A Black Five to Southall...

Working in Northampton right next to the main line certainly has its advantages every so often. This afternoon I happened to hear that a steamer was passing again, albeit behind a diesel. Sure enough, right at the booked time, Black Five No44871 appeared into sight feathering calmly behind a rumbling Class 57. The locomotives were tailed by a lengthy rake of empty coaching stock and the ensemble was travelling from Carnforth to Southall ready to work a Chester job from Euston this coming Saturday. The 1945-built Black Five looked a picture in her mixed traffic livery as the diesel brought her to a stand at a red signal just opposite our depot...

The fireman was scooping a few shovels into the fire whilst the diesel waited eagerly for the signal to clear. I really like the lining on these engines. Their mixed traffic status afforded them the black with lining (instead of the plain black of a freight engine) and 44871s 'cycling lion' emblem really stands out...

If anyone is wondering, the addition of the diesel is likely due to be for water consumption purposes, with the Black Five in steam to keep the lubrication moving. Once the signal cleared the diesel duly roared into life and took the train away with ease towards the south. A pleasant few minutes that was, to break up the day. I wonder what the next steamer to pass by will be? Cheers all, Sam...

Please note that the above images were taken from outside the NR boundary fence.