Archive Series Volume 3 - Crewe To Carlisle

In the 1960s, Crewe provided a fascinating and almost never ending procession of steam, diesel and electric locomotives. A wide variety of traction is portrayed, from the humble 'Jinty' shunting empty stock to the impressive 'Duchess' Pacific’s. Almost every type of ex-LMS loco could be seen at Crewe, plus visiting ex-GWR locomotives. Travelling northwards from Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay) Station and Wigan's Spring Branch Depot are the first areas to be featured, followed by the study of rail operation in the Preston area. The roofless Preston shed with its stored 'Patriots' and ex-LNWR locos, plus a wide range of WCML workings through the station are a vivid reminder of Preston's railway past. Lancaster, with its electrified line to Heysham, is followed by Hest Bank Station with Black 5s, Jubilees and Duchesses passing through at speed. The station’s camping coaches also make an interesting backdrop to local passenger workings headed by Metropolitan-Vickers Type 2 diesel locomotives. The busy locomotive depot at Carnforth and adjacent station are a prelude to the last stage of the journey to Carlisle. Passing Oxenholme, the windswept station and depot at Tebay and the climb to Shap summit form another major feature of the programme. Film of Scout Green signal box and Shap Station, combined with film of steam workings on the notorious gradient, give a fascinating insight into pre-electrification WCML rail operations. Arriving at Penrith, the truncated branch line to Keswick is followed, before returning to the main line and continuing to Carlisle. Scenes at Citadel Station and the three depots of Canal, Kingmoor and Upperby portray the immense variety of steam power found at Carlisle. Finally the emotive scenes at Carlisle as Britannia Pacific 'Oliver Cromwell' and Class 5s 44871 and 44781 herald the end of British Rail steam, on 11th August 1968.