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Locomotives had been withdrawn since the first ones were manufactured became too old to work, they were replaced by more modern steam locomotives. The famous ones ended up in transport museums. This was to change in 1963 when Mr Alan Pegler became the first private owner of  the most famous main line steam locomotive in the world, the 100 m.p.h ex L.N.E.R FLYING SCOTSMAN

I suppose we took steam for granted, so during the transition period we would ride behind any service within our means which was steam hauled. Railway societies began running charters around the country before their area was hit by the steam ban. Carlisle was to become the last strong hold for steam, and spotters would come from all over the country for a final farewell.

The really bad news came in 1964 when the Silloth line was to close. The Waverley route to Edinburgh closed in 1969 after a big protest. The canal branch from Rome St was closed. The Settle line escaped, another attempt was made in the mid 80s. The line from Penrith to Workington was closed in March1972.There are special pages on these subjects.

Although steam specials had been running in past years by the former companies and British Railways, there we generally works outings, football or celebration trains along with some enthusiasts trians.1963 saw the beginning of an abundance of railway enthusiast steam specials. Withdrawal was swifter than anticipated and everyone wanted to have a last fling. British Railways even noted this money making machine and ran there own trains. 

Locomotives from other parts of the B.R system arrived in Carlisle, who would have ever thought of a Bullied or a Castle pounding the northern rails.  This had not happened sine the locomotive exchanges in 1948. Societies were formed with a view to purchasing some of the withdrawn locomotives. 

I  had been shooting cine film since 1960, and by 1977 ended up with a film called STEAM NORTH WEST which runs for two hours. My brother took most of the stills in the 1950s & 60s.

4 Waiting to depart Carlisle October 1966. The South Yorkshireman headed by a Jubilee class 45562 Alberta . She was the last Jubilee to head a passenger train over Shap on the outward journey.

6  Newly preserved Class A4 pacific No 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley Departs Carlisle Kingmoor with the Border Limited on the 28th October 1967. Picture by Geoff Jackson

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1. February 15th 1963 the City of Carlisle pulls out of Carlisle station in immaculate condition with a football special to Preston.She was withdrawn in September of 1964 and was scraped at Troon Harbour Scotland.

One of the name plates is displayed in the railway section at Tullie House Museum in Castle St.

The other name plate was displayed in the Crown & Mitre hotel at the town hall. The Name plate was sold to a private collector for £40.000 in 2001. 

 2. April 1963 Scottish old timer newly preserved Glen Douglas at the Canal M.P.D 

3  Scottish region locomotive Gordon Highlander visited Carlisle in September 1964 and was use on a special with Caledonion No 123 to Silloth, a holiday town on the west Cumbrian coast.

5 The two great designers Sir Nigel Gresley left & Sir William A Stanier  meet at Carlisle 26th September 1964

It was to be the Duchesses last run and was withdrawn for scrap., The A4 worked the train to Edinburgh Via the Waverley Route. She was withdrawn in 1966 and was purchased by the A4 Locomotive Society. She returned to the B.R rails on the 1st April 1967 when she stormed Shap in Cumbria. Refurbished to her former glory in a shade of garter blue she has now been in preservation longer than when she was owned by the L.N.E.R/B.R.