LMS Route: Rugby to Tamworth

Polesworth Station: lnwr_pol4437

An unidentified ex-LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 4F locomotive heads a three-coach local stopping service into Polesworth circa 1949. In all probability the locomotive was built under British Railways ownership as only the first three of a class of one hundred and sixty-two were built by the LMS. Primarily designed for medium freight work this class of locomotive was, as seen above, also widely used on secondary passenger services. The LMS' Horwich works built seventy-five members of the class, including the first three LMS locomotives, whilst the former LNER works at Doncaster and Darlington built the remainder, fifty and thirty-seven respectively between 1947 and 1952. The design was noted for its American looks – the running-plates were positioned at a high level and a gap left ahead of the cylinders to aid access for easier maintenance.

Because of this many locomotive enthusiasts considered it to be the ugliest British locomotive produced, especially the first 50 engines which were outshopped with double chimneys. However, the double chimney wasn't a success and were quickly replaced by a single chimneys. The class was also sometimes called mucky ducks or doodlebugs or even flying pigs. The locomotives also incorporated new mechanical features intended to reduce maintenance costs. The utilitarian appearance was a deliberate design decision as there are sketches which show the locomotive with conventional curved running plates. Post-war locomotive design was very influenced by the USA 2-8-0 and 2-10-0 locomotives which had been utilised in the UK before moving to Europe after D Day.

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