Wigan Album

When Alan was the driver on springs branch break down train it was very rare that he would ask for releaf or a conductor his route knowledge was unbeleavable.

Spot on gibo, that's my grandad for you.

This is much earlier than the late 1970s, headcodes were abolished in 1976 & the D would have been painted out soon after steam finished in August 1968-the full yellow end would have been applied around this time as well. D1834 was allocated D05 Stoke Division from March 1969 until October 1971 & this is very likely the period when the picture was taken. It was reallocated to Cricklewood & renumbered 47353 in May 1974.

For anyone that knew my Dad Allan Whittaker who was a driver at Springs Branch he passed away peacefully on 16th August 2014 his funeral is at
Wigan Crematorium on Tueaday 26th August 2014 @ 2pm x

Allan was larger than life character who told some great stories (often exaggerated as any good railwayman would) - but always fun to work with :) sorry he's passed away and certainly won't be forgotten - cracking mate!