The LMS Beyer-Garrett 2-6-6-2 Tanks were an enigma of the LMS's own making. This excellent design from the highly experienced and well-regarded Beyer Peacock of Manchester, was tinkered with by Derby who thought they 'knew better' particularly when it came to axleboxes and bearings. The result was a 'dog's breakfast' that could have been so much better if well had been left alone! 47998 is at Crewe Works in March 1954 probably awaiting (or having received) more remediative work to improve its reliability and availability. It was built by Beyer Peacock in Apr. 1927 as LMS No. 4998, re-numbered to 7998 in 1938 and withdrawn in Aug. 1956. Few would have attended her funeral!

© Ken Widd-SA Collection