Over the years, Wilson Worsdell's 'R' (LNER 'D20') 4-4-0s for the NER underwent a number of minor changes that altered their appearance considerably. The chimneys were originally copper capped (GWR style) and some featured a capuchon or 'windjabber'. The safety valves were encased in a brass 'trumpet' until replaced by Ross 'pop' valves. The smokebox doors were of smaller diameter than the later version fitted, here at Newcastle in 1950 on 62362. These fine machines all gave over half a century of service and were rightfully highly regarded. It would be some time before BR had its own emblem designed thus saving the painters the laborious task of adorning locomotives with 'British Railways' written in full!

© A.E.Buckley. Stephen Barrett Archive