Britannia 70003 John Bunyan on an up Norwich stopping train passing Colchester Shed on 28th March 1959. We saw this in posts #2645, #2693 and #4464. 70003 was a Stratford engine from March 1951 and moved to Norwich Thorpe in February 1959, then March in August 1961 before migrating to Carlisle Kingmoor in November or December 1963 where it was withdrawn in March 1967. (SLS). It was scrapped at Campbells, Airdrie, in November 1967. (BR Database).
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Brian
To the left of the J15 is Colchester breakdown train road. Information I have regarding the breakdown train is as follows:
Colchester Breakdown Train.
LNER Period
• Tool Van 961515 ex GE 264 Diagram 219 formerly EX16, built 2/1886, converted 12/1928, withdrawn 11/1942.
• Mess and Tool Van 961520 ex GE 718, LNER 6460, Diagram 518, built 9/1896, converted 2/1940, withdrawn c. 1945.
Early BR Period
• Tool Van 961515 ex LD&ECR (GCR) 51842 6-wheel 34’ brake third, built Ashbury 1896, converted 10/1945, withdrawn 8/11/1958.
• Mess and Packing Van 961520 ex GER 6-wheel 945 brake third 62332, Diagram 533, converted 3/1947, no withdrawal date.
• Sheldon Mk2 swan neck 15-ton crane 961604 to Colchester 11/1947. Apparently the GNR crane was rarely used and I understand it was in poor condition and reluctant to steam. It went during 1955, or perhaps a little earlier, but there are photos of the crane at Stratford Works dated 20 December 1959.
• Crane Runner 961658 converted ex GER double bolster.
• Guard Truck 961657 converted ex GER Diagram 17 high sided wagon, which seemed to linger at Colchester for a few years after the crane had gone.
Post c1955 (seen in your photo)
After the steam crane departed to Stratford Works, two carriages were provided:
• 320380, a former GER 10 compartment suburban 3rd, LNER 60396.
• 320147 an ex GCR 50ft clerestory, LNER 583 built in 1904.
I've built a 4mm model of the early BR period breakdown train.
Your following photo of 70030 is on a down, not up working.
Paul