NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 67
More Photos of Small Prairie 5572
Michael L. Roach
This series looked at small prairie 5572 in Parts 57 and 58 on 10 and 12 December 2023. It will be recalled that 5572 was one of a number of the class fitted with the necessary auto-gear equipment for working rail motors in South Wales. Being based at Treherbert and Cathays Sheds for more than four years from October 1953 to February 1958 working auto trains up and down some of the Valleys until displaced by the first generation of diesel multiple units. The engine left South Wales in February 1958 and went to Laira, then St. Blazey and then back to Laira which was is last shed in BR service. It was at Laira from April 1961 until withdrawal 12 months later in April 1962 and sold to Woodham Brothers at Barry three months later. 5572 was purchsed by the Great Western Society in August 1971, going first to its depot at Taunton and later to Didcot in 1977; where it was returned to steam in 1985. 5572 is the youngest of the preserved small 2-6-2 prairie tanks from the final batch of five (numbered 5570-5574) built in February 1929; and is the only one of the eleven preserved 4575-class prairies fitted with auto gear.
I am obliged to Trevor Tremethick for providing a photo of 5572 in preservation at Didcot.
I am obliged to Trevor Tremethick for providing a photo of 5572 in preservation at Didcot.
5572 is seen at Launceston on 19 August 1961 after bringing in the 3.05pm from Plymouth and is about to set back to the east of the station before coming back into the other platform and running around. Note the auto gear. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
5572 takes water at Tavistock South while working the 5.40pm Launceston to Plymouth. Also in the station was 6400 with 2 auto coaches. 19 August 1961, Copyright Michael L. Roach.
5572 with 2 auto coaches on the 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock South sets out under Houndiscombe Road bridge on 12 October 1961, Copyright Michael L. Roach.
5572 is seen a quarter mile north of Shaugh Bridge Platform on 14 October 1961 with the 2.10pm auto again and will shortly enter Shaugh Tunnel, Copyright Michael L. Roach.
5572 in light steam at Didcot on 28 May 1990. Note the disparity in the height of the buffers on the engine and coach. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Many thanks Michael.
To read more of Michaels memories, please click here.
To read more of Michaels memories, please click here.
Treviscoe - Fowey
The first for a while!
It was pleasing today (29.01.24) to see a path activated on Real Time Trains for an early morning St. Blazey - Parkandillack (Treviscoe) trip, then an afternoon Parkandillack/Treviscoe - Fowey working - the first train from the Parkandillack branch to Fowey since the CDA's were retired.
Queens Messenger
Jon Hird
Summer 2004 at Plymouth and 67005 'Queens Messenger' has arrived with a postal train from Bristol. A new Virgin Voyager stands at the platform alongside. Copyright Jon Hird.
More Westerns to Newquay
Roger Winnen
Who doesn't love a Western... ?!
74/06/15 The 10.05 Ex Newquay approaches St Dennis Junction behind D1028 Western Hussar. Copyright Roger Winnen
73/06 A Western at Cosworth, Copyright Roger Winnen.
73/06 Newquay Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen