In the traditions of pre-1950 photo reportage so evocatively published

in magazines of the day – see C R L Coles, Liverpool Street station – I have always loved dramatic light and contrast situations, so this shot simply begged to be recorded. We believe the loco is Sulzer Type 4 Peak Class 45 D133 (later 45003) and the train is the 1M39 12.30 St Pancras to Nottingham semi-fast. These, very tightly timed between stops, trains were of limited load as can be seen and the 45s (and 46s) really came into their own during the 1970s recording some terrific performances almost as if the locos were maturing well with age like good wines. Note the amount of parcels traffic and Brutes on the platform whilst the Guard, having checked all is well with the loco and train, is heading back to his van to complete his journal details.