The LNER Encyclopedia

Hi Folks,
On the North Norfolk Railway we want to equip our B12 8572 with accurate worksplates to represent its current condition i.e. the period 1933 to 1939. We have a photo of a worksplate (see attachment) from 8564 that says 'London & North Eastern Railway 8564 Rebuilt Stratford Works 1935'. 8564 was a Stratford built loco, however our loco was a Beyer Peacok built example. When Stratford rebuilt 8572 in 1933 did it have a works plate as per 8564 or did it mention Beyer Peacock on the new plate? Does anyone have a photo/s of B12-3 a worksplate particularly from an engine in the 8571 to 8580 series?

Just to add some confusion, the 1946 re-cast J69 85xx numberplates (some of which mention Beyer Peacock) are often incorrectly mistaken for B12 plates, including by the NRM!
Thanks

Steve

This is not a builders plate. It is an ownership plate that the LNER put on all their locos after the grouping. Note that the wording is

Rebuilt
Stratford Works 1935

Norfolkman wrote:... we want to equip our B12 8572 with accurate worksplates to represent its current condition ...

For strict accuracy then you ought to make a worksplate reflecting actuality. I would be thinking original builder Beyer-Peacock 1928, rebuilt LNER 1933, restored NNR 'date'. Follow the format of the plate you have so the general appearance is 'authentic'. This matters for the longer term future, when those presently involved have all departed the scene many years, the paperwork relating to the restoration is perhaps dispersed or at least not with the loco: but there fixed to the artefact is the information that tells some future observer that it has been significantly worked on since the 1933 rebuild, and to begin looking for the relevant paper trail. There's nothing like adhering to the strict truth...