Saturday 7 February 2015

BR Standards not so Standard

It is really nice to see 76084's class-mate and one-time Shed-mate, 76079 back in action on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. '79 in a previous life (under the ownership of Ian Riley) was mainline certified. She will be part of the NYMR fleet running into Whitby from Pickering. 

Wouldn't it be really nice if both 76079 and 76084 got together on Network Rail metals and double headed a few steam charters?

We can but dream.

When '79 and '84 were shedmates at Sutton Oak Motive Power Depot at St. Helens there were a number of photographs taken of the enhanced population of these BR Standard 2-6-0 4MT locos. A much published image shows 76079 front and proud. Recently, an image with 76084 front and proud has come to light. Taken in early July 1966 it represents the only recorded sighting the 76084 Locomotive Company Limited has on their website for that year. But one thing caught the eye of this viewer.

British Railways built 999 'Standard' locomotives with many parts being interchangable. When it came to protecting locomen from overhead wires warning flashes were placed at eye level on engines to warn of the danger. This was half way through the BR Standard Locomotive's short BR life span.

So here are 3 locomotives of the same class (2-6-0 4MT numbers 76077, 76078 and 76084) at the front of Sutton Oak Shed. There does not seem to be a standard way of placing the Overhead Wire Flashes!! 

Which one is 76084? If you know anything about '84 she stands out quite clearly.


We will share the BIG picture with you shortly.

With thanks to Peter Winstanley for providing another stunning image of 76084.

2 comments:

  1. I already know which one she is :).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Me too! If I was a betting man I would be on the way to the bookies!

    ReplyDelete