The LNER Encyclopedia

The late Dr Ian C Allen took a photograph of Class O1 2-8-0 63867 on an up main line freight train, passing a Class J17 0-6-0 65511 on an up Clacton freight train, at Colchester from Brick Kiln Lane level crossing, which was located by the locomotive shed.

The photograph shows the electrification of the Clacton line, undertaken in 1958 and re-signalling, which was carried out the following year. Unfortunately Dr Allen kept few written notes, but when I meet him on a number of occasions he could fully describe ever photo he took.

However, according to the BRdatabase website 63867 was allocated to 38B Annesley from November 1950 until withdrawn in November 1962.

I don't have copies of either Yeadon's or RCTS "green bible" for the Class O1 and wonder if someone could please check and perhaps explain how the loco was at Colchester c1960? I understand RCTS "green bible" states that 25 were sent to March in 1957 and it quotes 63795 being seen at Colchester in March 1958, and therefore was 63867 one of those also transferred to March 1958?.

Thank you for any help.
Paul

Is it possible that the loco made its way to March via the LDECR and GN&GE lines and was then used by March for a working to Clacton?

Paul,

The Shed pages on the brdatabase website details the locomotives allocated, this is the one for March: https://www.brdatabase.info/sites.php?p ... cos&id=347

63867 does not appear, so it must be on of those 'turned up at a GE shed so we'll make use of it, say no more' turns.

Thank you for your comments

After discussion on other groups, the conclusion is that most likely 63867 is a typo error in the caption, and the loco may well have been 63687, 63887 or 63868, all of which were March engines at the time and working the usual March-Bury St Edmunds – Ipswich – Colchester freight train.

Unfortunately, the photograph in Dr Allen's book is not clear enough to read any part of the loco number.

Paul