The closure of Annesley MPD
The Annesley "Dido"
The Annesley "Dido" was the workman's train that ferried staff between Bulwell Common, Hucknall, Newstead and Annesley. Some trips were down the GN branch, serving Hucknall Town and Newstead, others were on the GC main line, calling at Hucknall Central, Annesley South Platform, and Hollinwell and Annesley.
In the early days (at least) for the benefit of the Carriage & Wagon staff, the 7.35 am departure from Bulwell Common was a five-coach formation, which returned from Annesley sidings at 5.10 pm on weekdays, and about 1.00pm on Saturdays.(It has been suggested that the "Dido" was so nicknamed because it ran "day in, day out". Although probably true,I cannot confirm this as I never heard it discussed in my time at Annesley.)
Prior to 1926, the "Dido" was hauled by Sacre and Pollitt 2-4-0 and 4-4-0's.
The ten years from 1927 to 1937 saw various "C14" 4-4-2 tanks, nos.6120 - 6124 and 6126 - 6131 shedded at Annesley to work the "Dido". In BR days they were re-numbered 67440 - 67451.
1937 to 1940 saw the "Dido" worked by Sentinel 2-Cylinder Railcars nos.43306 & 43307. These were replaced by Sentinel 6-Cylinder Railcars nos. 51908 (Jan.1941) & 51912 (Nov.1939) These were finally withdrawn in 1943.
From 1942 till the summer of 1949 the "Dido" was worked by ex-GC Class "F2" 2-4-2 tank engines.7105 was condemned in August 1948, leaving 7106 and 7107 soldiering on for another year.
It was then the turn of the "C12" 4-4-2 tanks, 67363 and 67387.
67387 was replaced at the end of 1951 by ex-Great Eastern "N7" 0-6-2 Tanks no.69651 and 69695,the latter being replaced in May 1954 by sister locomotive no.69692.
The two "N7's" and the "C12" soldiered on until October 1956, when all three were replaced by a trio of ex-Great Central "A5" 4-6-2 Tanks, nos.69809, 69818 and 69825.
These in turn lasted until December 1958, when "Midlandisation" had reared its ugly head!January 1959 saw the arrival at Annesley of three Fowler Class "4" Tanks, nos. 42333, 42339 and 42361.
They lasted exactly a year before being transferred to Trafford Park (9E).......next came the two engines that were probably the most suitable for the "Dido" - Ivatt Class "2" Tanks nos.41280 and 41320. The latter was transferred to Exmouth Junction on the Southern Region in September 1961, leaving her sister to soldier on alone until April 1962.
Although the end was in sight for the "Dido", 41280 was replaced by yet three more "modern" engines. BR Standard Class "2" 2-6-2 Tanks nos.84006,84007 and 84027.
No.5 link at Annesley was always known as the "Dido" Link, although it only formed a small part of the link's 24 workings. Unfortunately, by the time I reached this link, the "Dido" had ceased to run. It stopped running at the end of the Summer timetable on 8th September 1962..
Rundown and final closure of Annesley MPD
On 3rd May 1965, redundancy notices were sent to the staff at Annesley MPD.