Ex-LNER Gresley 'U1' class 2-8-0+0-8-2 No. 69999. Built by Beyer, Peacock Ltd. of Manchester in June 1925 as LNER No. 2395 and withdrawn in December 1955.

The long and convoluted story of one of Sir Nigel Gresley's few failures is the behemoth 69999, that was designed for banking trains on the Worsborough incline near Barnsley. It was a very poor steamer and just to keep its incessant appetite for coal satisfied was almost beyond human capabilities. The infamous quote of "twice the work for the same sodding pay" indicates the jaundiced opinions of firemen. A 1949 transfer to Lickey found her even less appreciated and 69999 was returned to Yorkshire in 1951. In 1953 oil-fired trials are seen underway at Gorton in this view prior to the locomotive's most unwelcome return to Lickey in June 1955 and withdrawal. Unloved and in very short order thereafter.

© Ken Widd-SA Collection