There is a long history of Clergymen being interested in railways in Britain. For example, the Rev. W. Audry, author of the Thomas books. Another notable example was the Rev. Eric Treacy. In the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s his railway photography was legend. Although he was basically a wedgie man, his photos were stunning examples of the genre. He eventually became Bishop of Wakefield. After retiring, he still photographed trains and was on Appleby Station to see a main line steam special on the day he died in May 1978. On the 30th September that year, three special trains were run in his memory over the Settle to Carlisle line. Here we see one of the trains titled, “The Lord Bishop” with Class 47 no 47 480 at the head at Hellifield Station prior to a loco change. In the background is 4472 Flying Scotsman, waiting to take over the train and take it to Carlisle. Lots of crew activity in this shot, including the chap about to uncouple the diesel. Don’t you just love the bloke in the flat cap! See 273633 for a shot of Flying Scotsman taking the train away from Hellifield.
