Chapel-en-le-Frith is a new location for me and First Group branded 156428 slowly approaches the station with a class 2 local working 2H96 1211 Blackpool North to Buxton.
156428 stands in the grade 2 listed station which became famous on 9th February 1957. That day a freight was stationary on the other line when 48188 approached at speed and out of control. The steam pipe to the loco brake had burst and severely scalded driver John "Jack" Axon. His fireman Ron Scanlon had jumped clear earlier to try and pin some wagons brakes down but only managed a few. Despite the actions of the injured John Axon as he tried to slow the train, it hit the rear of another freight killing guard John Creamer. Axon and Creamer died and Axon was postimously awarded the George Cross for his actions. It was donated to the NRM in 2007. A plague to the memory of Axon and Creamer adorns the station building. Also caught up in the crash was a two car DMU in this platform that had been evacuated before hand.
156428 departs for Buxton some 10 minutes late. The 20 leverframe signalbox was built by BR in 1957 to replace the Midland Railway 'box destroyed by the tender of 48188. The signalman was unhurt having evacuated the 'box. So why didn't guard John Creamer leave his brakevan?
