As locomotive portraits go, this is a superb example. Midland Rly. Kirtley '800' class 2-4-0 No. 27 was captured on 21st August 1912 under the cavernous roof of New Street Station in Birminham. Note the loco number painted on it's front lamp! Also, the use of a shed code plate, a MR practice adopted by the LMS and subsequently BR. No. 27 was built at Derby in March 1870 (as MR No.169), re-numbered to 27 in 1907 and withdrawn in August 1920 after 50 years service.

© Steve Armitage Collection