Description:'Royal Scot' 4-6-0 locomotive number 6155, named The Lancer, pictured at speed on a summer's day in 1947.
The locomotive is passing Whitmore water troughs, at the summit of a gradient between Stafford and Crewe.
These troughs provided a simple yet efficient means of replenishing water supplies, and would usually be spread over the course of at least a mile.
By using a scoop mechanism mounted on their tenders, locomotives could refill on the move. This meant that they could travel longer distances without stopping for water. The locomotive's fireman was responsible for this operation.
Shortly after this photograph was taken, the railways were nationalised and this locomotive was renumbered 46155.
This image is included by kind permission of the Churnet Valley Railway.