Ex-Caledonian Railway Smith 'River' class 4-6-0 No. 14761. Built by Hawthorn Leslie & Co. of Newcastle in January 1916 as CR No. 943 and withdrawn in November 1939. It is heading north at Port Carlisle Junction past Carlisle No3 signal box.

Hereby hangs a tale... Frederick Smith, the CME of the Highland Railway, ordered six of these 'River' class locomotives but the order was cancelled by the HR prior to their delivery. The HR's line engineer having objected to their weight (six tons more than originally stated) and refused to accept delivery. Personality conflicts also seem to have been a contributory factor. The HR sold them to the Caledonian - at a profit! Sadly, Smith being responsible for the design was forced to resign. In LMS times, the 'Rivers' were used on former Highland Railway routes with no issues whatsoever! Pictured circa !924 leaving Carlisle with a lengthy mixed freight, including some interesting Fish and fitted vans leading the train, 14761 certainly looks impressive.

© Steve Armitage Archive