Ex-LMS Stanier 'Black 5' class 4-6-0 No. 44890. Built at Crewe in August 1945 and withdrawn in June 1968. Passing a very characteristic Lancashire mill at Lostock Junction, 44890 is heading the 13:40 Manchester Victoria to Blackpool North and Fleetwood in February 1964. The late Eric Bentley was a wonderful photographer of the Lancashire steam railway in BR days and I am fortunate indeed to own some of his first class negatives.

© Eric F. Bentley/Steve Armitage Archive