A Visit to Wolverhampton, 1932

On April 24th, 1932 the famous railway author and photographer, H. C. Casserley paid a visit to Wolverhampton. The following pictures were all taken on that day.

Two views from the Foxes Lane end of the yard. The picture shows No. 1253, an outside framed 0-6-0 pannier tank, with Dean Goods 0-6-0 No. 2551 behind, fresh from refurbishing at the works. Next in line is No. 2107, a Wolverhampton built 2101 class saddle tank, followed by a Metro class 2-4-0 No. 973. Bringing up the rear is another Stafford Road built engine, No. 2120.

A view of the domeless raised Belpaire boiler fitted to No. 2120. This engine was once used on autocar working, being fitted with a matching dummy coach body. Notice the damaged bunker on the "Metro", and the redundant bridge rail, which was cut up and converted into fence posts and boundary turret supports.

Inside the works was 4-4-0 County class No. 3834 "County of Somerset". This was one of the last County engines in regular use, and was also the last to be shedded at Stafford Road, working each day to Leamington where it served as the station pilot. It would work back with an evening train. This engine was the only unlined example of the class in later years and was withdrawn on November 11th, 1933.

"Brasenose" was originally a member of the Camel or Avalon class, but with the change to a taper boiler became associated with the Bulldog class in later years. Though re-numbered she retained the early pattern combined name and number plate as seen here.

0-4-0ST No.45 is seen here in company with a Wolverhampton built pannier tank inside Stafford Road. No.45 was built at Stafford Road in June 1880, and was always an inhabitant of the G.W.R. Northern Division, based largely at Croes Newydd shed. She was the only 0-4-0 tank to be fitted with steam brakes, all others having the handbrake only.

Barnum class 2-4-0 No. 3222 of Wellington shed was at Stafford Road. No. 3222 was the last of the class to be withdrawn on March 5th, 1937.

Armstrong 0-6-0 No. 22 is seen in company with a 43XX 2-6-0 at Oxley. No 22 was officially withdrawn in the following month.

Armstrong 0-6-0 No. 1195 was on shed at Oxley. Built over the years 1866-76 some 72 were still in service at the 1923 grouping. After the Great War the larger number of survivors were to be found in the Wolverhampton Division of the G.W.R. The largest number in any one area were allocated to Ox1ey, the last such being numbers 22, 512, 689, 1094 and 1195. No. 1195 became the final working survivor of the class.

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