A visit to Alexandra Palace exhibition resulted in me supporting the various trade stands!!
I'm building a layout in 4mm based on Colchester c 1948-52 and always on the lookout for unusual rolling stock to add to my stock. So a the chance to buy a second-hand Bachmann Ivatt 2P 2-6-2T in LMS livery, cheaper than E-bay, was a must. All I've got to do is change the number on the smokebox and cab side to 41200, leaving the LMS on the tank sides.
The story goes that, the Chairman of the Railway Executive was travelling to Aldeburgh to play golf, when the branch engine failed. After an hours delay the relief engine set fire to the golf club, much to the annoyance of the members! For the rest of the summer of 1949 and 1950 41200 was drafted to Ipswich shed from Bangor in North Wales to work the Aldeburgh branch!
A photo of the engine by the late Dr Ian C Allen appears in the Great Eastern Album on the branch in August 1949 - has anyone seen any other photos of the loco dated c1949/50?
One final comment regarding the exhibition, I was surprised there was not at least one stand selling "bits" like sprung buffers for locos and wagons etc in the main it was rtr. Shame the EM Gauge Society didn't have its trade stand.
Regards
Paul