JL - 28.11.23 37611 & 331008 5Q17 Allerton - Skipton CS, Cragg Lane

A very welcome, albeit temporary, addition to the timetable in the north have been these Northern unit moves which employ ROG traction. The TOC are transferring unit types between their depots. I'm not sure of the exact reasons, but diesel 3-car 331 units have been moved from Allerton to Skipton with 4-car EMU units moving in the opposite direction. I think it's connected to the withdrawal of the ex-Southern Thameslink 319 units which have eked out their final days of service on the commuter lines around Manchester and Liverpool. Seen in clear and bright Winter sunshine at Cragg Lane near Eldroth, 37611 'Denise' thunders along the jointed track of the UK networks longest single section between Carnforth and Settle Jn. Northern's 331008 was the unit enjoying the ride on this occasion recalling the days of DMU drags. This shot was published on the front cover of Today's Railways issue 264, Feb 2024.