Changing Engines

Norman has sometimes posted pictures taken at Carlisle Citadel station but here's one taken fifty years ago. It must be just after eleven - the 'up' 'Royal Scot' has just rolled in from Glasgow and the Polmadie shed 'Duchess' is being changed for one of the Carlisle 'Duchesses' to take the train on to London. In a couple of hours the Scottish engine, coaled and watered, will take the 'down' northbound 'Royal Scot' back across the border

Changing engines at intermediate stations on long distance trains became quite common in Briitain in the 1950's to balance crew workings. On the East Coast Main Line the change was usually made at Grantham.

Here on the west coast though it was essential - the tenders just didn't have the capacity to carry enough coal for the two big climbs at Shap and Beattock