The awesome bulk of the 33 ex-LMS Beyer-Garratt 2-6-0 + 0-6-2 Tanks must always have been an impressive sight at rest and even more so at work! Sadly, their inherent flaws were not of Beyer, Peacock's doing, but made at of the insistence of Derby drawing office in 'modifying' the design to fit Derby 'standard' axleboxes and other lesser features against both advice and common sense. The result was a less than reliable class, heavy on coal and very hard work for crews, particularly their firemen. 47981 is pictured at Toton MPD in August 1956.

© Ken Widd. Steve Armitage Collection