The next locomotive (after the previous article on U class 1638) to feature on locoyard following last Sunday’s visit to the Bluebell Railway is a unique survivor of the LBSCR’s E4 class. Purchased straight from British Railways in 1962, B473 is the last remaining member of Billinton’s 0-6-2 radial tank . Built in 1898 for…
Following from my previous blog post (click here) on my visit to the Bluebell Railway, here are some pictures of the Maunsell U class 1638 that was in operation that day. The U class is no stranger to this website or to me and I’m happy to say that I’ve seen all four that survive…
As the number of models reviewed here at Locoyard increases, the Loco Model Reviews Page receives a regular level of hits. Interestingly it is not necessarily the latest reviews that are looked at the most, presumably people thinking of purchasing a model seek out a review. The key here is to have a good selection…
A quick catch-up tonight from Locoyard to show that it has, as promised, gone back in time to the 1930 – 1940’s. A bit of an unlikely mix of liveries to be fair, with a combination of Maunsell’s olive-green and Bulleid’s malachite green with sunshine lettering. The malachite green in particular has brightened the layout and indeed the room…
Locoyard will be going back in time to Southern Railway in the 1930’s 1940’s very soon. Lined black and Brunswick Green will make way for Olive and malachite green. In preparation for the changeover, I’ve had a look at Lord Nelson, with the view to improving it some more. Much the work has already been…
Today marks the final day that Locoyard will be set in BR days and to mark the occasion I’ve taken a few pictures of the yard. I have also included a few pictures taken in previous posts to get a full complement of pictures. Locoyard will now become a Southern Railway depot and pictures will follow in the…
Fittingly after yesterdays blog post we move forward in time to the 22nd July and to another character from Thomas the Tank Engine and friends; 5 James! This is in reality the sole surviving Maunsell N class (31874) that was painted as the Thomas the Tank Engine character towards the end of its last stint in…
Following from my previous thread on my early steam locomotive experiences, here are a few more pictures of the Bluebell Railway from the 1990’s archive. Starting with the picture above of the Aveling Porter 2-2-0 geared well tank – a curiosity indeed! Now based at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, it was based for…
Continuing on my previous posts on the Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR), this is part two of a series of reflections and experiences on my journey of becoming interested in real and model steam trains. Although the K&ESR was my local heritage railway, I was fortunate in being taken to other preserved lines in my youth.…
Todays post is a reflection on the names given by Southern Railways to their top-link express locomotives. As the names are so evocative and well-thought out, I wanted to discuss some of the reasons why they work so well. I’ve illustrated the piece with locoyard fleet locomotives; both past and present. King Arthur Class Although…
Loco Yard 