3rd August 1959

Daily Mirror Newspaper
Daily Mirror Blackpool Special

Loco Used 41101

Route :

Loco Route
41101 Manchester (Victoria or Exchange?) - Bolton - Preston - Blackpool
41101 Blackpool - (?reverse of outward route?) - Manchester

Notes :
(1) Route confirmation required. David Whittaker comments: This was a charter by the Daily Mirror for a bank holiday excursion from Manchester to Blackpool . The loco, which was shortly due for withdrawal, was specially painted in the Daily Mirror colours: red cab and splashers, bright yellow boiler and tender, white wheels and black smokebox and Daily Mirror, Andy Capp and Blackpool Special painted on the tender sides. In addition a chime whistle was borrowed from a Clan Pacific for the trip. The "artistry" was reportedly carried out by Gorton Works, amid rumours that Derby had refused to do it. After the trip 41101 quickly disappeared to Derby for cutting up. A photo appeared in Trains Illustrated (10/59) of the loco on Newton Heath shed carried the heading, "Sacrilege"!

Source : David Whittaker

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