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Description

92220 was used over the Western Region and over the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway line. Its main duties were as a heavy freight locomotive. However, 92220 was never just any locomotive, its working was closely controlled "to ensure she returned home regularly for cleaning and maintenance in view of the special workings and exhibitions for which the engine was required".[8]
On 27–28 June and 1 July 1960, No. 92220, then allocated to Cardiff Canton shed , hauled the BR Western Region's flagship Paddington to Cardiff , Swansea , Neyland and Fishguard Harbour passenger express trains, the London bound Red Dragon and the return Capitals United Express between Cardiff and Paddington, reportedly having to delay its arrival at Paddington to allow for completion of restaurant services because it was running so early; easily outperforming the regular Britannia passenger express locomotives, which it was observed overtaking (while hauling a full rake of 10+ passenger express coaches) on several occasions. However, its career on these flagship services was cut short, by order of BR senior management, allegedly from fear of damage to its running gear which wasn't designed for extended high speed express work. BR management's embargo, issued after they received word of the runs on 27–28 June, wasn't enforced until after driver Eddie Broom, head of Canton Shed's Local Departmental Committee (the local branch shop steward of ASLEF, the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen's extremely powerful trades union[9] ), had his turn on 92220's down Capitals United Express run, on 1 July 1960.[10] [11] [12]
On 16 July 1962 and 18 July 1962, the locomotive was photographed at Gloucester Barnwood shed yard,[13] and on 8 September 1962 it hauled the last Pines Express on the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway .[14] Evening Star was recorded hauling passenger express trains at over 90 mph (140 km/h) on its Red Dragon and Capitals United Express runs.[15] 92220 was withdrawn in 1965 and stored at Severn Tunnel Junction Marshalling Yard , after incurring minor damage in a shunting accident at Cardiff Docks . It had a working life of only five years. It was subsequently preserved as part of the National Collection . In late 1966, the locomotive, by then in decrepit condition, was towed to Crewe Works via Shrewsbury for overhaul and restoration.[16]

Description

92220 was used over the Western Region and over the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway line. Its main duties were as a heavy freight locomotive. However, 92220 was never just any locomotive, its working was closely controlled "to ensure she returned home regularly for cleaning and maintenance in view of the special workings and exhibitions for which the engine was required".[8]
On 27–28 June and 1 July 1960, No. 92220, then allocated to Cardiff Canton shed , hauled the BR Western Region's flagship Paddington to Cardiff , Swansea , Neyland and Fishguard Harbour passenger express trains, the London bound Red Dragon and the return Capitals United Express between Cardiff and Paddington, reportedly having to delay its arrival at Paddington to allow for completion of restaurant services because it was running so early; easily outperforming the regular Britannia passenger express locomotives, which it was observed overtaking (while hauling a full rake of 10+ passenger express coaches) on several occasions. However, its career on these flagship services was cut short, by order of BR senior management, allegedly from fear of damage to its running gear which wasn't designed for extended high speed express work. BR management's embargo, issued after they received word of the runs on 27–28 June, wasn't enforced until after driver Eddie Broom, head of Canton Shed's Local Departmental Committee (the local branch shop steward of ASLEF, the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen's extremely powerful trades union[9] ), had his turn on 92220's down Capitals United Express run, on 1 July 1960.[10] [11] [12]
On 16 July 1962 and 18 July 1962, the locomotive was photographed at Gloucester Barnwood shed yard,[13] and on 8 September 1962 it hauled the last Pines Express on the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway .[14] Evening Star was recorded hauling passenger express trains at over 90 mph (140 km/h) on its Red Dragon and Capitals United Express runs.[15] 92220 was withdrawn in 1965 and stored at Severn Tunnel Junction Marshalling Yard , after incurring minor damage in a shunting accident at Cardiff Docks . It had a working life of only five years. It was subsequently preserved as part of the National Collection . In late 1966, the locomotive, by then in decrepit condition, was towed to Crewe Works via Shrewsbury for overhaul and restoration.[16]