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Pictures by Mr Robert Lancaster of Carlisle.

March 1979 Carlisle trainspotters were in for a treat when some East Coast diverted trains past through Carlisle. 

The goods avoiding lines are to the right as an HST 254 003 car set slides down the Newcastle bank on a diverted train to Newcastle. The W.C.M.L is the upper level.

The ageing Deltics were also involved and the tunnel problems could not be resolved, so the diversions would continue until August 1979.

Deltic 55017 The Durham Light Infantry  in Rail Blue arrives at Carlisle from London Kings Cross for Edinburgh.

Some freight trains were also diverted. Class 47426  is seen on the Settle line en-route to Leeds at Duranhill Harraby.   Left the foliage as taken over the area of the former Midland locomotive sheds.

Unfortunately it was a sad occasion for Intercity on the E.C.M.L. North of Berwick on Tweed. work was being carried out to lower the track for continental containers in the Penmanshiel tunnel when it collapsed .

Mid evening HST No 254 003 at West Walls north of Carlisle Station heading over Beattock via Carstairs to Edinburgh.

A popular location is the north end of Carlisle station. Deltic 55005 The Prince of Wales Regiment of Yorkshire south bound via Newcastle to London Kings Cross.

The last of the HST's No 243 030 diverted train departs Carlisle. During the 1979 summer timetable B.R allowed passengers to board at Carlisle for an alternative route to London.             By August 1979 the tunnel problem was resolved, it was to dangerous to repair. The line had to diverted around the tunnel so Intercity could introduce their HST hourly service between London & Edinburgh.

Sadly to this day the two workmen who were trapped in the tunnel accident, remain entombed along with a J.C.B digger. A plaque has been erected near the tunnel in their memory.