As someone who likes to photo rare Freight Moves i thought i would set up this feed and start off with DB Cargos 60017 on a Seaforth to Tinsley move, Very rare to get DB up this way and mega rare to get a Class 60 here
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H33231/2016/05/27/advanced
Rare? Until recently 6M12/6E14 has been a regular DBC (EWS) weekly turn and always has been for at least 10+ years too. Most of the time over the years, Class 60 has worked the train too. Last few I would admit in recent months have been Class 66 but it is not a rare freight working though. Likewise return 6E14 is empty flats so technically not a "freight" move in my book.
I suppose the point you are making since the demise of the LBT-FFPS coal trains, the presence of DBC / DBS on the L&M line is not so common these days but they are still much present in the Merseyside area.
However, until recently, the rarer freight moves - co-incidentally hauled by DBC are the "Sand" trains to Ravenhead, St Helens - any freight on the St Helens Central line was exceptionally rare, more rare than 6M12/6E14. This train has now operated about 6/7 times since March now including the last 3 Monday's. Hope it continues.
