Home»All Photographs»Mainline Railtours»Stratford Flyer»2025_03_08

I found it hard to believe that my first trip to photograph main-line steam in 2025 was as late as 8th March. Due to poor weather, poor light, fewer trains and awkward timing, this was the first time I had ventured out for a train, other than on a Heritage Railway. And the lucky subject was BR Stanier Class 5MT 4-6-0 45212 working “The Stratford Flyer” from Manchester to Stratford-upon-Avon and return. Domestic issues scuppered my plan to photograph the outward journey before Birmingham but I managed three locations: two on the North Warwickshire line and one on the former GWR main line when the train was heading for Dorridge for service and turning. The weather was good, the train ran to time and the turning move was predictably early.