Between 1956 and 1971, London Transport operated 13 GWR-design 0–6–0PTs. Painted in LT’s distinctive maroon livery, they became the last ‘normal’ steam – if indeed their workings could be described as ‘normal’ – over Britain’s passenger metals. To see steam in the heart of London, even though the workings were mainly at night, was a continued source of fascination for enthusiasts, especially after the end of Southern Region steam in 1967, saw the demise of regular BR steam in the capital.
Thus, when the remaining fleet of LT panniers was withdrawn in 1971 and LT ran a farewell special, it was attended by huge crowds (even in the limited space that LT’s stations offered).
In the course of seven chapters and two appendices (with detailed histories of each locomotive and information about engineering wagons) this excellent book leaves few, if any stones unturned.
Indeed it looks beyond the LT panniers, with one chapter dealing with the GWR’s 0–6–0PT’s origins, and a second covering the motive power used before the panniers arrived, the reasons for their introduction, together with copies of some of the correspondence.
Another chapter is devoted to pictures, by photographers Geoff Plumb, Gordon Wells and Keith Lawrence, while another looks at LT’s Lillie Bridge and Neasden steam sheds, complete with plans.
The human angle is also covered, with memories of those who worked with the panniers (including Steam World contributor Kirk Martin) and rode on their footplates, adding to the atmosphere, plus details of their duties, the final years, farewell special and preservation.
There’s plenty of text, together with engineering drawings and details of alterations for LT work, such as cab roof modifications and trip-cock installation, but this is balanced by a good selection of photographs – many in colour – and a good number of which are previously unpublished. However, for those unfamiliar with the network, a track map showing the area/lines over which the panniers worked would have been helpful.
In all, this is an excellent, well-rounded history, written in a manner that means even those with limited LT knowledge can easily follow, but also incorporating a great amount of detail. ( )