Post No. 98

We are heading quickly towards the 100 post landmark and this one (12th July 2010) is post number 98. When we reach post 100, in about 4 days, I would like to use pics from at least one new contributor. If you are a photographer covering the Winwick area as seen on our blog and have not contributed anything to date, please send in pics for inclusion in our 100th post.

Three enthusiasts are represented in this post with a single picture from each. The first pic is from regular contributor John Smith and features FirstGreatWestern class 57, 57602 Restormel Castle, on passage north to Glasgow for a re-paint into FGW blue on 28th March 2008. The class 57 locos were, basically, re-engineered class 47s; Brush Traction of Loughborough used class 47 body shells and added a more powerful engine and alternator etc., to improve performance.The fleet of 4, FGW class 57/6 production locos came into service in 2004 in the livery seen in John's shot; they were all named after castles in south-west England. However, in 2008, they were re-liveried in FGW blue.


The second pic is from regular, Bob McClellan. Class 60, 60070 John Loudon McAdam (a Scottish engineer) is pictured storming through Winwick, southbound, with a Liverpool Bulk Terminal - Fiddlers Ferry Power Station working on 17th July 2003.

The third pic is from another regular, Alan Rigby. Class 92, 92011 Handel, is pictured heading empty flat wagons on the slow, northbound line through Winwick, on 16th July 2008. The rosebay willowherb plants in the foreground add to the pictorial composition.