24th October 1964

B.R.
Blackpool Illuminations Day Excursion

Loco Used Class 5MT 4-6-0 no 44837

Route :

Loco Route
44837 Wolverhampton - Stafford - Crewe - Preston - Blackpool North
44837 Blackpool North - (reverse of outward route) - Wolverhampton

Notes :
(1) Brian Basterfield comments: This was a Saturday day out with a young lady, the purpose being to experience the Blackpool Illuminations, or the Blackpool Hallucinations, as I have always called them. Black 5 no 44837 had load 10, and left Wolverhampton 10.31am, 11 late. We were checked at Norton Bridge, then called at Crewe 11.27/11.31am, but then checked all the way from Acton Grange Junction to Wigan. Then a clear run to Preston North, where we were held for 3 minutes. Arrival at Blackpool was at 1.21pm, 11 minutes late. I have no record of the return times, though I recall that it was well after midnight when we arrived at Wolverhampton. What happened to the young lady? Well we recently celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary.

Source : Brian Basterfield

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