Mary Queen of Scots

Today's the day ..................... for a bit of nostalgia

I love it when I'm on duty as a volunteer at Carnforth Station Heritage Centre - with someone who knows about trains.  Today was such a day and the railway buff was Michael.  He told me that if I went out on to the platform at about 10.40am I would get a picture of this Class 37/4 diesel-electric locomotive as she went on her way from Preston to Barrow. 

No 37401 - commonly known as Mary Queen of Scots - was built in 1965.  After almost fifty years of active service she was eventually sent for a complete restoration by the Bo'ness Diesel Group up in Scotland.  This was completed by the end of 2013 and here she is in all her glory. By July 2014, however, Direct Rail Services confirmed they were taking her back for mainline use.

So here she is running as part of the scheduled service between Preston and Barrow.  Of course, she is still a celebrity and very popular with railway enthusiasts who turn out to take photographs - and take a trip just for nostalgic reasons ........................