LNER B1 4-6-0 No 61157 at Derby on 27 June 1959 with the train reporting number 303. This block of numbers was taken up by trains working between the NE region and the South West but we can find no record of it.

A clue as to what it might be is presented by the presence of the southbound Devonian in platform 4. This was due to depart at 12.17. The B1 is unusually departing from platform 6 and it’s been let out ahead of the Devonian!

So my guess is that the B1 is hauling the (very) late running 08.25 summer Saturdays only Hull - Birmingham, due off Derby at 11.21. This may explain the unusual platform occupation and the precedence it has been given. The loco has a Doncaster (36A) shedplate, which would support this view.

If anyone knows the identity of 303 that would nail it one way or another.

Photo: T.G. Hepburn / Rail Archive Stephenson