The LNER Encyclopedia

Afternoon All

I have a put all the photos of Gresley A4’s in Scotland into new collection
http://tinyurl.com/p3xekqx
&
http://tinyurl.com/ossqlbe

Neil

thanks for sharing Neil. Lovely stuff especially when having to cope with the Bake-Off TV show on for the missus!

talking of Streaks in Scotland does anyone have information re Commonwealth of Australia after withdrawal as I have just seen a B&R dvd (vol. 124) showing a clip of 60012 running light without nameplates at Larbert? I believe she was withdrawn from 61B on 20th Aug 1964 but didn't go for scrap until April 1965. From info to hand she ran under her own steam to Motherwell on either 12th OR 21st April '65. Was this direct to the scrapyard? And what was the correct date? Why was she withdrawn if she was ok to steam on the mainline, albeit light-engine? Why the long gap of 8 months in store at Ferryhill? Thanks. Eric

You may be ahead of me on the dates, but according to Railuk info she was withdrawn at Ferryhill as you say on 20:8:64, but cut up at Motherwell Machinery and scrap in Wishaw 31:3:65. However another site, ' British Steam' suggests chopped in May '65. She was stored at Haymarket April '62 and offered to Australia, who oddly declined!

I would guess the answer to your query might be found in the Railway Observer from the period. Next time I'm at the Vintage Carriage Trust at Ingrow on the KWVR, where they have a pile of them, I'll have a look...interesting though.

thanks! I think its from the R.O. that I gleaned the original 21 Apr 65 date, seen at Perth en route south. As you say interesting...

Further views from the period...

For a couple of years in my mid-teens I was a member of the Scottish Railfans. They published a type-written newsletter, mainly with info on tours, transfers, oddities and foreigners.
I have just found a bundle of these fro '64/'65 and lo, an article on 60012. I quote verbatim.

The Mystery of 60012

Since its withdrawal from traffic last year, A4 60012 'Commonwealth of Australia', the largest A4 nameplate incidentally, lay at rear of the shed at Ferryhill, before being locked up latterly in the former C & W workshops at Ferryhill. Rumour had it that the locomotive was destined for Australia, and that she was being retained pending shipment. Parts that had been removed from the engine to keep the other A4s going were replaced, and the locomotive carefully hidden away behind locked doors.
There 60012 remained until 26th April, when she was removed into the works to have the nameplates removed by oxy-acetylene burning equipment, and any spare parts taken once again. later on the same week, 60012 left for the scrap merchants-possibly Connels, but any confirmation or otherwise would be appreciated. The mystery of 60012 is this- why was a locomotive, worth £4000 as scrap, held back from the burners of the merchants for nine months, locked away, and then handed over for scrap without a word being said.

I think we now know that the Australians didn't want her, so she was, surplus to requirements as probably beyond economic repair, despite the severe shortage of Pacifics in Scotland for the 3 hour, as reported elsewhere in the newsletters. I personally think that casts doubt that she went to the scrapyard in Wishaw under her own steam as she had not steamed for months and had, presumably, vital parts removed.
I suspect there was no reporting as it would prove an embarrassment to all concerned! No-one reported to the newsletter in subsequent months any form of dispute or agreement with the above.

If anyone would like copies of the newsletters, such as they are...perhaps 18months worth, please PM me...I don't have scanning facilities.

Cheers, Jim

So sad to think that we Australians didn't want her. I take no part in the blame as I was not born until the year after. I understand that shipping costs were the issue.

We had to wait another 23 years for a Gresley pacific to grace these shores when 4472 came to visit.

If 60012 was saved, she would probably be in the UK right now as part of a great gathering of 7 A4s.

THANKS Guys! Its great to know there's always someone out there who can add an ounce or more of info after all these years. Much appreciated. Eric