If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

4A or not 4A

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Sansovino, Jun 20, 2011.

  1. Sansovino

    Sansovino New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
    Messages:
    35
    Likes Received:
    0
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    I'm doing a bit of research and I'm having difficulty resolving what depot was coded 4A during the last century. The sources I have read indicate that Shrewsbury (Midland) depot was 4A at Nationalisation but that Bletchley became 4A for a while in the early 50's - however, I can't find anything that says Shrewsbury was recoded during that period as it was 4A in the late 1950's and early '60's.

    Can anyone clarify what happened, with dates (if poss). Perhaps a clearer understanding of the various sheds in Shrewsbury would help - if anyone has first hand knowledge.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. DH34105

    DH34105 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2009
    Messages:
    454
    Likes Received:
    12
    Just done a quick Google search to confirm my memory of the early 60's
    Shrewsbury was 84G as part of Wolverhampton Division until 1960 and then 89A, which is what I remembered, then 6D from 1963 until closure
    Thanks to Great Western site at http://www.greatwestern.org.uk/m_in_gwr_sheds.htm
    Hope that helps a bit DH
     
  3. 45581

    45581 Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2007
    Messages:
    3,120
    Likes Received:
    652
    According to LMS Engine Sheds Vol One, Shrewsbury became 4A in 1935 and remained so until 1950 when it passed to the Western Region and became 84G.

    Bletchley then became 4A but I don't know for how long, certainly was 1E by January 1958
     
  4. Selsig

    Selsig Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2007
    Messages:
    861
    Likes Received:
    365
    Location:
    Coventry, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    From what I can gather via a quick Googling, under BR the situation was as follows
    Shrewsbury was 4A to 1950, 84G from 1950 to 1960, 89A from 1960 to 1963 and 6D from 1963 until closure in 1967.

    Bletchley was 2B until 1950, when it picked up the 4A code, but only remained such until 1952, when it became 1E through to 1973 or so, when it became BY, a code it retains to this day, whats left of it.

    As far as I can tell, the 4-prefix shed designation was unused post 1952.

    John
     
  5. Sansovino

    Sansovino New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
    Messages:
    35
    Likes Received:
    0
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    What an excellent bunch of replies - thanks to all - I can now update/correct my work accordingly - thanks again!
     
  6. oddsocks

    oddsocks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2009
    Messages:
    1,813
    Likes Received:
    289
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired / Dodging a Coffin for as long as I can.
    Location:
    Half a mile east of Snells Nook Halt. (1883-1931)
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
  7. Sansovino

    Sansovino New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
    Messages:
    35
    Likes Received:
    0
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    You've made my day - that's my website! Alot of the data is lacking accuracy, hence my question about Shrewsbury. But, I didn't realise anyone knew about that site yet as there is so much work to be done I haven't advertised it yet!
     
  8. Foxhunter

    Foxhunter Member

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2011
    Messages:
    590
    Likes Received:
    709
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Blimey! You've got a job there Sansovino..... superb resource, keep up the good work!

    Foxy
     
  9. raven_180

    raven_180 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2010
    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    0
    Occupation:
    Sales Manager
    Location:
    Bronte Country
    Agreed, a wealth of information. Bookmarked!
     
  10. 22A

    22A Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2005
    Messages:
    1,090
    Likes Received:
    94
    Occupation:
    Administrator
    Location:
    Between 31F & 34E
    I've dug out the Summer 1959 Combined volume, not just 4, but quite a few other number ranges had gone. The Midland Region had been reduced to;
    1A - E, 2A - F, 3A - E, 5A - F, 6A - K, 8A - G, 9A - G, 11A - D, 12A - D, 14A - E, 15A - F, 16A - D, 17A - D, 18A - C, 21A - B, 24A - L, 26A - F AND 27A - F. There were some letters missing in those ranges though; for example no 2C
     
  11. Fred Kerr

    Fred Kerr Resident of Nat Pres Friend

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2006
    Messages:
    8,239
    Likes Received:
    5,250
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Freelance photo - journalist
    Location:
    Southport
    Wot NO 2C ?

    2C = Northampton from 1948 - 50; the depot was allotted 4B 1950-52; 2E 1952 - 1963; 1H 1963 - 1965 then closure.
    Info from Paul Bolger BR Steam Motive Power Depots - LMR [pub Ian Allan]
    2C also identified as Northampton in 1945 as quoted in LMS Locomotive Shed Vol 1 LNWR depots by Hawkins & Reeves [pub White Swan]
     
  12. std tank

    std tank Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2005
    Messages:
    3,808
    Likes Received:
    946
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Liverpool
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    In 1955 2C was Warwick.
     

Share This Page