31915 1960s Exeter Central
No.31915 was one of the eight W class 2-6-4Ts transferred to Exmouth Junction in November 1962 to replace the withdrawn Z Class 0-8-0Ts; they had previously been based at Norwood Junction where they were employed mainly on trip freight work. The 2-6-4Ts were not a success in their new role as banking engines, given their inferior adhesion weight, and even on yard shunting duties such as this, the shed's Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2Ts were preferred. No.31915 was taken out of service before the end of 1963. The picture shows two of the staple traffics dealt with at Exeter, Blue Circle cement and bananas as evidenced by the first two vans behind No.31915.