14th JUNE 2025: 1Z56 - THE SETTLE AND CARLISLE SPECIAL at SHEFFIELD with 57313 & 57314.

 This was the start of a 'double-header'. Here in Sheffield and then later in Sleaford. To get to the first, I had to rise from my pit at 5am to catch the 06:47 to Sheffield for what was billed as a 'Steam & Diesel' excursion to Carlise from Woodlesford. I had checked before I departed home and nothing was listed. I think if I'd known it was the'Northern Belle' with two class 57s, I may have stayed in bed!

Anyway, that's as maybe. I got to Sheffield and immediately saw a  Freightliner class 70, 011 leading a consist of two 66s and another class 70. This was '0E01 0640 Hope (Earles Sidings) FHH to Leeds Balm Road Loco (FHH)'. That was worth the trip.

Within minutes of my arrival, the lead class 57 314 'Conwy Castle',emerged from the northern-end of the station followed by the Pullman coaching stock and 57 313 'Scarborough Castle', at the tail, to park up for 25 minutes. The coacing stock always looks immaculate but would look better with a steam loco heading them.

57314 Conwy Castle heads a rake of MK1 coaches alongside P8.

Took some photos and then raced over to platform 5A to grab a coffee and my connection to Nottingham and part two of this 'Double-Header'. I wasn't able to see the excursion depart as my Nottingham train would depart 10 minutes berore 1Z56.

Other Rolling Stock seen at Doncaster & Sheffield Stations:

Consist of Freightliner 70011, 66614, 70001, 66xxx & Cross Country 221134 at platforms DSS-line & platform 1.

East Midlands 158854 from Nottingham at P5A.

'My Ride', East Midlands 158854 to Nottingham at P5A.

2R05 Service 150201 arrives P3 from Doncaster at Sheffield Rail Station.

Signal S139.

END

RJC