Much has happened in the 19 months since my last visit to London North Western Railway Heritage works at Crewe – not only on the steam locomotive front, but also with modern traction. The works physically covers the large area between the main line station and the avoiding lines. Located in the old diesel shed which it bears no resemblance to, it is now a modern engineering environment, making it an ideal site in which to work.
The works accommodates the requirements of LNWRH to overhaul and service most types of traction. On site is a newly built boiler shop, carriage sheds, and maintenance facilities. Unlike the old diesel shed, it is a clean, bright and a well-organised workplace.
When I last visited on April 13, 2021, BR Standard Class 7 Pacific No. 70000 was still in pieces, with the boiler and frames separated. Since then, it has made a welcome and triumphant return to the main line, operating several trips, and has become a regular performer with Saphos Trains. Then there’s the recent addition to the LNWRH fleet of B1 4-6-0 No. 61306 In a first for a B1,
