Last mail trains from Glasgow Central. 13th February 1998

After 110 years this was the last day of mail train departures from Glasgow Central as the new Shieldmuir Distriburion Depot near Wishaw opened the following Monday. 325001 and 325009 depart with the final 1M90, 12.52 Glasgow Central-Willesden Royal Mail Terminal which is followed by 87016 (Willesden Intercity Depot) coming up light engine from Polmadie to attach to the DVT before working the 13.40 to London Euston. A trip to Motherwell to catch the final 1V04, 16.08 Glasgow-Bristol mail was fruitless as it was running 40 minutes late and when I got back to Central 47565 was bringing in the stock for the 19.18 TPO to Cardiff. 87011 departs with a rake of empty Virgin liveried MkIII coaches for Polmadie. As 303012 passes, 87033 can be seen on the rear having brought the train up from London. 86241 couples up to the stock of 1V68 shortly before departure time, and we see a quick look at the Travelling Post Office stock below the glass roof of Glasgow Central. Without any fanfare or ceremony and with just a few enthusiasts present 86241 pulls out with the last loaded mail train the 1V68, 19.18 Glasgow-Cardiff TPO. As it does so 91013 arrives with the 13.30 from London Kings Cross. The final shot sees 47565 running light engine out of the station.