LNER Azuma test run Cleethorpes to
Lincoln
Mon 26th June 2023
It is around 40 years since Grimsby & Cleethorpes had a direct
train service to London. After many years of lobbying by the local
MPs and businesses it seems likely that 2024 may see the return of a
number of such through trains. In order to prepare for this eventuality
a
test train was run from Cleethorpes to Lincoln on Monday 26th June 2023
to carry out feasibility and safety checks at the stations.
The Azuma test train is seen here approaching Stallingborough station at
approx 0920 on 26th June 2023 en route from Doncaster to Cleethorpes.
It makes a fine sight as it passes
through the station on its way to Grimsby Town & Cleethorpes.
After arriving in platform 4 at
Cleethorpes it was then moved into platform 3.
TPE 68022 "Resolution" seen in
platform 1 as the press spring into action on platform 3.
Platform 4 reconstruction continuing to
increase capacity of Cleethorpes station.
Local MP Martin Vickers (l), MD of LNER
David Horne and Grimsby MP Lia Nici (r) pose by the Azuma unit.
Seen leaving Grimsby Town on its run
from Cleethorpes to Lincoln.
Market Rasen will be an intermediate
stop on the service. The 5 car unit is too long for the platform here as
the rear of the train is over the board
crossing at the north end of the station. Local MP Sir Edward Leigh was
overheard here saying that he would lobby for a platform extension.
The train was then moved up to clear the
foot crossing. It shortly afterwards departed for Lincoln.
The rear power car framed by the
entrance to the station platforms at Market Rasen.
Returning from Lincoln the train enters
Barnetby platform 1.
The staff are carrying out their safety
measurements on the platform, as had been done at all stops on the run.
The train then departed en route to
Grimsby Town & Cleethorpes, returning later in the afternoon to the
Azuma base in Doncaster.
A decision on whether a through Kings
Cross service could be included in the May 2024 timetable is anticipated
later this year.
