Cheshire Lines Committee

Probably Saturday 4th May 1968. 8F 2-8-0 48493 of Speke Junction worked the 12.25pm Runcorn to Godley Jct freight as far as Heaton Mersey. However, one of the many steam specials that ran up to the end of steam may have gone along this route

 

Last CLC Steam Passenger Workings in BR Days

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Although we've moved slightly off-topic, but emphasising this last point, I hope I can add a little more information.

I was on The Two Cities Limited, which used just two locos: 8033 as stated above, and Standard Five 73069. Two things stand out for me: first was the climb up Miles Platting, where 8033 headed the train and 73069 was the banker. I was in the front coach as I wanted to hear the 8F's exhaust, but since I doubt that her driver opened the regulator, it could have been a waste of time. Not so, as the noise from the Standard Five was clearly audible the full length of the train as it apparently propelled all the coaches and the 8F up the gradient. These engines went up several notches in my opinion at that point!

But before this, and right at the start in Lime St station, we all watched as an immaculately clean 8F ambled out of the cuttings and on to the turntable. As the engine turned though, it was obvious that the cleanliness extended to the fireman's side only: The driver's side was filthy, although an oily rag had been used to daub along the tender sides: LCGB clean your own engines. Presumbly an instruction from the Master Neverers' Association!

What rounded it off was the sight of the footplate inspector trying to clean off the offending message with what appeared to be his hankerchief!

 

[ :rip:

 

Profuse apologies; I certainly don't want the MNA after me.

As it happens, I later met many members when they became regulars at the Severn Valley Railway, so I know what I'm talking about! Especially so after several bottles of Newcastle Brown!

I always assumed it would be the MNA (and I do say 'Presumably' in the post), but I know there were others cleaning as well. They obviously didn't have your dedication!

 

Returning to the original CLC topic, I picked up a copy of April 1993 Steam World at Kidderminster recently. A letter from a (Patricroft?) fireman Mark Meeks appeals for photos or slides of an LCGB special with 82003 which ran Manchester Central, Guide Bridge, Glossop, Hadfield, Woodley, Hayfield, Buxton, Cheadle Village, GLAZEBROOK, Castlefield Junction, Ordsal Lane, Bury, Rochdale, Royton, Oldham, Stockport and finished at Manchester Piccadilly on 16 April 1966. I think this was probably the last steam on passenger on this part of the CLC. It ran around at Glazebrook in very poor weather, but this allowed me to cycle to the station with the trusted Kodak Brownie and expend one of its eight exposures, the result of which is here. I will try to contact Mr Meeks, but 18 years after his letter anything could have happened!

 

I too attended the Allerton Open Day and you can see some, not very good, colour images at http://mickpope.zenfolio.com/p249460413 [third page]. While Health and Safety were clearly not as involved in such activities as they are today some things don't change, ie the pillocks who stand up in front of your shot at the last minute!Note the vintage diesel shunters in the background