The LNER Encyclopedia

Did the other members of the big four paint their locos black during our last major disagreement with the Hun. Reason im interested in modifying a King Arthur as loaned to the LNER early in the war. The one clear pic i have seen seems to show them in green.

Hi 52D

As far as I'm aware all of the big four used black to a greater or lesser extent. The LMS was, in the main, a black line anyway and the Great Way Round went mainly black, although some locos, and don't ask which, went to unlined green.

Repainting would only take place after overhaul (?) so it could well be that the LNER obtained those Arthurs before repainting took place. The LMS had several locos still in maroon in 1945, although only one was repainted that colour, post-war.

Hope this helps.

Ay up, 52D!

The other railways did paint engines plain black with appropriate branding but only if needed. Several Jubilees and Patriots for example, were bequeathed to BR still in pre-War Crimson Lake.

Photos are your friend!

According to Locomotives in Detail, they all went black at some point between 1942 and 46. If you want any specific dates, post the number of the relevant locos and I'll give you a date.

Thanks EHeaps when LNER had them they would have been Malachite but never mind i feel a heavily weathered Arthur coming on.