LMS Stanier '7P' or 'Turbomotive' class 4-6-2 No. 6202. Built at Crewe in June 1935, rebuilt from May 1950 to August 1952 to conventional propulsion and withdrawn in October 1952 following the Harrow & Wealdstone crash.

Had WW2 and other complex factors not intervened and changed the future of the railways of Britain, turbine technology may have played a far larger role in the development of the steam locomotive. It was not to be and the rather lovely 6202 sits somewhat forlonly in June 1936 outside Crewe Works shops. This was Innovative steam technology before its time (that never came) but it was a brave failure.

© Les Hanson-David Hanson Archive