An unusual double header of two parallel boiler Patriots, 45511 Isle of Man and 45524 Blackpool climb Shap towards Scout Green with a Manchester to Glasgow express in 1949. 45511 had been renumbered in May 1949 while it was still in plain black using a Gill Sans smokebox plate and Gill Sans 8in. cab numbers; the tender appears to be devoid of any markings. 45511 was at Crewe North from November 1948 until April 1950, 45524 was a Preston engine for many years, from 1937 until 1951.

Ian R Townend says "I wonder if the train loco is 45524 as recorded? 45524 received its BR no following a HG in Feb 49 when the tender had 'BRITISH RAILWAYS' applied and appeared to have been repainted in plain black livery (see later photo). The loco behind 45511 is in red livery and appears to have LMS on the tender but with Gill sans BR cabside number "


Photo: F.R. Hebron/Rail Archive Stephenson