Denton Road Duff…

It wasn’t all just Nodding Donkeys and Skodas at Denton Road on my 90s commute. Even back then (when they were everywhere) I never understood why the 47s were ‘Duffs’…

Stood towards the end of platform 2 I waited, foot tapping, pacing out the day ahead. It gave a good view of what was coming from the west - mind the morning Freightliner was always heard before seen, usually booked for an ubiquitous Duff, working hard on the grade up to Denton Road nearing the end of its journey and sounding magnificent.

A freight train laughs and rattles by*

…I always did think ‘one day I’m going to miss this like Dad missed the Westerns at Temple Meads’. Looking back at these old prints reminds me of the variety of traction we used to enjoy and the colourful sectorisation period I remember so fondly.

* I always did like the way the Stone Roses captured something of the nature of freight trains on the 90s railway in their B side ‘All across the sand’.

Until next time, you know the rest…

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