Ex-Southern Railway Maunsell 'U1' class 2-6-0 No. 31896. Built at Eastleigh in Mar. 1931 as SR No. 1896 and withdrawn in Dec. 1962. The impressive 1901-built signal box spanning the lines at Canterbury West, makes an excellent 'frame' for this fine March 1957 image. 31896 is arriving at the station with an up express.
