As far as longevity is concerned, the many ex-L&NWR 0-8-0s produced under the regimes of Francis Webb, George Whale, Charles Bowen Cooke and Hewitt Pearson Montague Beames (yes!) have no parallel. The key was to keep rebuilding them to incorporate improvements in design, efficiency and performance. For example, 49117 was introduced by George Whale in 1919 as a 'G' class. Itwas rebuilt to 'G1' in 1927, and to 'G2A' as late as March 1943, This process ensured nearly 50 years of service by March 1959 when withdrawn. This photo was taken at Crewe Works in August 1953.

© Ken Widd. Steve Armitage Collection