Latterly, John Fishwicks of Leyland in conjunction with Bourne Travel in Blackpool organised a Christmas shopper from the resort to Lincoln, with the intention of having a Class 55 Deltic diesel locomotive as motive power.  Unfortunately, the locomotive concerned (55019) was only running on one engine, hence it was deemed fit enough to haul the empty coaching stock from Crewe, but not capable of pulling the same rake of carriages with passengers sat in them - such are the pitfalls of running a railway excursion ! In the end, a Class 47 powered the special to Lincoln with the Deltic stabled in Blackpool carriage sidings waiting for its return, so it could take the stock back to Crewe.

A thoroughbred in the stables. English Electric Class 55, 55 019 Royal Highland Fusilier waits patiently in the carriage sidings at Blackpool North. There must have been a great deal of disappointed enthusiasts on the Christmas shopper to Lincoln - a Class 47 was a last minute substitute.

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Revised: 14, January 2005