LNER designed 'Class 76' Bo-Bo Electric No. 26038 (pilot). Built at Gorton in April 1952 and withdrawn in February 1977 as TOPS No. 76050. Unidentifed classmate on the train (but its number ends in a 2).
The haul from Wath Yard to Penistone and then onward to the Woodhead Tunnel presented great difficulties for steam locomotives both in terms of the gradients and dreadful operating conditions. Electrification was the obvious answer and the 1500 volt DC system was open throughout in 1955. A typical double-headed combo headed by 26038 is seen in June 1953 near Silkstone on the already completed Wath to Penistone section that had opened in 1952.

© Ken Widd-SA Collection