GWR Route: North Warwickshire Line

Earlswood Lakes Station: gwrel2870

British Railways built 2-6-2T 41xx Class No 4170 arrives at Earlswood Lakes with an up local passenger service for Moor Street in April 1957. Next to the water crane is a 'fire devil' or brazier which was lit during very cold periods in order to keep the water from freezing. Also in view is the inverted funnel within which the 'bag' was placed in order to catch the drips after use. The chain was used to secure the crane's arm in order to ensure it did not swing out and foul the line when not in use. The grill through which the funnel passes was also to help provide drainage when the 'bag' was being returned to the inverted funnel. The 41xx Class of locomotive was also known as a 'Large Prairie' and many, including No 4170, were rebuilt from an earlier 31xx Class of locomotive. No 4170 was rebuilt as such at Swindon in October 1949 and remained in service until September 1960 when it was withdrawn from 2A Tyseley shed to be scrapped at Swindon works.

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