LMS Route: Nuneaton to Birmingham New Street
LMS Route: Birmingham New Street to Tamworth

Saltley Shed

The original Saltley Shed was first erected in 1854 to the south and on the opposite side of the Derby to Birmingham line to the shed seen below. According to Chris Hawkins & George Reeve in the second volume of LMS Engine Sheds - The Midland Railway, the Midland Railway drew up plans for "a 'Round Engine Shed', with stores, smithy and three road fitting shop at the rear, the building having twenty-four roads grouped around a 39 foot turntable". They recount, "problems arose almost immediately, and the shed was ordered 'to be repaired at a cost of £5 due to the incompetence of a driver running his engine through the wall. He has been ordered to repay the money". A 42 foot turntable was later added outside in the yard and although the 'Round Engine Shed' was in 1864 given an extensive refit, the Midland Railway must have realised the limitations of the site as they began to search for another location the same year.

The new 'Square' Roundhouse was opened in 1868 on the site seen in the images below although according to Hawkins & Reeves, "the old depot, particularly its fitting shop, remained in use for several years". A second square roundhouse, No 2 shed, was erected in 1876 alongside what was now designated No 1 shed and an eight road fitting shop was added to the rear of No 1 shed. The new shed was intended to accommodate a 42 foot turntable but the diameter was subsequently enlarged to a 46 foot turntable. Hawkins & Reeves state that the opening of the new fitting shop in 1877 resulted in the "final abandonment of the old 'Round Shed' and the transfer of remaining usable equipment (valued at £431) to the new depot was completed on the year".

In 1900 Saltley shed was again extended with the addition of a third roundhouse, No 3 shed, which was built in front of the original 1868 roundhouse, now designated No 1 shed. Larger than its predecessors, it contained a 60 foot turntable purchased from Messrs Eastwood for £1057. 15s. 10d (1,057 pounds, 15 shillings and 10 pence or £1057.79 in decimal currency). This was larger than the 50 foot turntable first envisaged when the extension was first mooted in 1894. Hawkins & Reeves state that this "brought Midland developments at Saltley to a close" and in March 1900 the old abandoned 'Round Engine Shed' was ordered to be removed 'at once'. In 1876, with the opening opening of No 2 roundhouse and an allocation of 72 locomotives, Saltley shed became the Midland's busiest depot after Derby which was the headquarters of the Midland Railway.

Whilst Saltley shed primarily catered for handling freight traffic there were however some notable express passenger turns, principally the 'Scotch Expresses' to the West of England and fast trains to the East Midlands. Prior to 1870, Sharp Stewart 2-2-2s which were introduced in 1853, worked almost to the exclusion of other types on the Bristol trains. Hawkins & Reeves noted that a number of the locomotives built to the last 2-2-2 design and introduced in 1863 were shedded at Saltley; Nos 94, 97, 98 and 99, specifically for these services. However, by the end of the First World War the majority of Saltley's passenger trips were associated with local passenger services. Ahrons, a notable railway author of the inter war years, was quoted as saying in 1920 "that 'Birmingham' was another centre for tank engines", referring to the 0-4-4Ts working the suburban services to Kings Norton, Redditch and Walsall.

By 1933 these services had become the domain of the Deeley 0-6-4Ts, with nearly half of the class allocated to Saltley shed. Saltley shed was coded No 3 by the Midland, more commonly referred to as 'Birmingham'. The LMS' 1935 reorganisation saw Saltley's shed code changed to 21A, the code most familiar to railway enthusiasts until September 1963 when British Railways re-coded Saltley as 2E for the last four years of its life as a steam depot. In Midland days, Bournville, Walsall and Redditch were sub-sheds of Saltley. Following grouping in 1923, Walsall shed closed in September 1925, Bournville became a garage in 1935 with Redditch being the only survivor as a sub-shed until it closed in the 1960s. With grouping in 1923 the LMS did however add the Stratford Midland & Junction Raliways' Stratford upon Avon shed to Saltley's authority although this too was subsequently designated as a garage from 1935 until its closure in 1957.

Ray Sharratt writes, 'I would like to add a few comments concerning GWR engines on Saltley mpd as seen in image 'mrsalt1267'. I was a fireman at Saltley from March 1963 to February, 1964. I was initially posted to the Leicester link and this also included workings, other than to Leicester. In particular, we worked a regular early evening fitted goods from Washwood Heath to Severn Tunnel junction as far as Gloucester. We always had a GWR engine from Cardiff Canton mpd and it included Hall, Modified Hall and Grange class locomotives. On one occasion I fired 92220, Evening Star, on the working. I also worked one goods train form Gloucester to Washwood Heath with a GWR 2-8-0. So you can see, that GWR engines were regularly on Saltley mpd and at that time I did keep a record of those locomotives that I fired'.

The table below records the GWR locomotives seen by Ray at Saltley shed.

Bob Pixton writes in Part One in his book 'Birmingham-Bristol. Portrait of a Famous Midland Route: Birmingham to Cheltenham' Engines from Saltley always had lots of work on the Birmingham-Bristol line. Midland and LMS 0-6-0s were the mainstay of the allocation. Saltley's 'Big Goods', the 4Fs, were seemingly ever-present at Bristol Barrow Road and Gloucester Barnwood depots or anywhere along the line. Passengers, parcels, fitted freights, loose-coupled coal trains - Saltley engines worked them all. When the Western Region tried to banish steam on its lines, Saltley engines, by now shed-coded 2E, would appear in Gloucester and Bristol to thwart those aspirations, before returning whence they came, sometimes in a string of five locos coupled together.

Saltley People

Ref: mrsalt1603 D Barrow LMS Ambulance volunteers, drawn from Saltley Shed's Stores, pose for the camera circa 1947

Ref: mrsalt1602 D Barrow Some of Saltley shed's breakdown crew take a breather whilst getting ready to address another incident

Ref: mrsalt1595 D Barrow Members of Saltley Shed's breakdown gang enjoy a game of cards on their way to a breakdown date unknown

Ref: mrsalt1608 D Barrow Saltley shed's breakdown crew pose for a photograph on a bridge somewhere in the adjacent countryside

Ref: mrsalt1609 D Barrow 'Uncle Bert', the fireman on the right, poses on ex-LMS 4-6-0 No 46148 'The Manchester Regiment'

Ref: sidney_george_pearson H_Pearson Sidney George Pearson who was a cleaner, later fireman and driver based at Saltley from around 1925 to 1972

Ref: mrsalt1589 P O'Brien A teenager looks from the cab of condemned ex-LMS 8F No 48690 some 3 months after Saltley shed had closed

Ref: mrsalt1623 J Griffiths John Griffiths stands besides BR built 2-6-0 4MT No 43049's valve gear and guide bar support in 1961

Ref: mrsalt1629 J Griffiths John Griffiths sits at the controls of BR built 2-6-0 4MT No 43049, one of 21a Saltley shed's 'Moguls' in 1961

Ref: mrsalt1626 J Griffiths Bristol Barrow Road Driver Gordon Evans stands at the entrance to Saltley Lodging House in 1964

Ref: mrsalt1956 T Bennett Portrait of George Price, an engineman based at Saltley until his retirement in the mid-1970s

Ref: mrsalt1969 T Bennett A copy of a British Railways Saltley shed's fireman's weekly payslip dated 28th July 1962

General views of Saltley Shed

Ref: mrsalt110 W Potter Saltley shed with the coaling tower on the left, the Ash Plant in front, No 2 & No 3 sheds on the right

Ref: mrsalt110a W Potter Close up of Saltley No 3 Shed with one access road through to the 60 foot turntable and on the right the Sand House

Ref: mrsalt110c W Potter Close up Saltley shed's newl mechanical coaling tower and ash disposal plant with several open wagons standing

Ref: mrsalt655 Photomatic View of Saltley's No 3 shed in 1959 following the extensive rebuilding of all roundhouses with new walls and roof

Ref: mrsalt657 DJ Norton Saltley shed in 1961 with the mechanical coaling plant and ash plant on the left and No 3 shed on the right

Ref: mrsalt106 W Potter Saltley's coaling plant with a wide range of different railway company wagons and a wagon being tipped

Ref: mrsalt106a W Potter Close up of the wagon being raised on the hoist with chains in place to secure the wagon for when it was rotated

Ref: mrsalt106b W Potter Close up view of the bottom of Saltley shed's coaling plant with the discharge chutes above the white control cabin

Ref: mrsalt80 British Railways Saltley shed's new staff block on the right and the offices and locker rooms with tank on top, in the distance

Ref: mrsalt69 British Railways Another view of the shed's new staff accommodation on the right and the locker rooms and offices on the left

Ref: mrsalt113 TG Wassell An early 1950s view of the war damaged corner to No 3 roundhouse showing a variety of ex-LMS goods locomotives

Ref: mrsalt113a TG Wassell Close up of the corner of the shed's war-damaged No 3 roundhouse and the wagons stored on the siding

Ref: mrsalt113b TG Wassell Another close up of the corner of No 3 roundhouse with views of firebricks being unloaded from an open wagon

Ref: mrsalt103 WL Good Ex-MR 3P 4-4-0 No 711 is alongside Saltley shed's original coaling stage with the fireman taking on water

Ref: mrsalt103a WL Good Close up showing the labour intensive method of coaling by hand prior to mechanical coaling plants

Ref: mrsalt1606 D Barrow A crawler crane loads coal from Saltley shed's coal stack into 'Loco' wagons to be taken to the Coaling Tower

Ref: mrsalt979 RHG Simpson View of Saltley shed's 1930s mechanised coaling plant and servicing area being used by a number of LMS locomotives

Ref: mrsalt979a RHG Simpson Close up showing LMS 4P 4-4-0 No 1078 after it had been coaled and now stands ready to take on water

Ref: mrsalt1275 A Pratt A general view showing the old and new servicing and locomotive disposal facilities at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1254 A Pratt View of Saltley shed's mechanical ash handling plant used to speed up the servicing of locomotives

Ref: mrsalt1587 P Waterfield BR Standard Class 4MT 4-6-0 No 75000 stands with a couple of ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 locomotives on 31st July 1967

Ref: mrsalt1274 A Pratt A general external view looking towards Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse with locomotives stabled outside

Ref: mrsalt99a HC Casserley Close up of railwaymen looking on as the shed's breakdown crane is employed by No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt102a WL Good Close up of No 715's fireman topping up the locomotive's tender after preparing the locomotive to go off shed

Ref: mrsalt1261a T Essery Close up illustrating some of the locomotive maintenance work undertaken by fitters at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1258 A Pratt A row of Shell BP Gas Oil tank wagons used to transport the fuel to operate Saltley shed's diesel locomotives

Ref: mrsalt1260 A Pratt A firing shovel now redundant at Saltley shed following the withdrawal of steam power at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1619 B Hughes A July 1969 view of Saltley's Coaling Station just prior to demolition with sections of track lifted in the foreground

Ref: mrsalt1585 Bing A 2012 satellite view of Saltley shed, the line between Washwood Heath and Camp Hill & the main to Euston line

Ref: mrsalt1594 P Shoesmith An ex-LMS 4F 0-6-0 locomotive, running tender first, starts the climb towards St Andrews Junction

Ref: mrsalt1962 T Bennett A panoramic view of Saltley shed, with its coaling tower on the left and motive power on the right in May 1962

Ref: mrsalt1630 English Heritage Aerial photograph of the Saltley area with Saltley LMS steam engine shed and the new coaling tower

Inside Saltley Shed

Ref: mrsalt431 LGRP An 1868 internal view of Saltley shed's new No 2 roundhouses with the turntable in the foreground

Ref: mrsalt431a LGRP Close up of the Sharp Stewart locomotives and the hand operated capstan for turning the turntable on the left

Ref: mrsalt431b LGRP Close up showing the connecting road from No 2 shed to No 1 shed with two locomotives

Ref: mrsalt431c LGRP Close up of the right-hand side of the shed with a number of 2-2-2 locomotives standing around the turntable

Ref: mrsalt435 RS Carpenter MR 2F 0-6-0 No 697, a member of Kirtley's 700 class, inside Saltley shed under repair with buffers removed

Ref: mrsalt51 WL Good LMS 4F 0-6-0 No 4198 is seen on Friday 9th September 1932 standing in the fitting shop minus its tender

Ref: mrsalt51a WL Good Close up of the truck in the the fitting shop a portent of the future as the fitting shop was to maintain road lorries

Ref: mrsalt93 WL Good View of an ex-L&Y 3F 0-6-0 No 12111 on Saturday 24th September 1932 inside one of Saltley shed's roundhouses

Ref: mrsalt664 DJ Norton Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48271 stands inside one of the roundhouses with steam escaping on 2nd April 1950

Ref: mrsalt665 DJ Norton Ex-LMS 4Ps inside of one of Saltley shed's roundhouses coaled and watered for its next trip

Ref: mrsalt660 DJ Norton BR 9F 2-10-0 No 92066 in company with ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0s No 44775 and No 45440 inside Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt437 J Moss/RS Carpenter View from the turntable of one of Saltley's roundhouses looking towards the other roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt436 R Shenton An internal view of one of the sheds with an array of locomotives standing on the roads around the turntable

Ref: mrsalt654 Anon Ex-LMS 4P 4-4-0 Compound No 41180 together with a trio of former LMS 2-8-0 Stanier 8Fs are seen in steam

Ref: mrsalt653 IJ Hodson A BR 'Crosti' 2-10-0 and No 92024 with ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48339 inside one of the roundhouses

Ref: mrsalt652 IJ Hodson Two ex-LMS 8Fs, a BR Standard 9F and an ex-LMS Black 5 on show around the turntable

Ref: mrsalt438 J Moss/RS Carpenter Saltley shed with four ex-MR 3F 0-6-0s and an ex-MR 4F 0-6-0 standing around Saltley shed's turntable

Ref: mrsalt438a J Moss/RS Carpenter Close up of the four former MR locomotives on the right together with the electrically powered turntable controls

Ref: mrsalt975 RHG Simpson Ex-LMS 4P 4-4-0 Compound No M935 and ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 5274 are seen stabled inside the shed

Ref: mrsalt976 RHG Simpson Ex-LMS 3P 2-6-2T No 171 is seen in March 1948 inside the shed shortly after being transferred from Kentish Town

Ref: mrsalt977 M Mensing BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 No 92138 and BR built 5MT 4-6-0 No 44691 stand around one of the roundhouses

Ref: mrsalt978 M Mensing BR Standard 5MT 4-6-0 No 73069 is being repaired by one of Saltley's fitters on 22nd November 1964

Ref: mrsalt989 DK Morris Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 44776 fills the shed with steam as BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 No 92138 is being prepared

Ref: mrsalt1209 A Pratt Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 44965 and BR Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92164 stand around Saltley shed's No 3 shed turntable

Ref: mrsalt1210 A Pratt British Railways Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92155 stands 'cold and serviced' around No 3 shed's turntable

Ref: mrsalt1212 A Pratt BR Standard Class Crosti-boilered 9F 2-10-0 No 92029 is wreathed in steam as it departs No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1216 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48525 and class mate No 48538 stand opposite two other 8F locomotives

Ref: mrsalt1221 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48669 stands coaled and watered and in steam inside Saltley's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1218 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48385 is seen blowing off steam inside No 3 roundhouse at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1253 A Pratt Ex-LNER B1 class 4-6-0 No 61161 stands inside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse ready for its next trip

Ref: mrsalt1226 A Pratt Another view of BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92029 standing around No 3 roundhouse's turntable

Ref: mrsalt1231 A Pratt BR Standard Class 9F locomotives are seen through the window of Saltley shed's No 3 roofless roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1232 A Pratt BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92104 and No 92204 stand around the turntable of Saltley's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1233 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48085 raises steam inside No 3 roundhouse alongside BR Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92136

Ref: mrsalt1235 A Pratt BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92087 eases on to the turntable inside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1236 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48376 can be seen being turned inside of Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1237 A Pratt British Railways Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92243 raises steam inside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1239 A Pratt BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92204 is seen broadside on within the realms of Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1240 A Pratt Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45253 stands inside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse apparently undergoing maintenance

Ref: mrsalt1244 A Pratt Ex-GWR 57xx class 0-6-0PT No 3607 is seen standing inside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1224 A Pratt British Railways 'Crosti-boilered' 9F 2-10-0 No 92028 stands inside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1257 A Pratt An unidentified BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 stands over an inspection pit inside Saltley No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1259 A Pratt A full house inside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse with all the roads around the turntable being full

Ref: mrsalt1261 T Essery Ex-Midland Railway 2F 0-6-0 No 3311 stands inside one of Saltley shed's three roundhouses

Ref: mrsalt1265 A Pratt Ex-LMS 4F 0-6-0 No 44057 is seen with wisps of steam escaping inside Saltley shed's No 2 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1273 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48529 and No 48538 stand around the turntable inside Saltley's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1276 A Pratt British Railways and ex-LMS locomotives are seen around the turntable of Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1277 R Postill BR Standard and ex-LMS locomotives, including 5MT 4-6-0 No 44965, stand inside one of the roundhouses

Ref: mrsalt1582 P Sankey Ex-LMS 4P 4-4-0 No 41140 stands inside the roofless part of Saltley shed on 27th February 1955

Ref: mrsalt1586 P Shoesmith British Railways Standard Class 4 4-6-0 No 75004 is seen standing inside Saltley shed on 13th March 1956

Ref: mrsalt1600 P Shoesmith BR 'Britannia Class' 4-6-2 No 70047 is without its left hand connecting rod inside Saltley shed on 13th March 1966

Ref: mrsalt1601 J Fincham Ex-LMS 4F 0-6-0 No 44180 inside Saltley No 2 Shed as an unidentified BR Standard 4-6-0 enters the shed

Ref: mrsalt1612 P Shoesmith Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48629 and No 48725 stand with BRCW Type 2 D7570 on 28th November 1965

Ref: mrsalt1610 Anon Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48755 stands around the turntable with other Stanier 2-8-0s and 4-6-0s locomotives in 1966

Ref: mrsalt1613 R Riviter General view inside Saltley No 3 roundhouse with three BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 locomotives on view

Ref: mrsalt1591 P Shoesmith Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 44825 stands inside a smokey Saltley roundhouse on 28th November 1965

Locomotives seen at Saltley Shed

LMS Period (January 1923 to December 1947)

Ref: mrsalt73 WL Good Ex-MR 0-6-4T 'Flatiron' No 2035 is seen stabled on the road alongside Saltley sheds No 1 and No 3 roundhouses

Ref: mrsalt74 LGRP Ex-MR 0-6-4T 'Flatiron' No 2000 is stabled in company with other locomotives fully coaled and watered

Ref: mrsalt75 LGRP Ex-MR 0-6-4T 'Flatiron' No 2003 with coaled piled high on the bunker with boarding used to retain the coal

Ref: mrsalt77 LGRP Ex-MR 3P 0-6-4T 'Flatiron' No 2029 stands in line on one of Saltley shed's stabling roads outside No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt78 WL Good Ex-MR 3P 0-6-4T 'Flatiron' No 2014 stands outside No 3 roundhouse on a stabling road

Ref: mrsalt79 WL Good Ex-MR 3P 0-6-4T 'Flatiron' No 2026 alongside the shed with its lamp position in the centre on the bufferbeam

Ref: mrsalt71 WL Good Ex-MR 3P 'Flatiron' No 2018 is seen during its disposal as is evident by the fire iron leaning against the cab

Ref: mrsalt81 Anon Ex-MR 1F 0-6-0T No 1879 on the outer of the two roads that were adjacent to Saltley's No 3 and No 1 roundhouses

Ref: mrsalt84 L Hanson Ex-London Tilbury & Southend Railway 2P 4-4-2T No 2105 'Charing Cross' stands on one of Saltley shed's roads

Ref: mrsalt85 WL Good Ex-MR 1F 0-6-0T No 1856 is having a respite between duties during its shunting of dead engines at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt88 WL Good Ex-MR 1F 0-6-0 No 1777, with its original boiler fittings, standing 'cold' on one of Saltley shed's stabling roads

Ref: mrsalt90 WL Good Ex-MR 1P 0-4-4T No 1348 is stands in front of No 3 roundhouse next to one of Saltley's many coal stacks

Ref: mrsalt107 AW Flowers LMS 4MT 2-6-4T No 2685 stands in steam alongside Saltley's water tower adjacent to No 2 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt83 WL Good LMS 4MT 2-6-4T No 2435 just outshopped new from Crewe and looks resplendent in its unlined black livery

Ref: mrsalt68 G Coltas The roads in front of No 3 roundhouse showing the many locomotives made ready for their next trip

Ref: mrsalt111 G Coltas Another view taken from Saltley shed's original coaling stage of the rows of locomotives made ready

Ref: mrsalt92 WL Good Ex-MR Kirtley 2F 0-6-0 No 22853 is standing alongside the war-damaged corner of No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt82 WL Good Ex-MR 1F 0-6-0 No 2623 stands at the front of other class members alongside Saltley No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt50 WL Good Ex-MR 0-6-0 No 2928 stands on one of the stabling roads outside Saltley's No 3 and No 1 roundhouses

Ref: mrsalt434 WL Good Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0s No 3063 and No 2978, both members of MR's 1357 class, are seen being stored

Ref: mrsalt56 WL Good LMS 4F 0-6-0 No 4166 is seen standing near to Saltley's water tank with smoke pouring from the chimney

Ref: mrsalt54 WL Good Ex-MR 3F 0-6-0 No 3435 stands along side Saltley's No 3 shed with the letters LMS nearly obscured

Ref: mrsalt55 L Hanson Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 3677 stands alongside the rear of the weighing office in front of Saltley No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt105 WL Good Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 22818 is seen buffered up to the stops on one of Saltley shed's stabling roads

Ref: mrsalt620 RJ Essery LMS 3F 0-6-0 No 3624 stands on shed with the notice 'Wait Orders' chalked on the bufferbeam

Ref: mrsalt104 WL Good Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 22834, a Kirtley locomotive, with its number crudely painted on the smokebox door

Ref: mrsalt62 WL Good Ex-L&Y 3F 0-6-0 No 12126 is seen on one of Saltley shed's disposal roads outside No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt63 L Hanson Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 22983 at the corner of the shed's No 3 roundhouse with steam drifting from its safety valves

Ref: mrsalt86 WL Good Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 2994 stands in front of No 3 roundhouse fully prepared for its next turn of duties

Ref: mrsalt91 WL Good Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 58231 waits for its next trip on one of the shed's stabling roads by No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt89 WL Good Ex-MR 3F 0-6-0 No 3520 is seen leaving Saltley shed ready for a class J trip on 2nd July 1938

Ref: mrsalt94 WL Good Ex-L&Y 3F 0-6-0 No 12114 is seen standing with the Saltley's Sand Drier Plant in the background

Ref: mrsalt95 WL Good Ex-MR 3F 0-6-0 No 3767 stands on the stabling roads outside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt659 DJ Norton Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 22853 stands adjacent to the war damaged corner of Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt98 LGRP Ex-MR 2P 4-4-0 No 486 stands in line on one of the roads in front of Saltley's Sand Drying Plant

Ref: mrsalt99 HC Casserley LMS 2P 4-4-0 No 699 stands with ex-LNWR 0-8-0 'Super 'D' No 9378 with ex-MR 3F 0-6-0 No 3321 behind its tender

Ref: mrsalt53 WL Good Ex-MR 2P 4-4-0 No 486 leaves Saltley's yard with its lamps set for a Class D freight express trip

Ref: mrsalt115 WL Good Ex-MR 4P 4-4-0 Compound No 1014 stands next to the Ash Plant as the crew clean the fire

Ref: mrsalt87 WL Good LMS 2P 4-4-0 No 700 leaves Saltley shed's coaling tower and enters the shed after being coaled and watered

Ref: mrsalt100 WL Good Ex-MR 3P 4-4-0 No 710 stands alongside one of the shed's many coal stacks as it prepares to leave the shed

Ref: mrsalt101 WL Good Ex-MR 3P No 712 is seen standing alongside Saltley No 3 roundhouse with the Sand Drying Plant behind

Ref: mrsalt102 WL Good Ex-MR 3P 4-4-0 No 715 is seen with the fireman topping up the tender's tank on 2nd June 1935

Ref: mrsalt97 WL Good Ex-MR 3P 4-4-0 No 745 stands in steam on one of Saltley's stabling roads in front of No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt61 WL Good Ex-LNWR 7F No 8895 is seen stabled with other engines alongside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt70 WL Good LMS 2-6-0 'Crab' No 13063 stands with a classmate in front of Saltley No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt59 WL Good LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 8402 stands 'cold' in line with other engines on the roads outside the shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt52 WL Good LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 8540 stands ahead of LMS 2-6-0 'Crab' No 2764 on one of the roads in front of No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt60 WL Good LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 8647 standing in front of another classmate on one of Saltley's stabling roads

Ref: mrsalt108 WL Good LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 8545 stands alongside Saltley shed's Sand Drying Plant at the corner of No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt57 AW Flowers Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 4813 passes Saltley shed's coaling tower on its way to its next trip still wearing LMS livery

Ref: mrsalt58 WL Good LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 5268 is raising steam whilst standing in line with other engines at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt662 DJ Norton LMS 2-6-0+0-6-2 Garratt No 7978 stands on one of the roads in front of the shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt109 Anon LMS 2-6-0+0-6-2 Garratt No 7994 alongside Saltley shed's coaling tower on its way to one of the 'back roads'

Ref: mrsalt1614 RJ Essery Ex-MR 3F 0-6-0 No 3624 stands alongside Saltley shed's breakdown crane in September 1936

Ref: mrsalt971 L Hanson Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 22983 stands outside Saltley Shed's roundhouses on Saturday 11th September 1937

Ref: mrsalt72 WL Good Ex-MR 0-6-4T 'Flatiron' No 2025, alongside an 0-6-0T 'Jinty', on one of the roads outside No 3 roundhouse

British Railways Period (January 1948 to August 1968)

Ref: mrsalt663 DJ Norton Ex-LMS 2-6-0+0-6-2 Garratt No 47975 stabled with other locomotives on one of the shed's 'back roads'

Ref: mrsalt658 DJ Norton LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 4920 is seen passing alongside Saltley's coaling tower on its way out of the yard

Ref: mrsalt972 KCH Fairey Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 58230 outside one of the roundhouses during rebuilding on Sunday 9th October 1955

Ref: mrsalt973 KCH Fairey Ex-MR 2P 4-4-0 No 511 stands outside Saltley shed with other ex-Midland engines on Sunday 25th July 1948

Ref: mrsalt974 RHG Simpson Ex-MR Kirtley 2F 0-6-0 No 22853, one of Saltley shed's elderly residents, shunts outside the shed during 1948

Ref: mrsalt64 ND Mundy Ex-MR 2P 4-4-0 No 40511 is standing alongside Saltley's coaling plant in front of an ex-LMS 3MT 2-6-2T

Ref: mrsalt65 WL Good BR built 5MT 4-6-0 No 44660 stands in front of No 3 roundhouse fully prepared for its next set of duties

Ref: mrsalt648 J Moss/RS Carpenter Ex-LMS 4-6-0 No 46152 'The Kings Dragoon Guardsman and ex-LMS 4-6-0 No 46160 'Queen Victoria's Riflemen

Ref: mrsalt649 M Newman BR 4MT 4-6-0 No 75023 stands alongside the coaling plant ready for the service to Bristol Temple Meads

Ref: mrsalt66 WL Good Ex-LMS 4F 0-6-0 No 44604 is seen with fitted with one of the experimental high-sided Fowler tenders

Ref: mrsalt987 KCH Fairey Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48538 lies in the shed yard withdrawn from service on Friday 21st April 1967

Ref: mrsalt981 RHG Simpson British Railways built Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 No 43012 has just been serviced in preparation to return home to Barrow shed

Ref: mrsalt982 J Oatway Ex-LMS 2-6-0 'Crab' No 42827 stands fully serviced alongside Saltley shed on Sunday 3rd September 1961

Ref: mrsalt980 RHG Simpson Ex-LMS 4-6-0 5MT No 4811 reverses back into the shed after being coaled and watered during 1948

Ref: mrsalt1280 R Postill Ex-LMS 4F 0-6-0 No 44165 is seen coming off Saltley shed's coaling road on 25th March 1964

Ref: mrsalt1281 R Postill Ex-LMS 4MT 2-6-4T No 42419 is seen standing on Saltley shed's scrap line on 25th March 1964

Ref: mrsalt983 J Oatway Ex-MR 3F 0-6-0 No 43263 in front of Saltley shed on 3rd September 1961 all prepared for the next day's trip

Ref: mrsalt984 NE Preedy Ex-LMS 4F 0-6-0 No 43986 passes a number of 8F locomotives as it moves off shed in the late 1950s

Ref: mrsalt985 J Oatway Ex-LMS 4P 2-6-4T No 42416 stands alongside one of Saltley shed's roundhouse on Sunday 3rd September 1961

Ref: mrsalt986 RHG Simpson Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48185 is being prepared to return to its home shed of Toton during the 1960s

Ref: mrsalt96 WL Good Ex-Midland Railway 3P 4-4-0 No 716 gently simmers alongside one of Saltley shed's roundhouses

Ref: mrsalt1208 A Pratt BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92164 stands at the rear of Saltley Depot's No 3 shed after being withdrawn

Ref: mrsalt1217 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48514 stands at the rear of Saltley's No 3 shed having had its tender topped up

Ref: mrsalt1213 A Pratt BR Standard Class Crosti-boilered 9F 2-10-0 No 92029 runs forward to clear the points outside the shed

Ref: mrsalt1215 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48336 follows an unidentified class member past Saltley's shed's amenities block

Ref: mrsalt1219 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48376 having been coaled stands over the ashpit having its firebox emptied of ash

Ref: mrsalt1222 A Pratt Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45260 and BR Standard Class 4MT 2-6-0 No 76088 stand in the yard ready for their next turn

Ref: mrsalt1223 A Pratt Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45051 stands next to Saltley shed's coaling plant as standby engine for New Street station

Ref: mrsalt1220 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48336 stands in line ready to depart Saltley shed's yard for its next turn of work

Ref: mrsalt1229 A Pratt Ex-LMS 8P 4-6-0 No 46235 'City of Birmingham' outside Saltley shed's amenities block prior to being moved

Ref: mrsalt1230 A Pratt Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45697 'Achilles' is seen topping up her tender with water at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1241 A Pratt Ex-LMS 4MT 2-6-4T No 42436 stands cold and in line at the rear of Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1242 A Pratt British Railways built 2MT 2-6-0 No 46454 stands outside No 3 roundhouse in a very dirty condition

Ref: mrsalt1243 A Pratt British Railways built 2MT 2-6-0 No 46526 stands withdrawn on Canal Road at the rear of Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1251 A Pratt British Railways Standard Class 7P 'Britannia class' No 70047 is seen standing in front of No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1255 A Pratt Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 'Jubilee class' No 45593 'Kolaphur' is seen taking on water at the entrance to Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1256 A Pratt British Railways built Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No 46429 is seen standing on the scrapline of Saltley Shed

Ref: mrsalt1262 A Pratt British Railways built Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 No 43108 receives a final oiling by its fireman before it sets off to work

Ref: mrsalt1263 A Pratt Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45308 moves forward from beneath Saltley shed's coaling plant after being coaled

Ref: mrsalt1264 A Pratt Ex-LMS 4F 0-6-0 No 44226 is seen standing on the scrap line at the rear of Saltley shed adjacent to the canal

Ref: mrsalt1266 A Pratt British Railways built 2MT 2-6-0 No 46443 stands in line on the disposal road at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1267 A Pratt Ex-GWR Hall class 4-6-0 No 4962 'Ragley Hall' stops in order to be prepared for work at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1270 A Pratt British Railways built B1 4-6-0 No 61289 is seen gently simmering outside Saltley shed's amenities block

Ref: mrsalt1272 A Pratt Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45593 'Kolaphur', a Jubilee class locomotive, is taking on water at Saltley en route to Tyseley

Ref: mrsalt1278 R Postill BR Standard Class 4MT 2-6-0 No 76088 gently simmers whilst standing in front of Saltley's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1617 C Verrall BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92206 stands on one of the roads in front of Saltley shed on 27th October 1961

Ref: mrsalt1618 Anon Ex-MR 3F 0-6-0 No 43687 is seen stored with other redundant locomotives at Saltley shed on 29th July 1962

Ref: mrsalt1583 P Sankey Ex-MR 2F 0-6-0 No 58230, fully coaled and watered, stands outside Saltley shed in June 1955

Ref: mrsalt1584 R Smith British Railways Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92167 stands outside Saltley Shed on 5th February 1961

Ref: mrsalt1588 D Dallam BR 7MT 4-6-2 No 70046 'Anzac', a Britannia Class locomotive, stands outside Saltley shed on 4th April 1965

Ref: mrsalt1598 H Lllewellyn Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48538 outside Saltley shed on 3rd March 1967 having been withdrawn the same month

Ref: mrsalt1607 P O'Brien Another view of ex-LMS 'Stanier' 8F 2-8-0 No 48538 after its withdrawal from Saltley shed ready to be scrapped

Ref: mrsalt1597 H Lllewellyn Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 44837 stands outside Saltley shed looking in poor condition on 3rd March 1967

Ref: mrsalt1279 R Postill BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No 92134 stands on the road leading into Saltley shed on 25th March 1964

Ref: mrsalt1593 D Taggart Ex-LMS 2-6-4T No 42436 is seen standing out of service alongside Saltley shed's rear wall in 1966

Ref: mrsalt1957 T Bennett Ex MR 0-6-0 No 43242 and eight sister locomotives, standing on what had been the Saltley coal roads

Ref: mrsalt1958 T Bennett BR built 4-6-0 No 44748 is seen standing in line with other classes outside Saltley No 3 shed in May 1962

Ref: mrsalt1959 T Bennett Ex-LMS 2-6-4T No 42421, standing in front of the offices and staff amenities block of Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1961 T Bennett A broadside view of ex LMS 2-6-4T No 42421, standing in front of the offices, with water tank above, at Saltley shed

Ref: mrsalt1960 T Bennett Ex LMS 2-6-0 No 42823, is seen standing on the back roads behind Saltley No 3 shed in March 1962

Ref: mrsalt1965 T Bennett Ex-LMS 4-6-0 6P 46132 'The Kings Regiment Liverpool' stands outside Saltley No 3 shed in May 1962

Ref: mrsalt1966 T Bennett A head-on view of ex-LMS 4-6-0 6P 46132 'The Kings Regiment Liverpool' outside Saltley shed in May 1962

Ref: mrsalt1967 T Bennett Ex-MR 3F 0-6-0 No 43668 stands with eight other locomotives on what had been the Saltley coal roads

Ref: mrsalt1968 T Bennett Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45614 'Leeward Islands' stands on the back roads behind Saltley No 3 shed in May 1962

Ref: mrsalt1590 D Dallam British Railways built 2MT 2-6-0 No 46509 stands alongside Saltley Shed on 4th April 1965

Ref: mrsalt1625 Richard Ex-MR 0-6-0 3F 43246, with LMS still displayed on its tender, stands outside Saltley shed in 1949

Ref: mrsalt1628 K Partlow Ex-LMS 5F6P 'Crab' 2-6-0 No 42823 raises steam as it stands ready to leave Saltley shed on 26th March 1956

Diesel Dawn

Ref: mrsalt1627 J Law Looking towards Saltley shed with the new diesel accommodation on the right and a snow plough on the left

Ref: mrsalt114 R Shenton LMS 0-6-0 Diesel shunters, Nos 7126 and 7128, are adjacent to Saltley shed's water tank located next to No 2 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt661 DJ Norton A line of BR and LMS 0-6-0 Diesel shunters are seen standing adjacent to the entrance of Saltley shed's No 2 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt988 KCH Fairey LMS 0-6-0 Diesel Shunters No 7127, No 7129, No 7128 and No 7130 are stabled at Saltley on Sunday 25th July 1948

Ref: mrsalt1581 J Turner A general view of Saltley MPD Yard with a variety of Sulzer power units only in view 17th July 1968

Ref: mrsalt1592 Curly42 British Railways Type 1 Bo-Bo D8111 stands outside of Saltley shed during the summer of 1969

Ref: mrsalt1246 A Pratt British Railways Western Region Hymek D7051 is seen standing alongside Saltley shed's amenities block

Ref: mrsalt1247 A Pratt BR Type 4 Diesel locomotives D1660 'City of Truro' and D1730 are seen standing in front of No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1248 A Pratt British Railways Type 4 Diesel locomotives D1643 and D1751 are seen standing at the rear of No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1249 A Pratt BR Type 4 D1678 with dual green livery and yellow end panels stands outside Saltley's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1250 A Pratt British Railways Type 4 D1584 is seen standing in front of Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ref: mrsalt1596 Curley42 British Railways Sulzer Type 4 diesel locomotive D66 stands beneath Saltley shed's coaling plant in late 1966

Ref: mrsalt1611 Curly42 British Railways' English Electric Type 3 Co-Co D6811 stands beneath Saltley shed's coaling tower in 1968

Ref: mrsalt1599 JG Turner A pair of Brush Traction Co-Co locomotives, D1108 and D1516, create a lot of clag over Saltley on 17th July 1968

Ref: mrsalt1615 C Verrall BR 'Sulzer Type 4' diesel-electric 1Co-Co1 D31 is seen being prepared for another trip on 27th October 1961

Ref: mrsalt1616 B Hughes BR Type 4 Co-Co D1709 stands outside Saltley shed in July 1969 as track is being lifted in the background

Ref: mrsalt1225 A Pratt English Electric Type 3 D6888 stands fresh from the works outside Saltley shed's No 3 roundhouse

Ordnance Survey Maps and Schematic Diagrams

Ref: mrsalt666 Courtesy Irwell Press Saltley shed's No 3 Roundhouse which was opened in 1900 and shows the different lengths of roads

Ref: mrsalt656 Courtesy Irwell Press General layout of Saltley shed with the main line to Derby at the top and the three different sheds to the right

Ref: mrsalt656a Courtesy Irwell Press Close up of the access roads from the main Derby to Birmingham line and the stores and offices

Ref: mrsalt656b Courtesy Irwell Press Close up showing the main access and departure roads to the shed and the mechanical coaling and ash plant

Ref: mrsalt656c Courtesy Irwell Press Close up showing Saltley Engine shed No 1 and No 2 which were located to the rear of No 3 shed

Ref: mrsalt1633 National Library of Scotland An 1887 Ordnance Survey Map showing the former MR Wagon Works and part of Saltley Shed

Ref: mrsalt1634 National Library of Scotland An 1886 Ordnance Survey Map showing part of Saltley Shed and Saltley Gas Works and sidings

Ref: mrsalt1635 National Library of Scotland A 1903 Ordnance Survey Map showing the former MR Wagon Works and part of Saltley Shed

Ref: mrsalt1636 National Library of Scotland A 1902 Ordnance Survey Map showing part of Saltley Shed and Saltley Gas Works and sidings

Ref: mrsalt1632 National Library of Scotland A 1913 Ordnance Survey Map showing Saltley Shed's original MR Coaling Shed and sidings

Recording Locomotive Sightings 1943 - 1968

The following information is provided courtesy of Shed Bash UK (http://shedbashuk.blogspot.co.uk/)

A generation of enthusiasts recorded the movements of locomotives around the railway system. These records of visits to locomotive depots have been collected and carefully analysed to provide an overall portrait for the period 1943 to 1968. During that period of steam's final years, there was a marked change from the pre-grouping types that still found work at a few depots, to the modern BR designs that worked until the end in 1968. The handling of freight and passenger services was a major undertaking from town and cities, ports, coal mines and factories. All of it traversed the labyrinth of lines that criss-crossed the country. There were numerous 'sheds' spread throughout the length and breadth of the land that provided and serviced the vast army of steam locomotives (20,000 in 1948). Here is just a taste of that history.

The LMS and its successor, British Railways, undertook to film various aspects of operating steam locomotives and other railway operations. We have provided below links to some of the films related to shed operation that we know exist. Films on other aspects of railway operations can be viewed via our Video and Film Clip section.

	Railway Roundabout 1959: 'Saltley Shed 1959' Pat Whitehouse's and John Adam's S.L.S final shed bash of 1959 was a visit to Saltley shed on Midland Railway territory in Birmingham. (3 minutes 57 seconds)
	Wash and Brush Up 1953 Shows the procedures that a steam engine goes through as part of its regular maintenance cycle. The locomotive being featured in the film is a British Railways Standard Class 5MT 4-6-0 No 73020 at 6D Chester (Midland shed. (25 minutes 19 seconds)
	LMS - On the Shed - Part One of Two Various shots of an engine being prepared and serviced ready for its next trip. Includes actions and responsibilities of crew. (9 minutes 44 seconds)
	LMS - On the Shed - Part Two of Two Various shots of an engine being prepared and serviced ready for its next trip. Includes actions and responsibilities of crew. (9 minutes 31 seconds)