The Lickey Incline

The most famous gradient in England – over 2 miles at 1 in 37.5 – lies between Birmingham and Gloucester. Lickey Incline poses few challenges to modern diesel traction but a range of steam classes from the 1960s, from the humble Jinty to the mighty 9F, are seen struggling to negotiate the incline as is a steam-hauled ‘Carpet Special’.