R.C.T.S. (West Midlands Branch) Midlands Locomotive Requiem Rail Tour

This tour commemorated the virtual end of the once numerous fleet of Midland 0-6-0 tender locomotives. The six coach train visited numerous lines in the heart of the Midland system, where the 0-6-0's were once so common. Such was the rarity now of the 4F's that 43953 had to be brought in from Workington shed to power the train. This machine would in fact prove to be the last Midland 4F in service, retirement coming about three weeks later on November 6th.

 

Seen passing the gravel loading siding at Stretton and Claymills. This part of the North Staffordshire Railway line from Burton upon Trent to Tutbury now forms the Jinnie nature trail which features excellent information boards relating to the railways past.

 

Within the next mile the tour will stop for a photo opportunity at Rolleston, so becoming the last train to stop at that station.

 

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