LMS designed Fairburn '4P' class 2-6-4 Tank No. 42154. Built at Derby in June 1948 and withdrawn in January 1967.

It was this superb photograph that first attracted me to the wonderful railway photography of the late Paul Claxton of Lytham St. Anne's. I have been fortunate indeed to acquire a good number of his negatives all razor sharp, perfectly exposed and developed. In itself a rare occurrence!

Add to this Paul's composition skills and you have a truly masterful photographer. 42154 puts on a volcanic display as she departs from Preston with a parcels train for Blackpool in December 1962.

© Steve Armitage Archive