This practice using two engines was known as 'double-heading'; the Train Engine nearest the carriages and an assisting Pilot Engine. The reason for this activity was usually the probability of the Train Engine experiencing difficulty with the weight of the train at some stage along, or even throughout, the journey. (There were many reasons why a train was double-headed and it is usually not possible to deduce the 'why' from a photograph! For example, perhaps one engine could competently haul the train but, on a busy day, it may have been convenient to attach the Pilot because the latter was required for use further along the line). Also , in this photograph it was unlikely the Pilot was only helping the train up the bank from Midland station; had that been the case a 'Banker' (an engine pushing from the back of the train up to the summit) would have been provided.

The tracks diverging from a point beneath the carriages and running behind the signal box led to Dore and Totley Tunnel and the Hope Valley line towards Manchester. This train was a southbound service, soon to enter Bradway Tunnel and so running via Nottingham or Derby. (The camera-side of the signal box does not show its name; eventually, every box had name-boards attached)

Note on the crew leaning out of the cab of the Pilot; behind him the tender appears full of coal, which suggests the engine had joined the train at Sheffield.

Information from John Thickitt.