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Douglas Earle Marshall, Locomotive, Carriage & Wagon Superintendent of the London Brighton & South Coast Railway was on a roll. The company was pleased with the success of his I3 class 4-4-2 tank engines, so much so that Douglas was given free reign to design a 4-6-2 tank engine capable of hauling the heaviest express trains between London and Brighton.
During July 1910 the first of these locomotives, No.325 Abergavenny, was built at Brighton Works and designated class J1. The locomotive performed well and in May 1911 the company authorized the construction of a second engine No.326 Bessborough.
However, Marshall was not a well man and went on long term sick leave. He was superseded by Lawson Butzkopfski Billinton who made detail design changes to No.326 before construction commenced. The changes were sufficient for Bessborough to be designated class J2.
Of the two, Bessborough was said to perform well and was the faster machine.
When the LB&SCR was absorbed into the Southern Railway, Bessborough was renumbered 2326.
The engine, minus its name, was allocated to Tunbridge Wells West when British Railways was formed, though it was four months before its new number 32326 was painted on the cab sides and new numberplate fitted to the smokebox.
32326 didn’t survive long under BR ownership. On week ending 7 October 1950, the engine was officially listed as being reallocated to Brighton.
Eight months later on week ending 2 June 1951, she was withdrawn from service after 39 years, three months and four days. She was cut up during July 1951.
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Featured Image – 32326 on New Cross Gate MPD. – Photographer not known. Collection Clive Hardy
Clive is our Transport and Railway writer, with years of experience he is a fount of knowledge on all things transport nostalgia.
The Blackpool Tramway is a British icon, one of the oldest electric tram systems in the world and a symbol of Blackpool's rich history. Stretching along the Lancashire coastline, the network has been intrinsically tied to Blackpool's evolution as a beloved seaside...
A Royal Beginning (1844) Manchester Victoria Station opened its doors on January 1, 1844, marking the start of what would become a long and storied history. It holds the distinction of being the first station in the UK to be named “Victoria,” thanks to the special...
In this case the last loco was not some last of its class high-performance main line express engine that once grabbed the headlines but a lowly tank locomotive that attracted little attention. On week ending 16 February 1952, British Railways officially withdrew...
In the mid-'90s, Manchester was more than just a city; it was the beating heart of the British music scene, pulsing with the energy of a new generation of bands ready to take on the world. Among them, one band emerged like a lightning bolt, electrifying not just the...
The Second World War was a period of profound upheaval for the United Kingdom, not only on the battlefields but also on the home front. As bombs fell and men went off to fight, the people left behind faced a different kind of challenge: making do with less. Rationing,...
For over a century, the Last Night of the Proms has been the crowning jewel of the BBC Proms, an annual musical festival that has become synonymous with British culture and identity. With its roots steeped in history, the Last Night has evolved from a simple concert...
The Olympic Games are more than just a display of athletic prowess; they are a celebration of unity, culture, and the human spirit. While the Opening Ceremonies are often grand spectacles that set the tone for the Games, the Closing Ceremonies hold a special place in...
The journey of women in U.S. political history is marked by perseverance, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. From the pioneering efforts of Geraldine Ferraro to the historic ascension of Kamala Harris, women have continuously shattered glass ceilings and...
The 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome witnessed one of the most iconic moments in the history of athletics. Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila, running barefoot, triumphed in the marathon, becoming the first black African to win an Olympic gold medal. His victory not only...
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