33202 and 33103 at Bescot
33202 and 33103 head north through Bescot in pouring rain at 12.02 on Saturday 10th September 2005. The train is a 1Z48 charter from Salisbury to Crewe, run in connection with an Open Weekend at Crewe Works. It was actually booked to run via Washwood Heath, Sutton Park and Walsall, but in the event it was diverted from St Andrews Jct to run via Birmingham New St, Soho and Bescot. This was due to signalling problems which had closed the line through Washwood Heath and Water Orton, but the diversion also helped the very late-running train make up a little time. The delay had apparently been caused by problems with 33103 earlier in the day. I got soaked taking this photo, but the wonders of digital photography produced quite a good result in the circumstances. Thanks to IM for updates on the progress and routing of this train.