58427 was the very last of a famous class of 310 locomotives, the Webb L&NWR '18" Express Goods' 0-6-0s. named "Cauliflowers" by enthusiasts the nickname sticks to this day. They were all built at Crewe from 1880-1902 and were famed for their sturdy reliabilty and economy in use. It's sad that such an important milestone in Crewe's railway history did not appear to merit preservation by BR's management. Photo taken at Crewe Works and dated April 1956, four months after 58427's withdrawal.

© Ken Widd. Steve Armitage Collection