LMS Route: Rugby to Tamworth

Polesworth Station: lnwr_pol3104

LMS 4-6-2 7P Coronation Class No 6244 'King George VI' lies on its side having been derailed at the head of the 8:30 am down train to Liverpool on 21st July 1947. The MoT report stated 'the 8.30 a.m. Down express passenger train from Euston to Liverpool, comprising L6 screw-coupled bogie vehicles, hauled by a Pacific type engine, was travelling on the Down Fast line at 65-70 m.p.h. when the engine and 14 coaches became derailed to the outside of a left-handed curve. All four lines were blocked, but an Up express was stopped well clear by the Polesworth signalman who was becoming anxious after the usual section time for the Liverpool express had elapsed. A freight train already in the section on the Down Slow was also stopped clear of the obstruction by the prompt action of a fireman who was travelling in the last coach'.

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