With a northbound coal train. I have no records of Westerns hauling coal on the midland main line, probably to Corby steelworks, does anyone have information about this rare occurence? Interestinly Vic Smith reports that D1047 was recorded on a similar working from the Cardiff area, passing through Bedford St Johns, five days later on 27 October 1965. At least now we know the route taken, via Bicester and the Bletchley flyover.John Richards adds Looks like a Radar-Corby coal train. but I can't make out the headcode (it is 6M56). These trains were class 8 part fitted, and, when I worked as a freight guard at Canton in the 70s, usually used a class 45/6 or 47. We worked them to Gloucester and were relieved by Gloucester men. It is likely that Canton have provided the Western because the booked loco had been pinched for another working, and no replacement has been forthcoming at Gloucester or anywhere else; this means that the Gloucester or possibly Banbury crew will have had to work through with a local pilotman. At least the loco is passably clean and not a bad ambassador for Canton!Trevor Sharp was the photographer and the headcode is 6M56, the date is 23-10 1965 and the loco returned L.E. within the hour.