Thursday 28th April 2016. This leg of the trip used ex-LMS Class 5 4-6-0 44871 from Bristol via Hereford, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Preston and Carnforth to the overnight stop at Grange-over-Sands. All stops had been pulled out to get the engine repaired, and it was able to run down to Bristol on the Wednesday evening. Throughout much of the rest of the trip, 44871 had been due to be assisted by ‘classmate’ 45407, but this too was under repair and despite all efforts could not be made ready in time. Consequently, the need again for a diesel on the rear. Another hailstorm has just passed over as 44871 heads across the Kent Viaduct at Arnside on the approach to the overnight stop.

©Steam Library 2016