Railway Herald
Sunday 4 January 1970, the final day of the passenger service on the Woodhead route between Sheffield Victoria and Manchester. The 19.30 departure from Sheffield was delayed due to a minor derailment of a goods train at Valehouse and arrived at Manchester around 22.00. Enthusiasts arrived to find the last train back, the 21.10, had been despatched via the Hope Valley formed of a DMU. After a deputation to the Station Manager's office, a 'special' was laid on, departing at 23.11, hauled by EM1 no. 26054 'Pluto'. This photo taken from the final train to depart from the main line platform at Penistone, the clock showing 00.23 hrs on 5th January 1970.
Paul Braybrook
