Following an invitation to this event , we decided to give 5580 a thorough clean and as it was our first ‘ Open Day ‘ , a full bogie repaint . Movement to Toton took place on Friday 28th August with 5580 hauling ex Toton Peak 44004 and newly overhauled Standard 4 Tank 80098 to Codnor Pk. There , 37899 was waiting to haul the convoy the short distance to Toton.
5580 was positioned in a superb spot and certainly looked the business ! Our sales stand was in attendance and throughout the weekend made brisk business. Other 31’s on display were NRM’s D5500 , Fragonset’s newly painted 31452 and EWS’s newly ‘ re-livered ‘ 31466. 31110 although not on display , was stabled in the yard. As well as plenty of ‘ main line ‘ locos on display , including the first small batch of Class 66s , preserved locos included 26004 , 27001 , 40145 , 44004 and 45060.
Approx 18000 visitors came through the gates each day , and 5580 attracted much interest being the best ‘ turned out ‘ loco there.Another thoroughly enjoyable event..! Movement back to Codnor Pk was provided by 37174 with 5580 hauling 44004 & 80098 back to Swanwick. This took place on the Sunday evening following the event with arrival back at Swanwick timed at 2305…….!
An immaculate 5580 positioned at the southern end of Toton TMD at the Open Day 29/08/98.
An overall view of the event with 5500 , 45060 , 47004 & 47484 as well as 5580 on display 29/08/98.
Another shot of 5580 looking resplendent at the excellent Toton Open Day 29/08/98.