Ex-War Department Riddles 'WD' class 2-8-0 No. 90356. Built by NBL of Glasgow in August 1944 as WD No. 77289 and withdrawn in November 1962.

Not perhaps the most photogenic of locomotives, nonethless even the WDs could make a wonderful subject in the right conditions. The late Cecil Blay proves the point with this masterful November 1961 photograph at Reading. Note the subtle differences of some Western Region WDs in their numberplate position, top feed cover and a fire iron holder along the footplate. Swindon's influence - of course!

© Steve Armitage Archive