GWR Route: Banbury to Wolverhampton

Lapworth Station: gwrl948a

Close up of image 'gwrl948' showing the GWR 0-4-2T Class 517 powered Autotrain with its 'Henley-in-Arden' sign fixed above the centre window. The Autotrain concept was used to eliminate the need to transfer the locomotive from one end of the coach to the other end. This was achieved by a design that allowed the engine driver to sit in a driving compartment at the end of the coach where by he drove the train. The mechanical controls were rods and levers fitted under the train so that the driver could operate the locomotive remotely whilst communication with the fireman was achieved through the use of bells.

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