Friday 9th January 2004
1E53 North East Down TPO
 The last ever network TPO to leave Peterborough (There will be TPOs leaving Peterborough for a few years to come on the NVR).Tonight was a sad night for many people, none more so than the staff on the train. Despite the system coming to an end, along with their jobs, everyone of them continued to work to the end. They were still providing the service to the public that gave us the next day delivery for first class mail. While the train was at the station the staff spoke freely with the many people who had come to see the last TPO departure, helping with their enquiries in a friendly and professional manner. There were probably 30-40 people there to see the train off, this had built up over the last few nights. |
 Dave starts to handle the covers presented to him by the many people that had come to see the final TPO off. |
 The lads spent some time taking their own photographs, as a lasting memory to their time on the TPO. Mick takes a few for himself (clutching a special cover he had been given - look after it mate and I'll see you again soon). |
 Mick and a few of the team watch on as something else happens (I don't know what was going on). |
 Yes that's me on the right!! I had photographed the guy on the left, Chris Higgins, on several occasions, including the previous night. Tonight he got his own back!!! We shook hands and wished each other the best for the future. Your mates had a good laugh, but then that's part of life on the TPO. Hope to see you again soon. |
 Just to show that the "Geordie Crew" was still working on the last night, you can see the piles of mail bags starting to stack up during the stop at Peterborough. Compare this with the photographs taken during the trip made in June and you will see that there is not much difference. Professional to the END. |
 Several of the TPO crew stand on the platform to listen to the "Gaffers" talking to the public. |
 Jeff & Dave - "The Gaffers", they provided much entertainment during the stop. Two GREAT guys, who have given of their time and knowledge to me freely over the last few months. I will miss you, but I know we will meet again. Best of luck for the future. |
 I particularly liked the comment about now being available for after dinner speechs |
 Departure is close at hand.A few of the guys watch on (yes one was pointing at me) as they prepare to depart. |
 Poor picture I know, but the clock shows 00:39:58, so the last TPO to leave Peterborough was a few seconds later at 00:40 on 10th January 2004 - The end of an era.Almost 166 years after the first TPO ran. We will not see the like again. Mail on rail ends at the end of March. Will it ever return, or even the TPO. Time will tell......... Goodbye to some of the best people I have ever met, good luck for the future. |
If anyone has any pictures or details they would like to include in this section, especially pictures of the other TPO services, then please contact me.
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