BR Standard Class 9F

John Dyer photographed a number of 9Fs, mostly on the Wirral. The John Summers iron ore trains between Bidston dock and the steelworks on Deeside were in the hands of these engines, that were shedded at Bidston and later at Birkenhead. Towards the end of steam, large numbers of the class could be found on a Sunday morning at Mollington Street.

Generally regarded as a popular and successful Robert Riddles design for moving heavy freight trains, there were 251 in the class, which was introduced in 1954. They were built at Swindon and Crewe, culminating in No. 92220, the last steam locomotive constructed by BR, which was turned out in 1960 and named Evening Star. They were also some of the last steam locos to be withdrawn, lasting until 1968, and 9 examples have survived.

Included here from John Dyer’s collection are No. 92028 at Bidston dock in February 1962, No. 92045 at Bidston in August 1962, No. 92046 at Bidston sheds on 16/4/61, No. 92107 at Chester on 28/8/65, No. 92165 at Chester on the same day, No. 92166 at Storeton, also on 28/8/65 and the same loco on Bidston sheds on 5/8/62.