The LNER Encyclopedia

Whilst doing some research I have realised that there are some inconsistencies in the Shed Allocations of the BRDatabase website when compared with the Xpress Publishing books (specifically the allocation of J6s at Grantham in 1956/57.

This got me thinking as to what sources (other than record cards which are not always available) people think is the most accurate? As I interested in BR(E) at Grantham in 56/57 is it Yeadon?

Please note my comment is not a criticism of either BRDatabase or Xpress Publishing; just trying to get a view on what folks think. Whilst NRM have some record cards for engines, it is not complete for all classes...

Ian

Personally I would Yeadons for allocations, although there is always the risk of one slipping off the printers proof - I remember one K3 in Yeadons was a little light on transfers but, in general terms, when I compared Yeadons dates with the official KX records that I have, what is there is pretty sound.

Record cards can vary in accuracy depending on the region/district/depot that the card came from - sometimes the details are missing or are incomplete. What is worse is if period end dates are used rather than the actual date which is usually week ending or week commencing, depending on the region.

As a former (diesel era) Shopping Clerk myself, I really do grind my teeth at some of the record keeping in the various archives but some of the records, according to my predecessors, were kept in separate books which haven't survived.

I must echo Andy W.

Yeadon is OK, but by no means a complete record, if such a thing exists.

13 4-weekly periods do not help matters, but that is how records were kept on the LMS and therefore British Railways. Early BR was an LMS takeover for many purposes.

An observation, nothing more.

John