Classic Locomotives of England

Classic Locomotives of England: Miniature Sheet - 1 February 2011

Following on from the 'Great British Railways' stamp issue of 19 August 2010, this is the first of a series of Miniature Sheets that illustrates steam locomotives in use in each of the home countries.
The intention is to look at how steam locomotives were used not just on the public railway network but also in the context of industry in such locations as factories, quarries and docks. The series commences with England and will be followed by Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The stamps in detail.

1st Class – BR Dean Goods Class 2532
A Newbury bound British Rail local service Dean Goods Class locomotive at East Garton photographed in 1951.

60p – Peckett Type R2
This Peckett 1689, named Thor was built in 1925 for the Tunnel Cement company of West Thurrock, Essex. The locomotive spent its entire life at Thurrock – where the photo was taken, and it was scrapped there in March 1965.

88p – L & YR 1093 J4 No 1100
The Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Class J4 locomotive photographed here at Liverpool Exchange Station in 1909 is pulling the 2.10 to Hull.

97p – BR WD No 90662
During the Second World War heavy freight ‘Austerity’ locomotives were built for military service. Before the Normandy Landings, the army had very little use for these locomotives, so they were loaned to the ‘Big Four’ railway companies. After June 1944, ‘Austerity’ locomotives were shipped out to France. Eventually British Rail had 733 of these locomotives.
Class WD 90662 photographed at Retford Crossing in 1963 was the first 2-8-0 type to be bought by the WD for overseas use during the 1939-45 war. This engine was withdrawn from use in August 1965, and was cut up at Drapers yard in Hull during January 1966