Visit to Stafford
It is a tradition of our branch that the first and last outdoor fixture of every year is held at Stafford station. 2026 was no exception and half a dozen members met up at Stafford in relatively mild (but very wet) weather conditions, as indeed had also been the case in December 2025, despite the intervening storms and freezing temperatures over the Christmas/New Year period.
We were treated to the usual Interesting mix of passenger and freight workings. The freight included locos of class 66, 70 and 90, one of the class 70s being newly spruced up and very smart.
A departmental test train, top and tailed by Colas class 43s, also spent some time in the station, as well as various track machines which had been mainly stabled at the south end sidings.
The passenger units also displayed considerable variety, including classes 220, 221, 350, 390, 730, 805 and 807. The surprise of the day was an East Midlands class 222 unit running through very slowly with a speed limitation of 56mph imposed according to Real Time Trains.
All in all, a classic Stafford fixture with something for everyone, except perhaps for the photographers who had to battle the wet and overcast conditions!
Click the link below for a list of loco observations....
