Ex-London & North Western Railway Ramsbottom '4ft. 3in. Shunter' class 0-4-0 Saddletank No. 1210. Built at Crewe in Mar. 1872, re-numbered 3009 from April 1886 and transferred to departmental service stock in Mar.1913. Withdrawn in Oct.1946. Crewe was always determined to get the best possible value for money, a trait nurtured under the eagle eye of its General Manager, Sir Richard Moon. Hence this archaeic beastie continued to serve for no less than 74 years! Note the 'oven door' style of access to the smokebox and the equally quirky coupling rods! Photographed at Crewe Works in Feb. 1937.

© Les Hanson-David Hanson Archive