GWR Route: North Warwickshire Line

GWR Route: Hatton to Stratford on Avon

Wilmcote Station: gwrwil656

Ex-GWR 0-4-2T 58xx class No 5815 is descending Wilmcote Bank with the two-coach 5:48pm Leamington to Stratford on Avon local passenger service on 15th June 1957. Built at Swindon works to Lot 279 in August 1933 No 5815 was to remain in service until April 1961 when it was officially withdrawn from 82C Swindon shed to be scrapped in June 1964 by G Cohen of Morriston. Robert Ferris writes, 'The 14xx class (which was previously the 48xx class) were virtually identical to the 58xx class, the only difference was that 58xx class locomotives were not fitted with the auto-gear that enabled them to operate auto-trains. Essentially they were designed as light weight goods or shunting locos, but following the closure of branches they were redeployed onto passenger duties, although without the auto-gear they were not ideal for this and many were placed in storage.

The above locomotive, No 5815, was predominately allocated to either Leominster and Worcester sheds during the Great Western Railway era, with a couple of spells at Kington (in 1934-5 and again in 1937-8). Between 10th August and 16th September 1938 No 5815 was fitted with ATC during a General Repair and Boiler Change at Swindon Works. In BR days No 5815 remained sheded at Worcester and was only allocated to Leamington in April 1957 followed by Banbury in February 1958, but the locomotive then returned to Swindon in April 1958 and remained there until withdrawn on 27th April 1961 having travelled 637,989 miles. It was sold to G Cohen on 2nd July 1964.'

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