Query Corner
The Society's Query Corner has been running for many years but until recent times was confined to the pages of The Railway Observer. Going forward, this page is the first place the questions and answers will be seen.
Both members and non members can pose or answer a question. Its primary purpose is to ask railway related questions where the answers may come from personal knowledge, observations or records rather than a book in a library.
To keep the website page to a manageable size, questions and answers will generally be archived after twelve months. However the questions and answers will still published in the RO so that they can be recorded for future enthusiasts to consult and even allow an answer to be provided many years down the line. Publishing timescales mean that the website may be up to two months ahead of items appearing in the RO.
If you are supplying a photograph you will need to confirm that you are the copyright holder or you have the holder's permission to use the picture. Any tables of data should be in Word or Excel format to enable easy translation into the printed version.
Have you got a new question or an answer? Then e-mail querycorner@rcts.org.uk
Q24.19 : Title Locodatabase Questions
Question
The new Society loco database shows that there are many questions about disposals and liveries that need answering. Much of this information is hidden away in notebooks. It is often just as helpful to notify that engine X was NOT present or the livery was not carried on a known date as it is to confirm a sighting.
New queries:-
a) D2700 was reported as both stored at Goole and Darlington in 1963/4. Withdrawal dates have also been quoted for both years. The loco was recorded as broken up in 1964 but there was a confirmed sighting in September 1965 at Darlington. Did you visit Darlington works from 1963-6 and did you record this loco or see it at any other location? This query is also listed in Diesel Dilammas.
b) Two-tone green Class 24s. D5005/53/72 are known to have carried two tone green livery. When was each repainted into that livery and when were they repainted, presumably to BR blue. Did any other class member carry this livery?
c) 86242 was photographed in Willesden depot in two tone green. Was it ever seen so piainted outside the depot/in traffic?
d) LMS diesel shunter 7055 was converted into a Mobile Power Unit and known as MPU 2 but carried the number 953. As such it was reported at Thornaby in 1960 and a new sighting confimed that it was still there in 1961. It is believed it was withdrawn in 1964 but no disposal has ever been reported. Any sighting and location information after the end of 1962 is required along with it not being noted at Thornaby on any visit from that time. This is also a long standing Diesel Dilemma Question.
Answer
Q24.18 : Title Eastleigh Arrivals
Question
A member seeks information on actual dates that condemned locomotives arrived at Eastleigh Works in 1962 and 1963 and in particular the Z class tanks. He already has seen photographs that suggest that the officially recorded dates are not correct. Also did they arrive in steam or were they conveyed in e.g. a freight? Neil Barker (11/24)
Answer
Q24.17 : Title Fish Trains from Grimsby
Question
These trains from Grimsby, specifically 3V11 the 16:30 Grimsby to Whitland fish train was routed via Market Rasen, Pyewipe Junction, through Mansfield to Kirkby South Junction at the time when they were worked by Immingham based Britannias. When these were transferred away by December 1963, 3V11 was then re-routed via Gainsborough Central, Retford, Worksop and Waleswood Curve. Why was the train rerouted? Dafydd Whyles (23495) (11/24)
Answer
Q24.16 : War Department Locomotives
Question
A member travelling between Birmingham and Derby on 16th August 1957 recorded locomotives numbered WD 843 between Derby and Burton and WD 844 near Tamworth. What were these locomotives and why were they apparently on the national network? K Leah (23801)
8/24
Answer
WD 843 was a WD ‘Standard’ 153hp 0-4-0DM, built by Andrew Barclay (AB 370/1945). Originally numbered WD 72237, it became WD 843 in the 1952 renumbering. It was allocated to Central Ordnance Depot (COD) Wem from 13th August 1956 until 8th February 1961 when it was transferred to Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Elstow. The reason for the Tamworth siting is unknown to me.
WD 844 was also a WD ‘Standard’ 153hp 0-4-0DM, built by Andrew Barclay (AB 371/1945). Originally numbered WD 72238, it became WD 844 in the 1952 number series. It was allocated to Technical Stores Sub Depot (TSSD) Sinfin Lane, Derby at an unknown date between July 1953 and 30th October 1953 and remained there until 19th February 1958 when it went to 32 Central Workshop, REME, Bicester. TSSD Sinfin Lane was on the east side of the Derby to Burton-on-Trent line a short distance north of Peartree station.
Laurence Bindley
11/24
Q24.15 : Locomotive sounds
Question
It has been observed that on three and four cylinder locomotives one beat per wheel revolution always sounds louder or more pronounced than the rest. Is that due to valve settings or some other factor?
R Bagnall 4901
7/24
Answer
Q24.14 : Abergavenny sightings
Question
One for the old notebooks! In late 1945/early 1946 around four 'old locomotives' were in store at Abergavenny shed. Does anyone have records from that time that might identify those engines?
R Bagnall (4901)
7/24
Answer
A report in the August 1945 RO under ABERGAVENNY states "A visit here on 19/8/45 produced a total of 22 locos on shed, all of which were of L.N.W.R. origin. Those on shed included 7690, 7709/72/80, 7816/21/3, 7937/40, 8899, 8932, 9051, 9243/80, 9388/41, 27552/72, 27650, all 4D, also 7932 (4E) and 9275, 9413, both 4A." No mention was made of any stored locos, but it is possible that the four 'old locomotives' in question might be amongst these.
A report in the January 1948 RO under ABERGAVENNY contains the statement 'The complete absence of 0-8-4T's is noteworthy, their duties on the Sirhowy Valley line having been largely taken over by L.N.W. 0-8-0's.' In 1945 7933/5/40/44/5 were shedded at Abergavenny. Again, this is not evidence, but it is suggestive.
Laurence Bindley
11/24
Q24.13 : Castle 7005 renaming
Question
The RCTS book on the GWR Locomotive Histories Pt 8 predates the name change of Castle 7005 from Lamphey Castle to Sir Edward Elgar. Other sources quote 7/57 as the month of change but was there a formal naming ceremony and if so on what date did that take place?
John Hall (8583)
5/24
Answer
Q24.12 : Title Southern Railway USA Tanks
Question
The Southern Railway acquired their USA tank engines from War Department Stock and full details appear in the RCTS book Locomotives of the Southern Railway Pt. 1 The builders numbers are quoted in the format e.g. Vulcan 4375/42 but in which months were the locomotives built?
John Hall (8583)
5/24
Answer
Q24 11 : LMR Service Locos
Question
The LMR had four 0-6-0ST service locomotives at Wolverton Works being Numbered CD3, and CD6-8 in 1954. Ian Allan listed these as being a Webb version of Ramsbottom 'special tanks' dating from 1870. At which works were they built. The text implies that they were modified along the way. What were those modifications and when were they carried out? John Hall (8583)
5/24
Answer
The history of these locos can be found in Bertram Baxter's British Locomotive Catalogue 1825 - 1923, Part 2a. Later locos had detail differences from the earliest Ramsbottom locos when built, including Webb style chimneys modified splashers, etc. Most were fitted with cabs long after they were built. All were constructed at Crewe.
CD1 - Built 4/1877 as LNWR 2261, Duplicate List 3260 (4/1895), Carriage Dept CD1 (6/1896),
Withdrawn 6/1937.
CD3 - Built 4/1880 as LNWR 317, Duplicate List 1860 (11/1896), Carriage Dept. CD3 (2/1897),
Withdrawn 8/1959.
CD4 - Built 12/1877 as LNWR 855, Duplicate List 1842 (9/1895), Carriage Dept CD4 (2/1896),
Withdrawn -/1931
CD6 - Built 10/1875 as LNWR 186, Duplicate List 3155 (8/1892), Carriage Dept CD6 (5/1901),
Withdrawn 5/1959
CD7 - Built 6/1878 as LNWR 2329, Duplicate List 1946 (3/1896), Renumbered 3317 (1/1901),
Capital List 1548 (3/1909), Duplicate List 3416 (11/1911), Carriage Dept CD7 (12/1911),
Withdrawn 11/1959
CD8 - Not positively identified by Baxter, but thought to be Built 10/1879 as LNWR 2359,
Wagon Dept, Earlestown, Named "Earlestown" (5/1881), transferred to Wolverton at an
unknown date.
CD2 was a 0-4-2WT, built 11/1894 as LNWR 144, withdrawn 3/1929
CD5 was another 0-4-2WT, built 11/1894 as LNWR 195, withdrawn date unknown.
Bevan Price (8050)
Q24.10 : WD 90773
Question
WDs 90773 and 90774 were both reported as carrying the name North British but when did each receive its name and when were the plates removed?
John Hall (8583)
4/24
Answer
The name NORTH BRITISH was applied to WD73798 [BR 90773] and to WD73799 [BR 90774] by the North British Locomotive Co.. This is also stated in Allied Military Locomotives of the Second World War [Tourret Publishing ISBN 0-905878 06-X]. They were the last WD 2-10-0s built by them. On p.34 in the above WD book there is a photograph by H.C. Casserley of 90774, part of the caption states " The names stayed on after purchase and painting into BR livery”, (picture at Eastfield on 21 June 1949 shown).” The plates seem to have been quietly done away with later that year." But elsewhere we have, in answer to query (1019), it was stated on p.306 1949 RO that W.D. 73798 (90773) was still named NORTH BRITISH (11/1949)”.
The R.C.T.S. Locomotive Stock Book 1950 shows both locomotives still named at the end of 1949 and the 1952 edition shows them still named at the end of 1951. However, the Locomotive Stock Alterations 1952-1954 shows the name removed from 90774, but no date is shown. There is no mention of 90773. The 1950 and 1951 ROs do not make any mention of removal whilst British Railways Steam Locomotives 1948-1968, 2nd edition [ISBN 978-86093-660-2] has no mention of the removal of the name from 90773 but 90774 is shown as having it's name removed in July 1952.
Thus further reports or photographs are still required to confirm the situation for 90773.
Laurence Bindley
Q24.09: WD 2-8-0 and 2-10-0 purchases
Question
British Railways had many WDs on loan from the start of 1948 but at what date did they cease to be loan and engines and become BR owned?
John Hall (8583)
4/24
Answer
There is a photocopied extract from 'ALLOCATION OF W.D.LOCOMOTIVES PURCHASED, NOVEMBER. 1948', by the BR Motive Power Committee, 31 March 1950 on p.28 of The book of the WD 2-8-0s and WD 2-10 0s [Irwell Press, ISBN 10-1 903266-96-3]. it states " NOTED that, following intimation from C.F.O. that transfer to the Regions concerned of their portions of the first cost involved in the purchase in November, 1948 of 558 W.D. Locomotives may be carried out, allocation to book stock has been made as follows (effective date to be advised ) :-.......". It then details the Regional breakdown.
Laurence Bindley
Q24.08 : Gresley Carriage livery
Question
Did any Gresley coach in carmine & cream livery ever bear the circular BR crest as seen on most maroon coaching stock?
John H. Atkinson (25414) March 2024
Answer
Q24.07 : GWR Flue Tubes
From 1925 the GWR fitted a pair of 5 1/8in diameter flue tubes in the upper corners of untapered boilers that had Belpaire fireboxes, working pressure 165psi and above and no superheater. This is said to have been intended to reduce cracking in the corners of the firebox. Tapered boilers like the 94xx never had this feature, but it was seen on all post 1934 designs and also on replacement boilers on smaller pre group pannier tanks and side tanks like 850s, 2021s possibly the 517s. Did any other Railway Companies use this design feature and if so which?
Jim Champ (25361) 27 February 2024
Answer
Q24.06 : Troon Harbour Scrap Yard
The SLS Scottish Rambler rail tour ran to Troon Harbour on 16/04/65 and during the loco run round time a number of participants visited the local Arnott Young scrap yard. Can anyone supply the numbers of the locomotives present on that day?
Martin Gilbert (25216) 27 February 2024
Answer
Q24.05 : Pink Concrete Posts.
Question
The original design of Automatic Half Barrier (AHB) level crossings have a concrete pillar onto which was usually bolted the supports for the flashing lights, and on which the barriers themselves are pivoted. There were two designs of post, one taller than the other, but what they have in common is that they have a slightly pink colour. This is presumably a result of a particular type of aggregate used in their manufacturing. I’m seeking to ascertain where these posts were manufactured, and was it by accident or design that they had the pink hue?
Nick Garnham (15261) 19 Feb 2024
Answer
Q24.04 : 37308 in preservation.
Question
Cl. 37 37308 was moved to the Dean Forest Railway on 29/5/12. It was seen again at the Severn Valley Railway in August 2020 painted light blue but under a tarpaulin. When did it leave the DFR/arrive at the SVR and did it go to another site along the way? Information required for the Society Loco database.
Andrew Lait 19 Feb 2024
Answer
The movement of preserved Cl 37 37308 from the Dean Forest Railway appears to have been directly to the Severn Valley Railway, this occurring on 12th July 2020.
This date is quoted on the Class37.co.uk website as advised by Guy Vincent but also independently by David Crawley (18883).
March 2024
Q24.03 : Eastleigh Works Foundry
Question
When did the Iron Foundry close at Eastleigh Works, reputably around 1964 at the latest?
John Redgate 13470
Answer
The closure date for Eastleigh Works foundry was 1962. This date is taken from the most authoritative book "An illustrated History of Eastleigh Locomotive Works" by Colin Boocock and Peter Stanton. Following closure the site was used initially for the repair of containers which were then used on four wheel wagons and lorries. By 1966 the use of these small containers decreased as ISO containers were increasingly being used and it was then modified and half of the area then set aside for the repair of four wheel vans such as CCT's and PMV's which were the first vehicles transferred from the carriage works for repair and maintenance. Gordon Adams
Q24.02 : Class 73 names
Question
73128 was unofficially named INTERNATIONAL RESCUE on one side only. Was this only for an open day or gala at the Chasewater Railway on 15th July 2007? If not, how long was it carried?
73141 was named David Gay on one side and Ron Westwood on the other at Brighton station on 20th February 2009, the nameplates were reported to have been removed in June 2009, before it was renamed on 11th July 2009. Can any member advise, with photos if possible, whether those names were lower case, which seems likely, or upper case, and if they were cast or vinyl nameplates?
Andrew Lait
Answer
Q24.01 : Type 2 movements
Question
Question 23.05 asked for information concerning the movement of various preserved locomotives. Despite no doubt several member visits to some of the locations not one item of information has so far been received. Further questions from Andrew Lait are now seeking answers.
- 20228, still as CFD 2004, was moved to Barrow Hill on 10th July 2007 and appeared there at the Cl.20 gala from 13th to 15th July. Was it returned to Barry immediately after that gala or did it remain at Barrow Hill for some time and, if so, when was it returned to Barry? It returned to service on the Barry Island Railway in late July 2012 still as CFD 2004.
- Does any member know when 25265 was moved to Nemesis Rail, Burton-on-Trent? The last reliable photos of it at the Great Central Railway were taken in November 2011. In February 2023 it was covered over with a blue tarpaulin at Nemesis Rail.
- For 25909 The in-progress modern traction database currently has Moved to Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington arriving on 18/7/96. It was sold to Real Charter Services in 1996, but was sold back to Pete Waterman later in the year. Moved from store at L&NWR, Crewe to Scottish Railway Preservation Society, Bo'ness on 24-25/11/04. Can any member advise when it was moved from Toddington to Crewe and were there any other movements between 1996 and 2004?
- 25067 The most recent report seen was attending a gala in summer 2014. When was it moved to Nemesis Rail, Burton-upon-Trent?
Answer
Q23.17 : Bricklayers Arms
Question
The accompanying photograph purports to have been taken at Bricklayers Arms. Is it there, and if so where exactly, or is it a completely different?
Answer
Q23.16 : Southampton Signalling
Question
What was the fate of the famous signal gantry at the western end of Southampton Central and when was it dismantled? Martin Boddy (4341)
Answer
Q23.15 : Euston in the 1960s
Question
At the old Euston station there was a small brick building opposite the buffer stops at Platform 1 with a concave glass window where all the main line arrivals were displayed on possibly bronze plates at the back of the room. Were they saved and if so where are they now? Martin Boddy (4341)
Answer
Q23.14 : Class 40 names
Question
A number of questions have recently focused on the data needed to make the new Society Modern Traction Database as comprehensive as possible, and it is still hoped to make this resource available to members in the first half of 2024. In recent years comprehensive information has been given in the RO concerning locomotive names but it would seem that for many years the removal of nameplates went unrecorded. Any dated sightings of locos that have gained or lost names are welcome but on this occasion we are looking specifically at Cl. 40s where there are no dates at all for the removal of the nameplates fitted to D210-25/7-36. Research so far indicates that plates might have started to ‘disappear’ as early as 1970 with, so far, no photos emerging of renumbered Cl. 40s carrying their original plates. Of course early ‘removals’ may have been at the hands of so called enthusiast and have been on one side only but it would appear that at some point an official policy to remove plates was introduced. By around 1980 some of the batch started to receive hand painted names, these either being in small white lettering or with white letters and a border with a red background. Therefore can members please check their photographs and notes for dates when plates were fitted/no longer fitted post 1968 and then if/when hand painted names, and of which variety, were first recorded on each loco, although it is thought that some appear not to have been so adorned.
Answer
An article in the January 2024 edition of the Railway Magazine provides a lot of information about the application of painted names on the class 40s with exact dates in most cases as well as advising on the style of application. This information has been included in the Society’s loco database and will hopefully be available for access shortly. Some information was also given on removal of the original plates which appears to have started in 1968 and was complete by 1975 but it should be noted that a number of locomotives did not lose both plates at the same time. The request to advise the dates of any photograph of a loco with or without its nameplates between 1968 and 1975 remains open.
Q23.13: Class18
Question
As part of the Society’s Modern Traction Database project information is needed on the movement of 18002. It is known that it left the Chasewater Railway, where it was commissioned and tested, on 7th March 2022. A source implied that it may have gone directly to Wolverton Works and it is known that it was there by November 2022. Did it move directly there- if so on what date did it arrive and if not where was it between March and September 2022?Question
Answer
Q23.12 : Norweigan Stock
Question
A member visiting Norway in July noted the vehicle shown in the picture accompanying this question in the October RO and requests details of its use or any other information relating to it. D Flatman 17908
Answer
Q23.11 : Lingfield Motive Power
Question
A member travelled regularly on the Lingfield to Croydon route from 1953-1956. Can any member advise the typical motive power used on passenger services on the line and/or specific numbers recorded? D Pawley
Answer
Photographs show that typical motive power in the Lingfield area in 1953/4 were both the LMS and BR Standard designed 4MT 2-6-4 tanks. U1 2-6-0s were noted in use on race specials.
Q23.10 : Class 66 arrivals
Question
The following information is requested for inclusion in the Society's loco database project. What was the name of the ship used to deliver 66006-11 from the manufacturer? Andrew Lait
Answer
Mike Kennard has advised that the MV Stellamare brought Freightliner Cl. 66 66006-11 to this country.
Qyy.nn : Title
Question
Answer
Q23.09 : Shunter Wasp Stripes
Question
Q21.14 Related to Wasp stripes on shunters for which additional information is still requested. Another variation was seen on Cl. 03 shunters as built where large sized numbers were applied when new, long after the official size had been reduced. In addition a full stop was carried after the ‘D’. This continued into the D23XX series but D2388 appears to have been out shopped in the standard style. Was this the first of the class not to have the large numbers and full stop. Did any other class of shunters have a full stop as part of the number? Another variation was the use of large numbers but prefixed with a small D. This was noted on a number of classes including 04, 05, 08 and 10 with most being allocated to the Eastern Region. Which works used this style and for how long? Ian Chancellor
Answer (Part)
Concerning the Class 03 shunters it would appear that all those built at Swindon had the cream numbers with a D followed by a full stop when new although the reason why this non standrd format was used has not been established. Those built at Doncaster had the standard block numbering. It appears that Swindon also used brass frames for the cab windows.
Six Cl. 04s found their way to the Western Region and D2238 received similar treatment after an overhaul, presumably at Swindon Works.
Class 06 D2420 was noted with large white numbers with a D prefix possibly appled at Inverurie.
N Phillips
Q23.08 : Class 88 Liveries
Question
The Compass livery on Cl.88s has an image within the Compass and also a ‘spider’s web’ pattern on the bodyside. It seems that each loco might carry a different image. Can members please check photographs and observations to advise the image carried by each loco and are they different on each side? Also can members confirm that 68016-25 carry the same Compass logo with map that is carried by 68001-5/8/9. (Andrew Lait: 19501).
Answer
Q23.07 : Class 40 D226
Question
Class 40 D226 was never reported as named, an odd one out from its batch but it was reported at the time that the name Media had been allocated to it. A number of years later a Media nameplate in class 40 style was seen at auction and was said to have traces of green paint on it. Has any member got a photo or other information that would confirm the carrying of the plate? Information required for the Society Modern Traction Database.
Answer
Class 40 nameplate- Media. When this nameplate was exhibited at the Crewe Works Millennium Nameplate Exhibition held on 20th and 21st of May 2000 it was described as ‘not carried’, although that does not explain the presence of any green paint. John Redgate
Q23.06 : HST Power Car 43125
Question
HST Power car 43125 carried the name Merchant Venturer, initially as a cast nameplate and from around 6/94 the second style ‘engraved’ type plate. At a recent railwayana auction a plate in the latter style with the name Merchant Adventurer was for sale and was said to have evidence of being carried in service. If indeed the plate was carried was it on 43125 or another loco? For the former, checking of photographs taken around 6/94 might be beneficial or of course any other confirmed sighting. Information required for the Society Modern Traction Database.
Answer
Q23.05 : Classes 20 and 25
Question
Details are requested of movement dates for the following Cl.20s & Cl. 25s in the preservation era. They may have also been at additional locations between those shown but please note that we are not including short term moves to attend galas.
Loco number Last recorded at Now thought to be at
20001 Midland Railway Centre Epping & Ongar Railway
20016 Barrow Hill Caledonian Railway, Brechin
20020 Wensleydale Railway Bo’ness & Kinnel Railway
20048 Great Central Railway Midland Railway Centre
20056 Scunthorpe Steel Works Harry Needle Barrow Hill
20057 Barrow Hill Churnet Valley Railway
20059 Severn Valley Railway Mid Hants Railway
20066 Scunthorpe Steel Works HNRC Barrow Hill
20081 Cambrian Railway Caledonian Railway, Brechin
20088 Barrow Hill Caledonian Railway, Brechin
20110 East Lancs Railway Battlefield line
20169 Wensleydale Railway Private site at Tebay (since moved)
20188 Severn Valley Railway Mid Hants Railway
25057 North Norfolk Railway HNRC Worksop
25067 Battlefield Line Nemesis Rail, Burton
25191 North Yorkshire Moors Railway South Devon Railway
25265 Great Central Railway Nemesis Rail, Burton
25309 Glouces-Warks Railway Peak Rail
Answer
Andrew Lait’s updating and researches for the Modern Traction Database have identified most of the movement dates, with a few having moved again more recently as reported in his Locomotive Stock Alterations section. 20056 is believed to be still at Scunthorpe Steel Works unless any member knows otherwise. Question 24/01 lists more detailed questions relating to another four of those locomotives.
Update
On the 8th a Cl. 20 carrying the number 81 was noted in store at Scunthorpe Steel Works, this almost certainly being the former 20056. It is understood to have been heavily robbed of parts.
Gordon Stubbins (18602) March 2024
20016
This HNRC loco was stored at Long Marston for many years from 2006. seen there 16/9/11. It is reported to have left there in 9/20 to a haulage yard (Wishaw, Warks) before onward movement to CR Brechin in November 2020.
20056
This HNRC loco is numbered 81 and was reported by an enthusiast still disused at Scunthorpe in May 2024. It was one of several Class 20 listed on a HNRC tender list in October 2022
20057
Seen at Barrow Hill on 25/11/13 near the road entrance gates so it moved to the MR - Butterley about this time. Not present on a visit on 30/11/13.
20066
This HNRC loco was numbered 82 and probably moved direct from Scunthorpe to Hope Cement Works on 15/2/16 (as one of the HNRC Class 20s from Hope was under repair at Barrow Hill at this time). 82 became defective and moved to Barrow Hill for repair in 2023. Seen at Barrow Hill on 28/4/23. It has now been repaired and repainted in BR blue livery numbered 20066 and was seen as such at Barrow Hill on 30/5/24 with gleaming paintwork.
20081
This HNRC loco was stored at Long Marston for many years from 2006. Seen there 16/9/11. It is reported to have left there in September 2020 to a haulage yard (Wishaw, Warks) before arriving at CR Brechin in October 2020.
20088
This HNRC loco was stored at Long Marston for many years from 2006 and still carried RFS Channel Tunnel hire livery and number 37. Seen at Long Marston 16/9/11. It is reported to have left Long Marston in September 2020 to a haulage yard (Wishaw, Warks) before arriving at CR Brechin in October 2020.
20228
Still at Barrow Hill on 27/7/07 but it is reported to have gone back to Barry 8/07 (by 11/8/07) so didn't linger long at Barrow Hill after the gala.
25309 (D7659)
This loco left the Glos Warks Railway a long time ago so didn't move from there directly to Peak Rail. It was at Crewe by 2004 and moved from there to the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway in November 2004. The loco then required repairs and moved to WCRC Carnforth 25/9/07 then onwards to Boden Rail at Washwood Heath c4/15. It finally moved to Peak Rail on 13/7/17 where the loco was later returned to working order by Waterman Heritage Trust and is hired out at times to other heritage railways.
Brian Cuttell 10/24
Q23.04 : Festival of Britain Trains
Question
On 5th May 1951 five new named trains were launched by British Railways to coincide with the opening of the Festival of Britain. Each of the trains on the Midland, Southern and Eastern Regions were promoted by a handbill featuring 70000 Britannia. The Western Region ran the Merchant Venturer and the William Shakespeare. Did similar handbills exist for these trains?
Bob Owen 24565
Answer
Q23.03 : Where is Cayton
Question
Whilst searching for photos for use in the new RCTS book on the 8Fs the author found an image caption as 48767 at Cayton signal box, this box clearly being of LNWR origin. However Cayton is on the NE line from Hull to Scarborough. Can any member advise the actual location?
D Tyreman 7972
Answer
Cayton or Gayton? Where was 8F 48767 pictured if not at Cayton. Checking on line images the signal box in the picture is definitely not Cayton and atlases do not list any other location of that name. John Gott has suggested that the box might be Gayton near Blisworth and study of online images appears to confirm that.
Q23.02 : King Resurrections
Question
It is understood that in the autumn of 1962 three Kings were taken out of store to work Newbury Racecourse specials. 6000 and 6005 are thought to be two of the three. Which was the third?
(Colin Earp 14209)
Answer
Hugh Longworth’s book BR Steam Locomotive Allocations 1948-1968 makes no mention of any Kings being stored/returned to traffic in the period 9/62 to 12/62 but the only Kings to remain in stock after the conclusion of the summer timetable were 6000/5/11/8/25.
There is a photograph of 6011 in use in December 1962 plus several of 6000/5/18.
There is also a picture of 6025 on a race special at Newbury Racecourse station dated 24 November 1962 and 6000 was also present. Did specials that autumn run on more than one day as another picture of 6000 is dated 27 October 1962?
Q23.01 : Haymarket’s Last Steam
Question
A visitor to Haymarket shed on 6th August 1963 was told that A4 60012 Commonwealth of Australia was being prepared for use on the final Haymarket A4 duty. Can anyone confirm if this was correct and if so what was that duty? Also what was the last steam duty/ loco from Haymarket and when?
Colin Earp 14209
Answer
Q21.14 : 350 HP Shunter Wasp Stripes
Question
When were Yellow and Black (Wasp) stripes first applied to 350 hp diesel shunters and which was the first loco to receive them?
David Tyreman (7972)
