The tender was looking the worse
for wear after spending many years outside. It had been intended
to repaint it but a small patch by the front steps was worked
upon with various chemicals and polishes and the result can clearly
be seen. Three people spent the best part of two days rubbing
and polishing the body sides by hand - not easy believe me! By
now the cab side numbers had been applied together with the infamous
yellow stripe. This was applied to certain classes of engine
in the 1960's to denote that the class was banned South of Crewe
because of limited clearance under the, then, newly erected overhead
wires. In addition to the 4F's, Coronation Pacific, Royal Scot
and Jubilee classes were also blessed with the stripe. Memory
tells me that Britannias and Black 5's escaped but I am unsure
about Princess Royals? 18/1/2005 |