Ex-LMS Hughes/Fowler 'Crab' class 2-6-0 No. 42751. Built at Crewe in June 1927 as LMS No. 13051 and withdrawn in April 1965.

Heading north in February of the exceptionally hard winter of 1963, 42751 lays down a fine exhaust as she passes over the 560 yard long Brock Troughs situated 7 miles south of Preston. The Length Ganger was responsible for keeping them ice-free in severe weather. Behind the fence seen on the left, the M6 motorway's incessant roar now shatters this once peaceful scene.

© Steve Armitage Archive