On the WCML image page, I have moved north from Euston using photos at various locations along the line from my collection. However, I have a large number from certain stations, and have decided to create separates page rather than overload the WCML one with photographs from particular stations or loco sheds.
On September 5th 1964, Britannia pacific 70052 ‘Firth Of Tay’ arrives at Stafford station with a northbound service. The BR van on the right adds to the period scene.
I have no idea why this unit was at Stafford in June 1978, but here is 309627 at the station according to the slide mount. Of course it may not be Stafford at all, but a location on the Clacton line which looks similar – but in that case, why is there an HST in the adjacent platform?
47200 accelerates a freight train northwards through the station on August 13th 1991.
Another from August 13th 1991. 56006 has failed on an MGR train and 31285 has been summoned to drag the whole train into Stafford station. 56006 was towed away and after a while 56027 took over the coal train for the rest of its journey.
86256 and 86430 double head a Royal Mail train southwards on the through line. August 13th 1991.
RM went to great expense and ordered dedicated mail EMUs to take over from pairs of 86s and Mk1 parcels stock. These class 325s operated for a few years, as seen here with 325014 bringing up the rear of a 12-car formation heading south through Stafford on March 27th 2000, only for Royal Mail to end the contract in 2003; although I believe the some services are now running again.
Following electrification in the 1960s, the local services were provided by AM4 (later class 304) electric units. Taken from a passing train 304010 as reached its destination with a service from Manchester.
The 304s were essentially a late 1950s design based on the Mk1 body style, but for the London extension in the mid 1960s, a Mk2 styled EMU was introduced. This was the AM10 (TOPS class 310). 310108 is seen at Stafford on August 13th 1991, having worked a stopping service from Birmingham New Street.
One of the more modern replacements (albeit diesel powered) to the class 304/310s is seen here, as 175104 pauses at the slow line platforms in the early 2000s.
After privatisation, the WCML main services were operated by Virgin trains. Initially, the stock remained the same, but was repainted in Virgin colours, as seen here with 86430 heading Mk2 air conditioned coaches on May 23rd 2002.
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Trainspotting data from 1947 until 1980 