4498 'Sir Nigel Gresley's East Coast Mainline comeback to York - 17/11/2022

Returning to mainline revenue earning service for the first time since it’s major overhaul and quite simply a sight to behold on a day that’s been highly anticipated, the SNGLT’s flagship LNER A4 no 4498 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ (still in its temporary LNER Wartime Black livery) would undertake a return to its former stamping ground on the East Coast Mainline with Steam Dreams York Christmas Market excursion running from London Kings Cross to York & return on a wet and windy Thursday 17th November 2022

The A4 is first seen hauling the down run at Langford, south of Biggleswade along the Bedfordshire flats at a fine pace dispite shutting off for a temporary TSR, away from the wires of the ECML and heading along the former GN&GEJR to Lincoln, Nigel is seen storming away from Werrington Junction at Peakirk, back on familiar metals the loco is next seen at Rhyther at speed on the last leg of the run into York

On the up leg back to London Gresley is seen loud and sound at Colton Junction, the late departure off York meant darkness descended rapidly so whilst not the shot I had in mind I’ve included it for audio, the late running and the rapid catch up of its late departure to being on time by Lincoln meant that shot was no longer possible, so we next capture Nigel departing Peterborough from Fletton Jc, once again sounding on point as her exhaust echos across the city, although heavy diesel assistance was used following a late departure

Finally and to round of another eventful day 4498 charges for home at Tempsford, nr Sandy giving one more blast on her beloved chime whistle as she heads for the Capital

With great appreciation and thanks to Jack Pallister for his kind assistance today along with The Modster, Railview & Dan Buck for thier added company!