Photographer Rich Kelsey captured pictures of 45690 Leander on the outward and return London Paddington to Gloucester Cotswold Venturer rail tour today.
“She was going well, especially on the return journey building up speed for Sapperton bank no doubt, and what a roaring fine machine it is,” said Rich.
“This LMS Jubilee class locomotive, originally numbered 5690, was built at Crewe in March 1936 and named Leander after HMS Leander. From March 1936 it was based at Crewe North shed where it remained until 1947 when it was transferred to the former LMS engine shed at Bristol (Barrow Road).
“After nationalisation in 1948, it was renumbered 45690 by British Railways. When withdrawn in 1964, Leander was sold to the Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, South Wales. Later it was preserved and today is in the main line pool of steam locomotives.”
Words and pictures by Rich Kelsey
