Description:At Leek station on 15 June 1957, an unidentified 'Crab' 2-6-0 Mogul works its way to the front of the train, ready to take a trainful of passengers to the coast at Rhyl.
The locomotive probably owes its nickname to the crab-like motion of its intricate pistons.
'Crabs' gave sterling service for over 40 years, before finally retiring in 1967.
Rhyl remains a popular holiday destination for Potteries and Staffordshire people, but the station at Leek has long since gone. This view, taken from the water tower on the "up" platform shows Leek tunnel to the north, and the town's gas works. Near to Leek, a steam service still operates through the beautiful Churnet Valley on a 7-mile stretch between Cheddleton and Froghall.
This image is included by kind permission of the Churnet Valley Railway.