CREWE - CHESTER -- BANGOR - HOLYHEAD  MONTHLY REPORTS NOVEMBER 2010 - PAGE ONE

57307 "Lady Penelope" was waiting for work at Crewe. 09/10/2010

Steam returned to Crewe as class 47 number 47500 slowly dragged the prototype BR Standard, number 70000 "Britannia", out of the LNWR (Heritage) workshops after its prolonged overhaul. 09/11/2010

This was THE moment when Britannia first moved under its own power, on the main line, for some considerable time. It's action was to take its support coach and the class 47 diesel onto the down Chester line in order to allow access to platform 12.  Note the clock in Crewe town centre was showing 10.05 - the scheduled time for departure. 09/11/2010

The 47 then brought the ensemble into the station closely watched by a group on the signal box viewing platform. 09/11/2010

The locomotive was in black without any lining, nameplates or cab side numbers. Apparently this was how it ran on its first days after construction at Crewe Works. 09/11/2010

It did carry a smokebox plate. 09/11/2010

What can you say! 09/11/2010

Unfortunately, driver Bill Andrew decided to keep the cylinder drain cocks open as the engine left for its test run to Warrington, so the few that were on the platform to witness the event were thwarted in their efforts to record the scene. 09/11/2010

This was the best one but, despite being hidden this way it was a VERY impressive departure. 09/11/2010

How the Britannia class used to perform - magnificent. 09/11/2010

66954 left the carriage sidings for reversal in bay platform 8. 09/11/2010

37423 arrived with a strange looking vehicle in tow. 09/11/2010

423 ran round and later left for Basford Hall sidings. 09/11/2010