The final passenger train to Consett ran on 17th March 1984. Chartered by the Derwentside Rail Action Group and originally scheduled to be a 4 car diesel multiple unit, such was the demand for tickets, the train was then changed to 6 coaches and eventually consisted of Class 46, 46026 named ‘Leicestershire & Derbyshire Yeomanry’, (which was turned out in excellent condition by Gateshead depot) hauling 7 Mk1 coaches from Newcastle to the site of Consett station. Three hundred passengers each paid £10.50 to be part of the historic journey.
The nose of the locomotive was adorned with a headboard, a wreath and the number plate 92066 from a 9F locomotive that had pulled the iron ore trains to Consett in the 1960s.
Tyne Yard driver, the late Bob Dodds and the then Gateshead relief driver Jim Keogan took charge of the train for the journey which left Newcastle Central Station from Platform 10 at 11:19am (it was scheduled to leave at 11:15am) with a scheduled arrival at Consett at 12:18pm. As the train leaves Newcastle the band, ‘The Tyne Valley Stompers’, begin playing in the last coach of the train.
The crew of 46026, driver Bob Dodds and Jim Keogan in front of their locomotive at Consett. Photo copyright Neil Young
By the time the train ran in March 1984, parts of the line to Consett were already out of commission resulting in the train running ‘wrong line’ from Ouston Junction to South Pelaw junction where it switched over to the correct ‘down’ line. The train also ran wrong line at least as far as Stanley on the return journey from Consett.
Image courtesy of David Sarsfield.
The train arrived at Consett at 12:03pm where, due to the lack of a platform, wooden steps are provided for the passengers to disembark. The passengers depart on a bus tour of other sites on the Stanhope and Tyne Railway and return for a meal at the Duke of Wellington on Medomsley Road.
At 2:36pm, the crowd at the site of the station formed a funeral procession led by a coffin, seen in one of the photos further down the page, with the Tyne Valley Stompers playing ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ which heads back to the train where Don Kent, the secretary of the Derwentside Rail Action Group gives a speech. Everyone boarded the train and, at 2:55pm, the guard blows his whistle and the train departed Consett for the return journey to Newcastle which is reached at 3:58pm.
BBC Look North reported on the last train to Consett, you can watch the report here. The Evening Chronicle also ran an article shown above.
The departure board at Newcastle Central Station shows the last train to Consett due to leave at 11:15. Photo copyright Keith Turner
46026 approaches South Pelaw Junction from Ouston Junction. In the background the bridge that took the line to Tyne Dock over the East Coast Main Line can be seen. Photo copyright Rob Trinder.
Taken seconds after the one above, 46026 runs ‘wrong line’ on the climb from Ouston Junction approaching South Pelaw Junction. Photo Copyright Neil Young
46026 at South Pelaw Junction, the train is just about to change tracks back on to the correct line at the turnout just ahead of the locomotive. Note also the burned out remains of the signal box. Photo copyright John Carter
Another shot of 46026 having taken the turnout in the previous photo. Copyright John Carter
The last train passes the site of Stella Gill incoming and outgoing lines having passed South Pelaw Junction. The roof of the NCB building can bee seen in the background on 17 March 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner
A superb shot of the train as it rounds the curve on the way to Consett under the bridge from South Pelaw Junction past the site of the Stella Gill sidings. Photo Copyright Bill Watson
46026 rounds the curve at Pelton about to pass under the A693 road on the way to Beamish. Photo copyright Neil Young
By way of a comparison to the photograph above, this photograph was taken at the same location almost 30 years to the day of the running of the last passenger train – the church spire is just visible behind the trees. Photo copyright John Donnelly
The last train heads through Beamish. Photo copyright Keith Turner
46026 passes Stanley on the way to Consett on 17 March 1983. Photo copyright Stephen McGahon
A signal gantry provides an unusual angle for a shot of the last passenger train as it passes through Annfield Plain running ‘wrong line’ again. Photo Author’s Collection
46026 at Annfield East. Photo copyright Bob Lumley
The last train negotiates Brooms Curve at Leadgate with Pontop Pike in the background. Photo copyright Keith Turner
46026 at Pontop just outside Leadgate on the way to Consett with the last passenger train. Photo Copyright Neil Young
46026 at Pontop just outside Leadgate on the way to Consett with the last passenger train. Photo Copyright Neil Young
The last train rounds Brooms Curve just outside Leadgate on 17 March 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner
Four from Bill Wilder at Consett, Greencroft and Leadgate:
46026 at Consett on 17 March 1984. Photo Bill Wilder.46026 at Consett on 17 March 1984. Photo Bill Wilder.46026 with 1G11 at Greencroft, on17th March 1984. Photo Bill Wilder46026 with 1G11 at Leadgate, on17th March 1984. Photo Bill Wilder
46026 at Consett with the last train on 17 march 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner
The last train at the site of Consett station. On the left can be see the coal yard, the last business to be served by the line prior to closure. 17 March 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner
46026 at Consett with the last train on 17 march 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner
46026 at Consett with the last train on 17 march 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner
46026 stands at the site of Consett station with the last train to Consett on 17 March 1984. Pontop Pike can be seen in the background. Photo copyright Keith Turner46026 passes under the Delves Lane bridge as it runs round it’s train ready for the return journey to Newcastle on 17 Marth 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner46026 about to run round it’s train at Consett on 17 March 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner
46026 sits at the site of Consett station having reached its destination. Note that there is no snow at all in the photo taken at South Pelaw such was the height difference between the junction and Consett. Photo copyright Stephen McGahon
‘Protestors’ at the site of Consett station following the arrival of the last passenger train. Photo copyright Mark Goadby
46026 runs round it’s train at the site of Consett station. Photo copyright Neil Young
46026 runs round it’s train at the site of Consett station. It is hard to believe that just 4 years earlier, there were tracks leading away to the right following the curve of the fence next to the yellow van and the entire background would have been dominated by the steelworks. Photo copyright Neil Young
46026 and it’s train taken from the Delves Lane bridge. Note the NER water crane still in place 17 years after the last steam locomotive visited Consett. Photo copyright Stephen McGahon
46026 at Consett with the last passenger train on 17 March 1984. Copyright Stephen McGahon
46026 at Consett with the last passenger train on 17 March 1984. Copyright Stephen McGahon
46026 at Consett with the last passenger train on 17 March 1984. Copyright Stephen McGahon
The last passenger train gets ready to leave Consett. Note the wooden steps provided to allow passengers to get off the train. Photo copyright Stephen McGahon
46026 seen from the side of Delves Lane. Note the coal depot on the left which was the last business served by the line right up until closure. Photo copyright Stephen McGahon
46026 runs round it’s train at Consett. Photo copyright Stephen McGahon.
An overall view of the site of Consett station with 46026 in the background. Note the remains of the coal drops in the foreground and the coal yard (the last business served by the line) in the right background. Photo copyright Stephen McGahon
46026 stands at the site of Consett station on 17 March 1984. Photo copyright Keith TurnerThe site of Consett station on 17 March 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner46026 stands at the site of Consett station on 17 March 1984. Photo copyright Keith Turner46026 runs round it’s train at Consett ready for the return trip to Newcastle on 17 March 1984.
46026 and it’s train round Brooms Curve between Annfield Plain and Leadgate. Photo copyright Stephen McGahon
46026 on the 1G11 (return from Consett) working heading from Annfield Plain towards Stanley with the last passenger train from Consett. Photo copyright Robert Patterson
46026 on the 1G11 (return from Consett) working heading from Annfield Plain towards Stanley with the last passenger train from Consett. Photo copyright Robert Patterson
46026 on the 1G11 (return from Consett) working heading from Annfield Plain towards Stanley with the last passenger train from Consett. Photo copyright Robert Patterson
46026 on the 1G11 (return from Consett) working heading from Annfield Plain towards Stanley with the last passenger train to Consett. Photo copyright Robert Patterson
46026 passes Stanley on the way back from Consett on 17 March 1983. Photo copyright Stephen McGahon
46026 heads past South Pelaw Junction on the return journey from Consett heading for Ouston Junction. Photo Copyright Dave Jolly
Poster for the Last Passenger Train to Consett. Courtesy of Mark Goadby
Ticket for the Last Passenger Train to Consett. Courtesy of Mark Goadby
Information sheet for the Last Passenger Train to Consett. Courtesy of Mark Goadby
Arrivals board at Newcastle Central Station showing the arrival of the Last Passenger Train back from Consett. Photo copyright Mark Goadby
BR Special Traffic Notice for 1G11, the Last Passenger Train to Consett. Copyright Stephan McGahon
13 thoughts on “Last Passenger Train”
excellent shots John,Stephen done good there.Spotted my mate Craig Oliphant standing under the bridge on the 2nd shot.Fantastic and well done.Keep up[ the good work.
Yet more great shots of what was for me the saddest event in recent history of the North East’s railways. I was there and remember it as though it was yesterday. Thanks John. Thanks Steve.
The last train remains my biggest regret railway wise. I took a few days pondering over the cost of the last train ticket for such a short distance and decided it wasn’t worth it! Give me that time machine someone!!
Sorry Robert we had no money in DRAG and the cost BR wanted for a 2 car DMU was about £10 a seat on a break even of about 2/3rds full when we filled that easily and went to a 4 car clearly the price per seat was better and by the time we got to the full 7 coach train a lot better. Still even at that price we could have filled at least another 2/3 coaches. If not more. We spent some of the money on the Tyne Valley Stompers, buses to the S&T sites, good tickets, that headboard and free food in the Duke. How you got to see it at least
Great page love it. One little bit of non railway interest the Northern Echo reporter on the train was a young reporter from Stanley Yvonne Ridley. She was good fun and wrote a very positive report . I remember pushing her into the guards van up the steps as the steps had been removed by then. 17 years later she was working for the Sunday Express when she was arrested by the taliban after illegally entering Afghanistan prior to the American invasion in 2001. Released after 11 days she converted to Islam and stood for the now defunct Respect party in various elections
Thanks Dave Willoughby, I’m in a few shots here. I spoke with the Late Dick Taylor the area manager who said he wanted 4767 George Stephenson to haul this train. I took a small headboard with the that simply said THE END and the guard John Grant kindly placed this on the rear of the train. It had already been in the front of 37023 as it hauled the last freight from Consett 30/9/83. As well as being on the last lifting train on the Washington – S. Pelaw line.
Great northern historical document and another splendid evocation of late 70s and early 80s era while I was commuting from Chester-le-Street/ Durham to school in Jesmond – thank you!
I was on the train as the line became apart of our lost railways of the North East. Having spent 6 years on the branch as Tyne Yard guard 4 on the Tyne Dock Consett ore trains then Consett relief Signalman until closure the line was a major part of my railway career. These pictures are brilliant well done. Steve shields
In one of Stephen McGahon’s pics of all the public milling around the train standing at Consett station ( almost like a LS Lowry painting) you can see the remains of the Turntable under the coal yard portakabin. It was still there in 88 when I arrived to work for Sustrans and was presumably dug out when Durham CC built the by pass after 91.
There are some great pics here and worth looking at on a far bigger screen than a phone! I particularly like the long view from Barn Hill in Stanley ,where our office was for 20years
While going through a pile of papers in an old wardrobe recently we came across my Dad’s steward notes and instructions for the day plus some posters, He was a steward on car 4. I was on the train with my dad and grandad. A great piece of history and a fascinating read.
excellent shots John,Stephen done good there.Spotted my mate Craig Oliphant standing under the bridge on the 2nd shot.Fantastic and well done.Keep up[ the good work.
Yet more great shots of what was for me the saddest event in recent history of the North East’s railways. I was there and remember it as though it was yesterday. Thanks John. Thanks Steve.
The last train remains my biggest regret railway wise. I took a few days pondering over the cost of the last train ticket for such a short distance and decided it wasn’t worth it! Give me that time machine someone!!
Sorry Robert we had no money in DRAG and the cost BR wanted for a 2 car DMU was about £10 a seat on a break even of about 2/3rds full when we filled that easily and went to a 4 car clearly the price per seat was better and by the time we got to the full 7 coach train a lot better. Still even at that price we could have filled at least another 2/3 coaches. If not more. We spent some of the money on the Tyne Valley Stompers, buses to the S&T sites, good tickets, that headboard and free food in the Duke. How you got to see it at least
I meant hope you got to see it
Great page love it. One little bit of non railway interest the Northern Echo reporter on the train was a young reporter from Stanley Yvonne Ridley. She was good fun and wrote a very positive report . I remember pushing her into the guards van up the steps as the steps had been removed by then. 17 years later she was working for the Sunday Express when she was arrested by the taliban after illegally entering Afghanistan prior to the American invasion in 2001. Released after 11 days she converted to Islam and stood for the now defunct Respect party in various elections
Thanks Dave Willoughby, I’m in a few shots here. I spoke with the Late Dick Taylor the area manager who said he wanted 4767 George Stephenson to haul this train. I took a small headboard with the that simply said THE END and the guard John Grant kindly placed this on the rear of the train. It had already been in the front of 37023 as it hauled the last freight from Consett 30/9/83. As well as being on the last lifting train on the Washington – S. Pelaw line.
Great northern historical document and another splendid evocation of late 70s and early 80s era while I was commuting from Chester-le-Street/ Durham to school in Jesmond – thank you!
I was on the train as the line became apart of our lost railways of the North East. Having spent 6 years on the branch as Tyne Yard guard 4 on the Tyne Dock Consett ore trains then Consett relief Signalman until closure the line was a major part of my railway career. These pictures are brilliant well done. Steve shields
In one of Stephen McGahon’s pics of all the public milling around the train standing at Consett station ( almost like a LS Lowry painting) you can see the remains of the Turntable under the coal yard portakabin. It was still there in 88 when I arrived to work for Sustrans and was presumably dug out when Durham CC built the by pass after 91.
There are some great pics here and worth looking at on a far bigger screen than a phone! I particularly like the long view from Barn Hill in Stanley ,where our office was for 20years
Thanks for that David, I’d not noticed the turntable wall before…
While going through a pile of papers in an old wardrobe recently we came across my Dad’s steward notes and instructions for the day plus some posters, He was a steward on car 4. I was on the train with my dad and grandad. A great piece of history and a fascinating read.
I wonder if the train’s headboard exists anywhere today, it would be good to see it in Consett for the 40th anniversary of this sad day.