69828 on the Master Cutler

[robertcwp]

The latest issue of the GCR Society journal 'Forward' includes a photo of A5 tank 69828 bunker first on the up Master Cutler complete with headboard. The engine is in what became the BR mixed traffic lined black, lettered BRITISH RAILWAYS. 69828 was a very early recipient of this livery when it was still officially experimental and was reported as carrying it by mid-1948. The carriages are in LNER colours with a Thompson BCK at the front. As the Cutler was one of the first trains to gain a full set of crimson & cream stock in mid-1949, the photo was probably taken in 1948 or the first half of 1949. No other information is available although the location is probably south of Aylesbury and the deciduous trees in the background are not in full leaf, which probably rules out Summer.

Does anyone have any further information about this unusual working, please?

[burnie]

I wasn't around then and all the pictures/stories I've seen talked of express locos pulling what was the blue ribbon train on GCR , my personal recollection is of A3's and V2's with the occasional B1

[JASd17]

Robert, Is there any sign of Hudd ATC on the loco?

69828 was ex-Works Gorton in the early BR livery on 3-7-48. Given the state of the trees, I suggest it is more likely to be spring 1949.

John

[robertcwp]

The original large-format negative for this image has now come into my possession. The sleeve carries a date of 7/4/49 and gives the location as Amersham.

69828_Cutler_Amersham_7-4-49a by Robert Carroll, on Flickr

[JASd17]

Robert,

I was not too far out in that case, with regard to the date at least.

John

[coachmann]

Maybe it was empty stock and instead of the headboard going in the guards compartment, some wag thought it would be amusing to hang it on the bunker....

[Pyewipe Junction]

Surely the most obvious reason is the correct one - 69828 is deputising for a failed loco, otherwise why would it be running bunker-first?

[robertcwp]

Surely the most obvious reason is the correct one - 69828 is deputising for a failed loco, otherwise why would it be running bunker-first?

I agree, the headlamps and headboard make it clear that it's the Cutler. I have not found any mention in the contemporary railway press of this substitution.