LMS Black Fives 44871 & 45407 on “The Citadel” at Manchester Victoria 13/04/2019

Following on from my earlier/later video of ‘Tornado’, here is the first of the steam tours I recorded, on a beautiful Manchester morning.
Ian Riley’s ‘The Citadel’, essentially a repeat of Riley’s tour from November last year, was running Victoria to Carlisle outbound via the S&C and inbound via the WCML and with two LMS Stanier ‘Black Five’ locomotives in charge. These work horses provided reliable motive power out of Victoria right up to the bitter end of steam in 1968, so match of locomotive and location is somewhat fitting.
I was definitely pleased that 44871 would be one of the ‘Fives’ hauling the train. Not only is it my favourite Black Five (you’ve gotta have a fav, haven’t you?) but this was also the locomotive which accompanied the world-famous 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ on it’s historic journey to Devon and Cornwall last year. Given that this engine is also one of the fleet that works ‘The Jacobite’ from Fort William to Mallaig every summer, and that it also has worked the Christmas circular between London Victoria and Dover, I can safely say this is the most-travelled Black Five in existence.
First up we catch a glimpse of 57313 and 57601 top and tail on a Northern Belle tour heading for Cardiff. As it was getting rather busy at the East Junction end of the station, I didn’t follow it down to the other end to record its’ departure. Sorry diesel fans, no thrash today!
Then we get to the real action as the two Fives roll down Miles Platting Bank. 44871 leads, with 45407 riding ‘Shotgun,’ both looking fresh out of Riley’s paint shop. With a bit wore wiggle room at the West Junction end, I was able to record the tour from a few different angles, as it steamed off northward with a gorgeous blue sky for backdrop.
Enjoy. For the second half, follow the link: • LNER 60163 ‘Tornado’ o...
Ross. 🚂

[@JulianThurgood]

Lovely shots here - especially the 2 black fives looking good.

[@30453trains]

Julian Thurgood Thanks. We don’t get to see Black Fives at first hand too much now with them spending all summer up at Fort Bill, so it’s always good to see them in action. 👍🏻

[@allan5919]

An excellent video of the two excursions Ross with the 'black fives' looking magnificent.

[@30453trains]

allan5919 thanks as always, Allan. 👍🏻

[@philipholt9112]

Hi.Ross.Thanks yes they were good days and yes and hard ones but I enjoy doing it and I would do it again.But getting a bit old now at 73 but still like to them.Again thanks Regards Phil.

[@philipholt9112]

Hi Rossi.my name is Phil Holt.I started on the footplate at edgeley shed on the 4th of April 1961as a fireman I did 50yrs on the footplate I finished my time out at longsight as a driver in my time I fired a number of black 5 locomotive in my time Regards.Phil.

[@30453trains]

Philip Holt wow! I hope this is bringing back one or two nice memories. As much as I love steam, I’m well aware how much hard work is involved in preparing and especially firing them! You have my respect, sir. 👍🏻

[@philipholt9112]

Hi.Ross.Its me Phil again.yes I did fire this locomotive on a number of times.I but we had at edgeley 44781 and they tryed to save it but to late again Regards.Phil.

[@JoshHemingwayMetcalfe96]

Nice video Ross. Lovely to see 2 Black Fives and the Class 66 running again. Yours from Josh

[@PhilPage227]

Excellent video, I filmed them at Horwich Parkway. I have subscribed to you.

[@philipholt9112]

Hi.Sorry Phil got your name not right Regards.Phil.