Midland Railway Johnson 'Spinner' class 4-2-2 No. 604 (pilot). Built at Derby in August 1887 and withdrawn in January 1922. Unidentified MR Johnson compound 4-4-0 (train loco). In platform - Midland Railway Johnson '2606' class 4-4-0. No. 771. Built at Derby in July 1905 and withdrawn in July 1935.

This circa 1912 scene at Gloucester Eastgate is one of my favourite pre-grouping photographs. The disease prevention 'lime painting' measure on the cattle wagon, the locoman on the front footplate and not least the beauty of three immaculate MR locomotives in their heyday is a joy to behold. A real bonus is that the film has been able to capture the sky tones, rare with early emulsion types.

© Steve Armitage Archive