The gorgeous livery of the Great Central Railway is still on view in 1924 at Gorton MPD a year after amalgamation into the LNER. Robinson 'D9' No. 1024 is still in full GCR guise, whilst Robinson 'B2' No. 426 'City of Chester' retains her brass numberplate but has acquired the LNER insignia on her tender. Both locomotives are still adorned with their original, supremely elegant Robinson Chimneys. 1024 was built by Sharp Stewart & Co. in Feb. 1902 and was withdrawn in Nov. 1949 as BR No. 62309. 426 was built at Gorton in Mar. 1913 and was withdrawn in Dec. 1944 as LNER No. 5426. Note the 'colloidal fuel' tower built in 1917 as part of alternative fuel experiments.

© Steve Armitage Collection