High sided mineral wagons full of coal are trundled through Bath Spa by 7202 from Cardiff Cathays shed, probably having come through the Severn Tunnel on its run eastwards.
What a massive locomotive this is with its eight coupled driving wheels, and how capable was the class in hauling substantial freights during their days in service.
7202 as the third of the class to enter service following its conversion from 5277 at Swindon Works by the Great Western Railway, entering service in 1934 at Ebbw Junction.
A total of 54 of the " 72XX " came into being between 1934 and 1939 , the locomotives weighing a massive 92 tonnes, the first withdrawal being 7241 in November of 1962 whilst the last four survived until June of 1965.
Purchased by the Great Western Society from Dai Woodham's at Barry in Jnuary of 1973 , 7202 was transported to the Society base at Didcot in April of 1974 and is presently waiting its turn in the queue for restoration by that Society.
Three of the class were preserved , 7202 , 7200 and 7229