This Fowler designed class of freight locomotive dates from 1914. Eleven engines were built in total for the S&DJR and they were eventually taken into LMS stock, in 1930. John Dyer photographed Nos. 53803 and 53806 at Bath Green Park sheds on 22 August 1961. By the time of my summer 1962 combined volume only 7 examples were left in service.
My only visit to Green Park sheds was on 25/7/64. I copped Nos. 53807 and 53809 there on that day. I was just in time, as all of the class had been withdrawn by the end of that year. No. 53809 was preserved along with No. 53808, and I caught up with her at a later date.
Both 53808 & 53809 were rescued from Barry scrapyard. 53808 maybe seen now at the Mid Hants Railway & 53809 is at the North Norfolk Railway. I seem to remember seeing 53808 at the West Somerset Railway in blue livery. Andy
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