A wintry 1965 scene at Carnforth looking north sees '8F' 48081 on a very short van freight. Taken from the bridge of the ex- Furness & Midland Joint line over the WCML. On the left is Carnforth Ground Frame that controlled the exit from the two down loops. 48081 is probably working 6P50 04:28 Carlisle to Carnforth due Carnforth 08.42 SX, 09.12 SO. This unusual working supposedly carried the lids for Tate & Lyle's treacle tins!

Paul Furner tells us that "The vans look to be diagram 1/214 of which there were only 100 built. They had end loading doors only and were used to carry empty cans from the Metal Box Factory at Carlisle to the Libby, McNeill & Libby creamery at Milnthorpe plus quite possibly other food canning plants".

© Jim R. Carter. Steve Armitage Archive