Ex-LMS Stanier '6P5F' class 2-6-0 No. 42981. Built at Crewe in February 1934 as LMS No. 13281 and withdrawn in May 1966.

With the skyline of Preston in the distance, 42981 heads south with an 1V55 coded Blackpool to Cardiff express. Train was 9.15am Blackpool North to Cardiff first stop Shrewsbury but was booked an engine change at Gresty Lane Crewe so 42981 was booked non stop Blackpool N to Crewe GL. However, this was a summer dated SO train which only ran for 5 weeks and 26/7/63 was a Friday so the correct date is more likely to be 27/7/63. The train was booked to arrive in Cardiff at 3.17pm.

At the time 42981 was a 5B Crewe South engine.
Whitehouse West Junction SB on lower level is visible on the extreme right. Ribble Sidings SB to left of trees adjacent to the farthest visible bracket signal.

The lone 'spotter' may be contemplating why these Stanier moguls once had the same power classification (6P5F) as the 'Jubilees'. Anyone?

© Steve Armitage Archive