Ex-North Eastern Railway Worsdell 'J72' class 0-6-0 Tank No. 68723. Built by Armstrong, Whitworth of Newcastle in April 1922 as NER No. 2316 and withdrawn in September 1963.

The inspired idea of applying express passenger liveries to humble tank engines that performed station pilot duties was not a new one. The LNER had previously recognised the PR value of this idea and BR continued the practice at York, Edinburgh Waverley, Liverpool Street and as here in May 1960 at Newcastle Central Station. The bright and cheerful result can be appreciated, with the addition of the North Eastern Railway's heraldic device applied on the tank sides of 68723 along with the rather less ornate BR totem.

© Steve Armitage Archive