LMS Route: Trent Valley Line

Shilton Station: lnwr_shil2392

Three LNWR locomotives are seen at the head of a goods train approaching Shilton station circa 1922. The three unidentified locomotives are led by a 2-8-0 'E' Class locomotive, followed by an 0-8-0 locomotive with a 0-6-0 'Coal Engine' at the rear of this substantial motive power. It is extremely doubtful that the load warranted this number of locomotives, Its most probable that one or more locomotives have been attached simply to allow their passage without taking up any valuable paths (time slots) on a busy route.

Philip Millard writes 'Definitely not due to the weight of the train which seems to be rather short - say 25-30 wagons. The Coal Engine would be able to haul this unaided, especially as Northbound the coal wagons would be empty. Most likely explanation is the saving of paths, or perhaps because one engine has become disabled. Perhaps both explanations! But the train is such that only one engine would be need to haul both the wagons and another (disabled) engine. My best guess - engineering work/single line working at some location on a Sunday required as many paths as possible to be saved, so engines working back to their home sheds (perhaps Nuneaton) would be attached to trains. The train is running on the Down Main line with the distant signal for Shilton No 2 cabin off. The train is not being turned into the Down Goods Loop which may suggest a Sunday with few other trains about. A somewhat rare but not unique occurrence (I have seen a couple of BR-period photos with three locomotives).

An original photograph by Henry L Salmon

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