London & North Western Railway Ramsbottom 'Lady of the Lake' class 2-2-2 No. 28 'Prometheus'. Built at Crewe in November 1861 and withdrawn in September 1906.

Rescued from a dreadfully woebegone print, this wonderful image depicts prime L&NWR motive power of the late Victorian era. 'Prometheus' is standing alongside the coaling stage at Longsight MPD in Manchester. There are 21 shed staff in view (did you miss the one behind the dome?) all obviously wishing to be captured by the new -fangled art of photography. Hats appear to be mandatory and the inevitable 'bowler' and tailored jacket as seen on the left, indicates a higher rank. In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a God who championed human striving in arts and technology.

© Steve Armitage Collection