Yet another freight and another freight operator. A southbound freightliner service, 4M71 1401 Coatbridge to Crewe Basford Hall, hums slowly south behind a pair of locos once synonymous with the WCML, the class 86. 86609 and 86637 are in different Freightliner liveries.
During the lengthy lull in passenger movements, the freight activity is hectic. DBS 66188 climbs up from London Road junction with 4S72 1300 Milford Yard to Hunterston empty coal hoppers routing over the former Midland Railway and the Settle road.
Another coal working approaches from London Road junction but this one came via the Hexham road. 66527 fronts 4S15 1000 West Burton to Killoch empty coal hoppers.