30th July 1984

Classic traction at Carlisle. 40104 is running through the station light engine, towards Kingmoor TMD. By the time I had got stuck into proper rail photography the Class 40s were in free-fall decent towards total withdrawal, so I have few photos of them. So, although this is not technically a great photo I am pleased to have it. They had many faults as locomotives, being overweight and underpowered, but they exuded character, and made their presence felt wherever they were found, their distinctive "whistling" ensuring that they stood out in a crowd!