Fen-like at Newbridge Lane.
1998-11-21 11:23:00
 37 242 has now just passed Coldham and is hitting the 'racing stretch' of the Branch - 40mph!
37 242 has now just passed Coldham and is hitting the 'racing stretch' of the Branch - 40mph!
1998-11-21 11:55:00
 33 103 trails along behind happily as the train strts to climb for it's drain-crossing.
33 103 trails along behind happily as the train strts to climb for it's drain-crossing.
1998-11-21 11:58:00
 37 242 comes over the old Joint Line junction, now headed for Kings Lynn on the next leg of the 'Crompton Pedigree'.
37 242 comes over the old Joint Line junction, now headed for Kings Lynn on the next leg of the 'Crompton Pedigree'.
1998-11-21 12:35:00
33 103 disappears into the distance as the 'Crompton Pedigree' heads for Kings Lynn.
33 103 disappears into the distance as the 'Crompton Pedigree' heads for Kings Lynn.
1998-11-21 12:43:00
 56 076 on a very late 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside as darkness falls.
56 076 on a very late 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside as darkness falls.
1999-05-28 20:44:00
 56 083, seen from the A141 bridge, lays down a smokescreen as 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside gets up to speed.
56 083, seen from the A141 bridge, lays down a smokescreen as 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside gets up to speed.
1999-06-01 18:50:00
 56 056 has a good load on as it approaches the A141 bridge on 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside.
56 056 has a good load on as it approaches the A141 bridge on 6S93 Wisbech - Deanside.
1999-06-18 18:11:00
56 096 has a good load behind as it increaqses speed approaching the A141 bridge bound for Paisley with 6S93.
56 096 has a good load behind as it increaqses speed approaching the A141 bridge bound for Paisley with 6S93.
1999-06-25 18:34:00
 Wisbech under the wires? No. 56 102 is leaving Mossend Yard on the southbound Petfood, due to arrive Wisbech in about 9 hours.
Wisbech under the wires? No. 56 102 is leaving Mossend Yard on the southbound Petfood, due to arrive Wisbech in about 9 hours.
1999-10-25 00:00:00
 0S93 in the shape of 66 007 hits the curve at West Junction b ound for Wisbech.
0S93 in the shape of 66 007 hits the curve at West Junction b ound for Wisbech.
2000-02-25 16:14:00
 66 068 slows to walking pace for the junction at March West on 0S93 Peterborough - Wisbech light engine
66 068 slows to walking pace for the junction at March West on 0S93 Peterborough - Wisbech light engine
2000-04-14 16:25:00
This was the last engine other than a 66 that I saw on the Branch - 37 710 has a good load on as it passes the desolation of Whitemoor on 6S93.
This was the last engine other than a 66 that I saw on the Branch - 37 710 has a good load on as it passes the desolation of Whitemoor on 6S93.
2000-05-17 18:28:00
 Going..... strangely, I don't remember that there were many people out for it. Notice the rake is quite short.
Going..... strangely, I don't remember that there were many people out for it. Notice the rake is quite short.
2000-07-21 17:09:00
 Going.......66 191 is past Coldham on what I believe was the last petfood train ever to run. I'm not certain about that but it was certainbly the last one I ever saw!
Going.......66 191 is past Coldham on what I believe was the last petfood train ever to run. I'm not certain about that but it was certainbly the last one I ever saw!
2000-07-25 17:07:00
 Gone...... that's yer lot!! 66 191 at Norwood Road LC with the last 6S93, the last train ever to use the full length of the branch and probably it's last freight ever as well.
Gone...... that's yer lot!! 66 191 at Norwood Road LC with the last 6S93, the last train ever to use the full length of the branch and probably it's last freight ever as well.
2000-07-25 17:28:00
66 250 at this end, 66 076 at the other, as the 'Fenman' railtour returns from Wisbech - or rather Weasenham Lane LC, that being as far as it got.
66 250 at this end, 66 076 at the other, as the 'Fenman' railtour returns from Wisbech - or rather Weasenham Lane LC, that being as far as it got.
2001-05-12 13:00:00
 66 076 brings up the rear of the 'Fenman' as the front end crosses Waldersey Level Crossing.
66 076 brings up the rear of the 'Fenman' as the front end crosses Waldersey Level Crossing.
2001-05-12 13:03:00
 66 250 leads as the 'Fenman' speeds along Coldham Strainght - 40mph speed limit here!
66 250 leads as the 'Fenman' speeds along Coldham Strainght - 40mph speed limit here!
2001-05-12 13:24:00
 66 076 iis dragged off towards Kings Lynn as the 'Fenman' disappears - nice shot of Mark Brammer's best side! March East signalman and really nice bloke!
66 076 iis dragged off towards Kings Lynn as the 'Fenman' disappears - nice shot of Mark Brammer's best side! March East signalman and really nice bloke!
2001-05-12 14:30:00
As far as I am aware, 66 708 was the last loco to venture onto the Branch, albeit not very far, when it was in use a siding during the Whitemoor reconstruction.
As far as I am aware, 66 708 was the last loco to venture onto the Branch, albeit not very far, when it was in use a siding during the Whitemoor reconstruction.
2003-11-29 09:45:00
 66 708's rake of side tippers are still stabled on the branch a week later. They had brought in ballast for the road into Whitemoor.
66 708's rake of side tippers are still stabled on the branch a week later. They had brought in ballast for the road into Whitemoor.
2003-12-07 09:45:00
 The roads at Weasenham Lane and the A47 had just been relaid and, for reasons of economy, it was decided not to replace the rails.
The roads at Weasenham Lane and the A47 had just been relaid and, for reasons of economy, it was decided not to replace the rails.
2004-07-15 00:00:00
 The view south from Weasenham Lane. Network Rail promised that they would replace the track if the Bramley Line ever got up and running - and another flying pig just went past the window!
The view south from Weasenham Lane. Network Rail promised that they would replace the track if the Bramley Line ever got up and running - and another flying pig just went past the window!
2004-07-15 00:00:00
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