August 1968 - end of BR steam
August 11th 1968, exactly 40 years ago, British Railways ran its last steam hauled train with 'Black 5' 44871 and 44781 , seen here on the last few yards of the climb to Ais Gill Summit between Carlisle and Settle and Liverpool. With the mainline steam ban in force the next day, we all thought this really was the end of steam. It's difficult to believe that 40 years later we can enjoy a steam hauled train on Britain's main lines almost every week of the year. Digital scan of original Kodachrome transparency ©2008 John McIvor.
August 2008 - 40 years later ...
Britannia 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' was back in action 40 years later, as part of the reinactment of the end of BR Steam specials, on the outward leg of the Liverpool to Carlisle special, 10th August 2008. ©2008 G.P.Cooper.
'Black Fives' 45231 and 45407 in action 40 years later, as part of the reinactment of the end of BR Steam specials, on the return leg of the Liverpool to Carlisle special, 10th August 2008. ©2008 G.P.Cooper.
'Black Fives' 45231 and 45407 in action 40 years later, as part of the reinactment of the end of BR Steam specials, on the return leg of the Liverpool to Carlisle special at Ais Gill in rapidly fading light, 10th August 2008. ©2008 G.P.Cooper.
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