View across Platforms 4 and 5. 44708 was shedded (allocated) to Trafford Park depot in Manchester, and had recently arrived on a passenger train from Manchester (Central) station. The engine is seen while waiting to haul a return service. Trafford Park Black Fives had been frequent visitors to Midland station on these services, although this situation was soon to change; passenger trains serving the Hope Valley were largely dieselized by summer 1965 (see v0557). However, during 1966 these engines visited Midland station on Summer Saturday Only express services (holidaymaker trains) to the east coast resorts. Note on the left an abandoned brazier, its pile of ash produced during the previous winter.

Information from J A Thickitt.