New Kit, Old Kit

In gorgeous evening light, posh photographer Ivan Locksmiths can be seen with Terry Tuttle-Thomas Smythe as he records a Stanier 2-6-4 locomotive on the 7.30pm Highbridge to Templecombe service departing Catcott Burtle Halt. 

From time to time in the 1950s, new engines were trialed as potential replacements for existing locomotives, for the ex Midland 0-4-4 tank and Class 3 ‘Bulldog’ tender locos were sadly nearing the end of their lives on the Highbridge line. 

I’m sure you’ll agree that the graceful Class 4 Stanier 2-6-4 looks completely at home on the short rake of freshly repainted former LMS suburban coaches, but it is rather overkill for such a service, the loco being usually employed on somewhat hastier work around the cities of the northwest. 

As far as we know, this is likely to be only occurrence of such a fine beast on the former S&DJR network, but luckily the light has made for a wonderful sight as it plods its way across the Somerset Levels. 

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Decided to dig my 17 year old Nikon D200 out for this photo. After a quick sensor clean, as good as new. The review screen took a bit of getting used to, due to its low res and small size compared to more recent cameras. But it’s what’s recorded that’s important. 

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