LMS Route: Trent Valley Line

LMS Route: Nuneaton to Leamington

Nuneaton Station: lnwrns3791

Ex-LNWR G2A 0-8-0 No 49314, the last of its class allocated to Nuneaton shed, is seen working nearby in the early 1960s. For many years the old 'Super Ds' were associated with Nuneaton shed, in charge of its heavy mineral traffic. They were great favourites of mine with their unique wheezing and puffing that made their laborious wandering so entertaining. Built as LNWR No 894 by Crewe works in July 1918 No 49314 was re-numbered by the LMS in September 1926 as No 9314. In 1937 a Belpaire firebox was supplied, and it was rebuilt from a Class G1 to a G2A class in 1947. Renumbered again by British Railways, as No 49314, this was applied in August 1948. The locomotive came to Nuneaton shed in March 1955 remaining there until seven years later when was transferred to Springs Branch shed in May 1962; but first went to Rugby where it was receiving attention on the 19th May that year. Following a brief stay at Springs Branch it was withdrawn from service in November 1962 and cut up on 19th April 1963. It was notably paired for many years with a tender off a 4-6-0 'Claughton' class LNWR express engine. The last four Super D's in service with British Railways were all withdrawn in December 1964.

Peter Lee

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