5043 - The Mersey Express - 1.6.24 

Thanks David, rather too close for comfort with the 158!

Thanks David, very nice to see a Castle close to home

Thanks John, it was a bit too close for comfort with the unit running late but fortunately it cleared in the nick of time. The Earl could be heard for over a minute powering away from Edge Hill

Thanks Bob, the Tyseley Castles never disappoint and great to see the Earl so close to home

Thanks Steve, too close for comfort that I must admit. The platforms are long at West Allerton, going back to the days of steam but only a short length is in use these days so the vegetation has taken over. Very unsightly and doesn't present a good impression

Thanks Dave, yes a close call. We knew there was a risk as the unit from Norwich was running late but just about got away with it!

Thanks Nige. We knew it wasn't a stopper and we'd been keeping an eye on that unit on RTT and it was on time when we arrived at the station which would have been ok but then slipped a few minutes. Would have liked a clear view but that's the way it goes sometimes

Many thanks Simon

Thank you. It was quite strange to think that over 60 years ago I used to go to this station trainspotting. Certainly didn't see a Castle back then that's for sure😂

Thanks Andrew, yes just a mile or so from home!

I've no preference really, both had their role to play but maybe the Castles look better

@@acw71000 That’s probably how I look at it too. (One of the toughest, if not the toughest firing turns was Paddington to Shrewsbury and return the same day on a King. Strewth!)