Class 31's

Since early February 2004, First North Western have hired in locomotive hauled coaching stock from Fragonset Railways, which has resulted in Class 31's being employed in 'top and tail' mode with four Mk II carriages. The train is diagrammed to run empty coaching stock (e.c.s.) from Blackpool North carriage sidings, to form the 06.40 St.Annes on Sea to Greenbank. The formation then runs empty on to Chester, where it goes to form the 15.39 Chester to Blackpool North via Manchester Piccadilly. The South Fylde line has not witnessed a timetabled locomotive hauled train since the 1970's, when the London trains were diverted to Blackpool North.