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LMS 'Black 5' 4-6-0s Nos. 44871 & 45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier' were rostered to work the first two days of the RYTC's "Great Britain XVI" excursion; this is an annual itinerary which, with steam haulage, tours England, Scotland and Wales over a 9-day period. Day 2 saw the "Great Britain" booked to run from Cheltenham Spa to Lancaster, and this leg of the trip would involve the double-headed 'Black 5s' taking on the 1 in 37 Lickey Incline - a sight not to be missed!

Steam up the Lickey during morning hours is a rare occurrence, and, with a clear and sunny forecast, meant that it was imperative to get there in good time. I therefore arrived at Vigo Bridge shortly after 8:00am, just managing to secure a position amongst the crowd of enthusiasts already present. Although there was the usual risk of a unit going down the bank simultaneously, the steam excursion departed from Cheltenham Spa 3 minutes late, and thus would ensure a clear view of both 'Black 5's tackling the gradient.

Sure enough, the "Great Britain XVI" passed Bromsgrove at 9:31am, and, with plenty of noise and exhaust, 44871 & 45407 are seen pounding up the 1 in 37 gradient past Vigo Bridge, charging onwards towards the summit at Blackwell.