WE have another photograph taken at Stourbridge Junction but this one comes from the collection of Raymond Franks of Stourport-on-Severn.
The picture was taken in the engine shed (BR code 84F) in April 1962, in the final years of steam. Raymond says that he “bunked”, ie went around the engine shed without permission, many times.
In the picture we can see front views of three Swindon-built GWR 0-6-0 pannier tank engines. No. 3745, a 57xx Class, entered service October 1937 and was withdrawn December 1964. No. 7432, a 74xx Class, went into service August 1948 and was withdrawn September 1964. No. 4696, another 57xx Class, went into service February 1945 and was withdrawn November 1966.
Second from left is the ex-War Department WD/8 “Austerity” Class 2-8-0, No. 90148. This locomotive was built by the North British Locomotive Company, Glasgow, entering service in June 1943, and it likely saw use in mainland Europe with the British Army.
After the war it was sold to the LNER and was withdrawn from service with British Rail in March 1966.
