The LNER Encyclopedia

Books on the A4s state that the cab-side works plates for Merlin were removed, when the HMS Merlin badges were affixed, and installed inside the cab. Might anyone know how many works plates were fixed inside the cab and in what position(s)?

Thank you, Graham Beare

The coronation run of A4's (4488 - 4492 or 60009 - 60013) carried their works plates inside the cabs due to the crests on their cabsides

EDIT: Whoops, thought you were asking how many locos had plates fitted in the cabs. As far as I'm aware, both were fitted below the windows, just forward of the seats on their relevant sides

Blackout60800 wrote:... As far as I'm aware, both were fitted below the windows, just forward of the seats on their relevant sides

Thank you for this information... with luck I can pick up the fixing bolts on the outside of the cab sheets.

When I looked, several years ago, 60009 had only one worksplate, and it was inside the cab, below the roof, just above the driver's head (or was it the fireman's - I've spent too much time on German steam locos!).

I was aware the coronation A4's only had one works plate, but as far as I know, 60027 had both in the locations I previuosly mentioned

I have just picked up this thread and can asnwer the query, at least for the Coronation locos, and 27 may well be the same.

The works plates were situated under the roof eaves on both sides (i.e.there were two plates). The actualplace is denoted by the bolt ends on the attached photograph just baove the rainstrip.

2512silverfox wrote:I have just picked up this thread and can asnwer the query, at least for the Coronation locos, and 27 may well be the same. The works plates were situated under the roof eaves on both sides (i.e.there were two plates). The actual place is denoted by the bolt ends on the attached photograph just above the rainstrip.

Thank you for posting the photograph... the nuts/bolts which secured the worksplate are quite obvious so I ought to be able to resolve the question for Merlin.