Railway Herald
11th August 1968, the last day of steam on BR, and 'Britannia' Class Pacific No. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' makes a water stop at Blackburn with the Manchester Victoria - Carlisle leg of 1T57, the famous 'Fifteen Guinea Special'. Other locos used on the day were No. 45110 on the Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria and return section, with Nos. 44781 and 44871 working the Carlisle - Manchester Victoria leg. No. 70013 followed the return special light engine from Carlisle, on its sad journey to Diss (for Bressingham) and preservation. Happily it returned to main line action 40 years later, working a railtour on 10th August 2008. Note the police and railway staff presence but not a hint of high visibility clothing to be seen.
Derek Jones
