Although we have had special trains in the past, we have never celebrated a vintage train at the Festival before. This Metro-Cammell diesel multiple unit was new in 1957 (gosh, just a year younger than me!) as part of the British Railways modernisation plan. Trains of this type were vitally important in reducing the operating costs of branch railway lines at the end of the Steam Age, and have now developed an enthusiast following of their own.

It was expected that she would be operating in service, possibly for the last time, on the Blaenau Ffestiniog branch over the weekend of the 2001 event before coming off lease on 12th May 2001. In the event, a handful of such trains continued to soldier on for much longer - all in the North West, based on Manchester. Only problems with the new Coradia class 175 units kept them going! There was a false-alarm when she was withdrawn in December 2002, but returned the next May after fitting TPWS safety equipment. The axe finally fell on Christmas Eve 2003 after a farewell tour of the North West in company with the other survivor 101's 693 and 676. The last day included a sprint to Sheffield and back, and finished with a trip to Marple and return to Piccadilly.

This celebrity train was the oldest still operating on the British mainland network, at 47 years. She was repainted during the mid 1990's into (almost) original green livery to promote the Conwy Valley branch line. She is seen here in June 1997 at Deganwy Level Crossing. There is a strong possibility that 'Daisy' will be purchased for preservation.

Here is a shot of the above-mentioned 07:59 departure passing Deganwy Station on Saturday morning! Yes, just 45 minutes from happening to web! The formation has been made up to 4 cars with a second, regional-liveried unit whose number escaped me.

For more information on the DMU scene, visit railcar.co.uk