LMS Route: Rugby to Wolverhampton

Hampton in Arden - Locomotives: lnwrhia690

LMS 5XP 4-6-0 Patriot class No 5902 'Sir Frank Ree' is seen at the head of one of the famed two-hour express services that ran between Birmingham and Euston circa 1930. The locomotive when first produced was described as a rebuild of the original LNWR 4-6-0 Claughton class engine and this locomotive retained a number of parts including the original Claughton wheel sets. This was because the costs associated with its construction could be written off in one year rather than capitalised which meant writing the costs off over several years. This accountancy ploy resulted in savings of tax against profits and was a common feature adopted by railway companies including the LMS who repeated this tactic when the Royal Scots were rebuilt. Built at Crewe works in May 1913 it ran as a Claughton until November 1930 when it was withdrawn to be built as a Patriot class at Derby works. It was officially out-shopped as a Patriot in November 1930 and was later renumbered by the LMS as No 5501. At sometime it also had its name changed to St Dunstan's and ran in service until it was withdrawn in September 1961 from Upperby shed in Carlisle to be scrapped immediately by Crewe works.

back