Wearing its "Middleton Pioneer" headboard, Middleton Railway's 0-6-0 Diesel Mechanical locomotive No. 7051 "John Alcock", which was built in 1932, took part in the "First Born" Diesel Gala at Barrow Hill Roundhouse during the weekend of 4/5 October 2003.

During the weekend, the locomotive operated several passenger trains between Roundhouse Halt and the Springwell Branch. Its train consisted of a single BR Mk II coach which was top-and-tailed with No. 7051 at one end and a variety of different shunting locomotives (of classes 02, 03 and 08) at the other.

The following photographs, which include some secondman's eye views, were taken by Andrew Plumb who was a member of the Middleton crew which wrestled with the locomotive's controls!

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