Riddles 'WD' class 2-8-0 No. 90678. Built by Vulcan Foundry in January 1944 as WD No. 79210 and withdrawn in June 1967.

I cycled to Wakefield's MPD on many, many occasions from my nearby home. It was a ritual that usually involved Mirfield MPD, canal towpath to Wakefield MPD, canal towpath to Normanton and back home, tired but happy. This is February 1967 and the bulk of a 'WD' can easily be gauged in this view, the shed is overlooked by Wakefield Power Station just seen above the shed roof. All here has vanished, replaced now by a new housing estate as Wakefield expands ever outward.

© Steve Armitage Archive