Drummond M7 class 0-4-4T
| The most notorious member of the class engine number 672 gained its repute and met its demise when in 1948 it fell down the lift shaft that gave rolling stock access to the Waterloo & City line. It could only be removed by being cut up in situ. Number 126 was altered in 1921 to superheating which resulted in its boiler being raised, a Urie style stovepipe chimney being fitted and its smokebox being extended. Whilst this conversion was successful and it was planned to perform this work to a further nineteen, the increased weight severely restricted route availability and therefore usefulness. 126 was thus confined to Windsor line services and eventually Waterloo ECS duties. In 1937 126 was withdrawn and donated its frames to repair 254, the latter then becoming a long framed version (though in reality the resulting engine owed more to 126 than 254). |
| On 5 July 1964 the last operational M7 which, thankfully,
survived into the preservation era, performed the last rites for this
illustrious class of locomotive and also brought to an end the once familiar
sight of 0-4-4Ts on Britain’s railways.
30053 is pictured here at Caterham. photograph by Mike Morant |
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The LCGB’s ‘Surrey Wanderer’ railtour
started with 30053 hauling the stock from Waterloo to Shepperton whence the
unlikely motive power of 78038 took over and included Epsom Downs, Tulse Hill
and Beckenham Junction in its itinerary until its final destination of Caterham
where 30053 was waiting for the rest of the day’s events.
30053 at Clapham Junction. photograph by Mike Morant |
| 30053 approaching Kenley.
photograph by Mike Morant |
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30053 ran bunker first to Purley, thence chimney first to
Tattenham Corner followed by a speedy run to Victoria which, of course, was
also bunker first as the Tattenham Corner turntable had long since been
removed.
This is a view of 30053 when at Tattenham Corner. photograph: Mike Morant collection |
All photographs are copyright
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This page was last updated 23 August 2003
