N7's with Belpaire Fireboxes in BR Days

[rockvilla-4]

Hi

Im looking for information on BR livered N7's, c1955.

I've picked up a built Wills kit finished with belpaire firebox and condensing pipework, in plain BR Black with 'British Railways' lettering.

I'd like to refinish it as an early crest N7, keeping the belpaire firebox, could anyone suggest any running numbers and whether the paintwork was lined or not?

Best regards

Joe

[65447]

Only 2 N7s retained the Belpaire fireboxes, both from the 1927 Beardmore-built batch, BR numbers 69689 and 69695 - both were push-pull gear fitted and were scrapped in 1957 and 1958 respectively, but 69695 had the condensing gear removed in 1937 and, according to Yeadon, all N7 condensing gear was removed around this time. These also had the cab side window set back and solid bunker sheets with inset steps, which are as I recall were not the same as the original GE-style represented in the Wills kit, whilst none of the Beardmore-built were fitted with the Westinghouse brake pump and air brakes.

There is an LH side photograph of 69695 on p41 of Yeadon's Register volume 27, lined with early crest. As both were p-p fitted it is likely that 69689 was also lined.

Both locomotives were allocated to various GN and GC sheds, with 69695 latterly on the LT&S - not arriving on the GE until 1955 (Gt Yarmouth) and 1958 (Stratford) respectively.

[rockvilla-4]

Many thanks for your most helpful reply!

Best regards

Joe