Caption:

Bored of the Yuletide festivities, it was decided to make

a visit to Nottingham and Toton in December 1971. For Peak class locos, Toton was an enthusiast’s delight. It was intensely cold the day of our visit and the frost on the ground never melted. Here, according to its headcode, is Class 45 44 (later 45035), the upcoming motive power for the 1C41 10.50 Nottingham to St Pancras that day, about to go off shed. Alongside is sibling number 64 ‘Coldstream Guardsman’. The shed fitter/pilotman with well-used overalls is heading purposefully towards the cab steps of 64 with cleaning rags in hand.