A low level portrait of 'Dukedog' 9021 at Aberystwyth, the important sub-shed of the Cambrian Motive Power Depot at Machynlleth and the place to visit in order to capture on film members of this class, so long associated with the Cambrian and its workings.
9021 had been constructed at Swindon in late 1938 and had used the frames from withdrawn 'Bulldog' 3411 together with the boiler, cab and fittings salvaged from similarly condemned 'Duke' class 3259 Merlin.
It was originally intended to name this hybrid class with the plates removed from condemned 'Dukes' but those in authority at Paddington decreed that the 'Dukedogs' should be named after a number of titled gentlemen. However, the Earls concerned objected, and the few 'Dukedogs' which actually carried the plates soon had them removed and the names were used on the new 'Castles' then entering service.
Alternative work for the 'Dukedogs' was not forthcoming when the locomotives became redundant in their later years on the Cambrian, and although 9023 was tested as a pilot engine over the South Devon banks it was not considered suitable for that role and the class were broken up at Swindon but happily, one of the class survives today on the Bluebell Railway.