86701 was being used on training runs from Crewe, and was due to run to Stafford all week. So a few hours up there seemed a worthwhile few hours out. There were a few other locos seen during the time there, but 70010 was not expected, so that was a pleasant surprise. The other bonus was the 37s on the Bridgwater to Crewe 6M67 working.
A pair of Class 379 EMUs on test between Crewe & Northampton were also seen several times, the units were 379001 & 379005.
This is what I went to see, 86701:-
