North Eastern Railway Fletcher 'BTP' (LNER 'G6') class 0-4-4 Tank No. 1431. Built by R & W Hawthorn & Co. of Gateshead in September 1875 and withdrawn in June 1921 to be rebuilt as a class 'J77' 0-6-0 Tank.

The Edward Fletcher 'BTP' or 'Bogie Tank Passenger' 0-4-4Ts were a highly successful answer to the NER's need for branch line passenger locomotives. The class were noted for considerable variations in appearance that occurred because of detail design 'licence' allowed by the NER to outside manufacturers. 1431 is seen taking water at the south end of York Station in the early 1900s. The old style open 'slotted' splashers have been plated over to prevent loss off toes and fingers! The class became extinct in 1929.

© Stephen Barrett Archive-SA Collection