A razor sharp photograph of a coal train, seen in the charge of ‘Crab’ 2-6-0 No 42843 sometime in the 1950s. The mogul appears to be working hard, so it’s an uphill location. Where exactly is not known apart from being near Wigan. The origin of the coal or its destination, are also unknown. No 42843, built 1930, was a 24F (Fleetwood) engine from 1955 until its withdrawal in May 1963. It was the first to be withdrawn of the batch 42840-44, all of which ended their days at Fleetwood and were long term BR residents at that shed.

© David P Williams Archive / Rail-Online