The LNER Encyclopedia

Scanning some more of my Dad's photos I've come across several taken at Leicester Central station when No.4468 Mallard was being towed to the Clapham Museum. The train stopped for a few minutes for 4468 to be examined and for the hauling loco (a BR Standard Class 5) to take water.

The photo below shows the cavalcade departing for the south, watched by the Station Master. There was quite a crowd on the platform (and also, as can be seen, on surrounding railway property) so it would seem that word had got around.

Can anyone please confirm (or dispute) that this move took place on Tuesday 25th February 1964? I have some evidence for this date, but it's not conclusive. There's a colour photo on flickr which was taken on the same occasion whose caption gives the date as mid-1963, but I don't think that's right. I've been in touch recently with the owner of that picture.

The Railway Observer for April 1964 (page 114) confirms the date as 25th February 1964. It was due to leave Doncaster at 9.0 a.m. and arrive at Nine Elms at 11.27 p.m. Speed was to be 25 m.p.h. Darnall was passed an hour and fifteen down, being hauled tender first by an unknown B1. 73045 hauled it on the GC main line.

It went to Nine Elms via Neasden and Kew. The move from Nine Elms by road took place on the evening of the 29th and page 103 of the same R.O. gives the full story of an eventful nights journey with a parked car causing a late departure and then, as they came out of the yard, the Pickfords trailer mounted a pavement which promptly collapsed and after a winch attempt failed, the trailer had to be jacked up. Arrival at Clapham was eventually made in the early hours of Sunday 1st March.

That's very much appreciated Andy, thank you. As well as being uncertain of the date I had only the first four digits of the number of the Standard Class 5 (from one of the pictures).

The colour shot on flickr (now with corrected and improved caption!) is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rgadsdon/7364903434/

Reading about the low loader incident it seemed to me almost as if 4468 was somehow protesting at being taken away from her natural habitat of the iron road and being subject to the indignity of a trip over the tarmac.

Here's an earlier photo from the series showing adoring fans at Leicester Central - which was certainly not a regular haunt in those days on chilly February half-term afternoons.