Photo:
R M Casserley - 1874 - 1974 and Still Going Strong

One hundred years ago, the famous builders of many fine locomotives, Beyer, Peacock and Co Ltd were producing a batch of six smart little four coupled well tank engines for the London & South Western Railway at their Gorton Works, Manchester. One of these engines is shown as our cover photograph. It is 30585 and we all wish our own centenarian a Happy Birthday to mark the anniversary of that day in June 1874 when, as No. 314, she first saw the light of day!

Picture our Beattie 2-4-0 well tank 100 years ago. Look at the boiler! What a graceful chimney, tall and surmounted by a polished copper cap; what a lovely burnished brass dome over the firebox. Doesn't the paintwork look superb? The light chocolate colour is very pleasing and it is beautifully panelled with yellow ochre, edged on either side with fine white lines. The enginemen must have been tough characters in those far off days because you will see no cab: simply a plain weatherboard for forward running. But you will recognise the engine we have at Quainton today, the same compact wheelbase; the same distinctive axleboxes and springs supporting the leading axle and the same purposeful air which the engine has acquired over the past century in active service; first, on the LSWR's London suburban services and later, on the Cornish branch lines bringing trains of china clay down to Wadebridge. It is at Wenford Bridge that out picture was taken on 19th August, 1954 by Mr R M Casserley. Twenty years ago 30585 was working for British Railways. Now she is one of the most valued possessions of the Society and she is being lovingly restored. Our best wishes to The Beattie.

I wonder if we'll last that long! And now guess what is approaching us .....

Photo:
J R Fairman - It's Cunarder stern first!

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1974 and so does not reflect events in the 40+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
The Cover Photograph - Quainton News No. 20 - Summer 1974