The Mail Train NWR 4, 5 & LBSCR 70 were tasked with taking an express mail service from Knapford Harbour to Vicarstown via Tidmouth & Knapford station. Normally, this early morning service would be operated by either NWR 9 & 10 or NWR 3 & 5. But with NWR 3 being away for overhaul at Crewe & NWR 9 & 10 out on an excursion to Aberdeen via an overnight stay in Dundee, it was lead by NWR 4 & 5 instead. LBSCR E2 locomotive, No. 70, which is on temporary lease to NWR, is the sister & replacement E2 locomotive to NWR 1, the previous LBSCR 70. (At least in my world) Once the Mail Train arrived into Vicarstown, it would then work further across the border into England which the train would split, with half going up to Northern Scotland & the other to different parts of England. This would be either through a change of locos or crew at Vicarstown. On this particular August morning, it was very foggy, with a thick cloud covering the Island of Sodor. LBSCR E2 locomotive, No. 70, helped out in the harbour yard to put together the rather long train. By the time 70 was done, the train stretched from the buffers to the point work near the coal bunker! NWR 6 sat & watched from the side, awaiting their turn to take the late morning Island Mail service. Once 70 was done shunting, they were put onto the rear of the consist, with NWR 6 helping. NWR 6 then moved to the harbour sheds with 4 & 5. NWR's 4 & 5 came across from the other side of the harbour & were coupled on to the train. They then departed towards Ffarquhar, stopping just past the sports feild station. 70 then lead the train into Tidmouth, passing through Knapford Station. This was so 70 could be dropped off at Tidmouth yard & allow the Mail Train to be manoeuvred to the correct platform at Knapford Station. (70, NWR 1 & 6 would then work cross - Island stopper mail services, dropping off & collecting mail across different stations on the Island's network.) Upon dropping 70, NWR 4 & 5 departed Tidmouth yard for Knapford station. At Knapford station, mail was exchanged, ready for arrival into Vicarstown & across the border. With a huff, a puff & an almighty chug, the two NWR locomotives departed with their Mail Train for Vicarstown. On the way, they built up speed & was really quite an impressive express service. After a short journey, they soon arrived into Vicarstown, were the two locomotives exchanged for other FOC ones from the other railway. The two locomotives would then rest at Vicarstown yard,before working their passenger services back to Knapford & Tidmouth.
