MML Freight Flows in 1979

[EddieK]

What freight flows would have run on MML south of Bedford during 1979? Any pointers as to wagon types and loco types used would also be of interest....

[stivesnick]

Hi 

 

Although I do not have specific timetables for this route at that time, I do have a first edition Bakers Rail Atlas from 1977 which shows the following terminals in that area:

 

Stewartby Brickworks on the Bedford to Bletchley line - I believe sent brickliner trains to Kings Cross and other destinations. I don't know when this traffic ended but was then replaced by rubbish trains from Hendon using the same wagons. 

 

Goldington power station on the remains of the line to Sandy was still in operation and closed in 1983

 

Leagrave - stone terminal 

 

Dunstable branch - oil and cement terminals 

 

Luton - coal depot and vauxhall cars/vans 

 

There was a branch from Harpenden to a Hermelite works (building blocks) 

 

Hope this helps

 

Nick 

[SED Freightman]

Following services running via the MML to and from the South Eastern Division are shown in the SR Conditional Freight WTT, Section WK for the period 08/05/1978 to 06/05/1979.

 

6O85 0827 (SX) Welbeck to Northfleet returning as 6M52 2336 (SX) Northfleet to Toton

6O96 1157 (SX) Welbeck to Northfleet returning as 6M60 0120 (MX) Northfleet to Toton

6030 1552 (SX) Welbeck to Northfleet returning as 6M32 0500 (MX) Northfleet to Toton

6O59 2305 (SX) Welbeck to Northfleet returning as 6M31 1256 (MX) Northfleet to Toton

The above services conveyed MGR wagons and were worked by LMR resources Toton - Northfleet - Toton, locos were (I believe) provided by Toton Depot.

 

6M48 0324 (FSX) Northfleet to Dunstable returning as 6093 1915 (FSX) Dunstable to Northfleet

6M48 0324 (FO) Northfleet to Dunstable returning as 6O93 1915 (FO) Dunstable to Crayford

The above services conveyed APCM / Blue Circle cement wagons and were worked by 2 x class 33 throughout.

 

6O44 2130 (MTWO) Handsworth to Northfleet returning as 6M24 1108 (TWThO) Northfleet to Handsworth

6044 2130 (ThO) Handsworth to Crayford returning as 6M24 1108 (MO) Northfleet to Handsworth

The above services conveyed APCM / Blue Circle cement wagons, I believe SR / LMR locos were changed at Cricklewood.

 

6O34 1140 (SX) Tyne Yard to Ridham / 6E59 1840 (SX) Ridham to Tyne Yard

The above services conveyed MGR wagons (loaded ex Butterwell ?), worked by 2 x class 73 to/from Cricklewood where the loaded and empty sets were exchanged with LMR resources.

 

6O73 2205 (SX) Tyne Yd to Ridham / 6E97 0845 (SX) Betteshanger to Redcar (MO) / Scunthorpe (MSX)

The above services conveyed loaded MGR wagons in both directions, worked by 2 x class 73 to/from Cricklewood where sets were exchanged with LMR resources.

 

6M62 0100 (MX) Shepherds Well to Cricklewood

6M63 1057 (SX) Shepherds Well to Cricklewood 

6M61 1320 (SX) Betteshanger to Cricklewood

6M65 1918 (FSX) Betteshanger to Cricklewood

6M64 2220 (SX) Shepherds Well to Cricklewood

The above services all conveyed loaded VB coal wagons (MCV / HTV) worked by class 33 or 73 and would have eventually worked north from Cricklewood as LMR services via Toton, except for 6M63 which exchanged locos at Hither Green.

 

6O69 0735 (MO) Toton to Halling 

6O69 0514 (MSX) Toton to Halling 

6O69 0425 (SO) Toton to Halling

Above services conveyed loaded  VB coal wagons (type ?), LMR loco worked through to Hither Green (SX) and worked back north on 6M63, Class 73 worked from Cricklewood (SO).

 

 

I hope this is of some use and would be interested to learn of any corrections or additional information concerning the abovementioned services.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Of the above, at least the Dunstable cement used the bogie Blue Circle cement wagons late 1970s/early 1980s (e.g. https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/bogiepresflo).