4270 - A Legend In Steam - Part 1

4270 at Toddington Station on a photographic charter - 19th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Ian Butler

 

The adjectives 'iconic', 'heroic' and 'legendary' or words of a similar nature, are, in my opinion, ones which are generally overused. They seem to be particularity prevalent in today's modern society. However, in the context of railways and specifically, locomotives and named trains, I believe that they are more than appropriate descriptors. Our railways are full to the brim with things which could be described as 'icons'. Locomotives such as 4472 'Flying Scotsman', 3440 'City of Truro' and 46100 'Royal Scot' need no further introduction, not forgetting the famous 'Cornish Riviera Express' services.

 

Outside of the railway press and the enthusiast sphere, it's these well known icons which typically receive all of the spotlight in the mainstream media. We mustn't forget though, that the railways came to be out of a necessity to transport commodities, and to find a better and more efficient method than the humble horse and cart. Of course, the railways date back to the early wagon-ways of the 16th century, with Richard Trevithick's first steam railway locomotive arriving in 1804.

 

Whilst today, our railways transport millions of passengers a year, it still transports a huge variety of freight. It's these freight trains which have shaped the country over the past two centuries and played a huge role in the great Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. Over the years, these trains have often operated without fanfare, with little to no fuss or complaint, seen us through wartime and through thick and thin, and yet, despite all of this, rarely attract the same appreciation and attention that their famous passenger counterparts do. These are the real unsung heroes and icons!  

 

4270 at the head of a freight service on a photographic charter - 19th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Bryony Exton

 

Freight trains wouldn't get very far without the all important steam locomotives to haul them, and it'll be pretty obvious by now that the main subject of this particular piece is none other than 4270. This engine has a special place for many of us within the steam department, not only because of her age, her significance, or widespread appeal, but because virtually all of us, past and present, have worked on her in one way or another - Whether that be as a cleaner, fireman, or driver (and in several instances a combination of all three over the years!). Many members of the department have successfully 'Passed Out' to various footplate grades with the assistance of 4270. The 42xx being the first steam loco I ever cleaned.

 

Along with fellow GWSR locomotives 2807 and 2874, 4270 represents the 'Old Guard' and is an 'Elder Statesman' on the railway, one which is much loved and well respected. The '42' being a world away from the modern traction around today.

 

4270 'On Shed' at Toddington - 19th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Ian Butler

 

4270 was completed at Swindon Locomotive Works in 1919 and is a member of the GWR "42xx" class of tank locomotives featuring a 2-8-0T wheel arrangement. The class was designed by the GWR's chief mechanical engineer (CME) G. J. Churchward with introductions starting in 1910. 4270 came from an order of 24 locomotives (Lot No. 213) out of a total of 105+ produced. The 42xx class is notable for being the only 2-8-0 tank engines to run on the railway network.

 

An interesting fact is that in the same year of 4270's production, The Cenotaph in its original wooden and plaster form was designed and constructed. This was replaced a year later with the Portland stone memorial that we all know today.

 

4270 'On Shed' at Toddington before the painting was finished. 7820 & 8274 are stabled alongside - Photo courtesy of David Holmes

With 'The Great War' and the Second World War that followed 20 years later, the railways stepped up to the plate and assisted heavily with the war effort, particularly when it came to freight trains, munitions production, and getting supplies and personnel to where they were most needed, whether that be on the 'Home Front' or for onward transport to various destinations overseas. The following vintage railway film was produced by the London, Midland & Scottish railway (LMS) in 1946, on behalf of all the British railways to portray all the work the railway industry accomplished during World War II 

Two months after the end of the war in Europe, it is understood that 4270 was transferred to the London Division and specifically Slough depot (141 / 81B) on the 3rd November 1945 - Notably one of the few 42xx to leave South Wales. 

 

4270 spent time at Ebbw Junction, Aberbeeg, Cardiff Canton and Cardiff East Dock before being withdrawn in 1962. 

 

4270 at the head of a freight service on a photographic charter - 19th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Alex Caulfield

 

The locomotive made the short journey from Cardiff to Barry scrapyard where it languished until July 1985. The engine's restoration started at Toddington in mid-2003 before it moved elsewhere and later returned to the railway in 2013. Once the restoration had been completed, 4270 made its debut at the Cotswold Festival of Steam (CFOS) in 2014 and has performed on a regular basis ever since, both on passenger services and specially organised freight workings & galas.  

 

During their mainline careers the "42xx" class were allocated to heavy freight work, mainly in the South Wales coalfields.

 

4270 departs Toddington with a freight working and is about to pass one of the coal docks, along with some superbly presented wagons, appropriately filled with the 'Black Stuff' - Photo courtesy of Mark Young

4270 rumbles along with the freight - 19th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Alex Caulfield

 

As the freight train heads off into the distance, now is as good a time as any for a brief interlude seen as I mentioned the London Division earlier. Southern Region aficionados will be pleased to hear about a few developments on the P&O front, or to be more specific, 35006, plus one of the dogfish ballast wagons. The latest update comes courtesy of Steve Parker.

The leaking blower valve has been machined and now refitted, hopefully stopping the leakage for a while - Photo courtesy of Steve Parker

 

The cab side panels which were removed to enable us to fix a steam heat pipe leak have now been refitted, a right so & so to align the bolt holes - Photo courtesy of Steve Parker

Hand rail guard has been made and fitted to the dogfish ballast wagon - Photo courtesy of Steve Parker

 

Jack Boskett, our resident photographer and editor of 'The Cornishman', selling his pictures at Tewkesbury Abbey - Note the rather superb photograph of a certain 'Merchant Navy' amongst others! - Photo courtesy of Steve Parker

 

Given that the freight train has now arrived back at Toddington Station, it's time for us to climb back aboard the brake van.

 

4270 at Toddington Station on a photographic charter - 19th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Alex Caulfield

 

4270 came into existence at a very different time, a different age, and in many respects, belongs to a bygone era. A time devoid of the likes of social media, mobile phones, computers, and where many aspects of life were distinctly analogue when compared to our modern digitalised age. It is very easy to look at history with 'rose tinted' spectacles but at-least with 4270 and our heritage railway, we can get some degree of semblance to those days past. In preservation, 4270 has given us many years of joy, escapism and entertainment. We are all eternally grateful for her service and dedication.

4270 stabled inside the steam shed at Toddington

 

Now we must ask the question, do we regard 4270 as a 'Centurion' in addition to being a 'Centenarian'? Both terms are among several English words derived from the Latin word for one hundred: centum. The Cambridge Dictionary defines centurion as an officer in the army of ancient Rome who was responsible for 100 soldiers. Given that the Romans constructed roads and structures that were built to last (The Colosseum in Rome being one such example), and the fact that 4270 will have been at the helm of hundreds of trains, I believe the term 'Centurion' is rather befitting for the engine.  

It's amazing to think that this fine locomotive has been around for over 100 years, a significant achievement as far as steam locomotives go. Over the years she has seen countless things in an ever changing landscape, and has had an impact on so many people, both directly and indirectly. Much like our late Queen Elizabeth II, 4270 has remained ever-present and a constant in our lives, in various states of tune. But fear not, as she's not quite done with us all just yet!

4270 at Toddington Station on a photographic charter - 19th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Bryony Exton

 

The wonderful thing about railways is that they connect people and places from far and wide, across the length and breadth of the counrty. They link rural towns and villages to the large industrial and economic cites. They transport people and freight to destinations all over the land, but most of all, they bring communities together. In the heyday of Steam, many railway towns and railway works had their own football and rugby teams, who regularly staged their own events and tournaments. Sport offered a brief respite from the heavy industrial work which was commonplace to the railway family. 

 

Train travel to sporting events is nothing new and has its origins in the mid 1920s, when the Great Western Railway operated some 50 'Football Specials' from Wales to London for the 1927 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Today, both football and rugby services operate frequently to major fixtures, with the 'Six Nations' being another tournament of note. 

 

4270 approaches 'Greet Tunnel' with the freight service - 19th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Bryony Exton

 

I mention the 'Six Nations' tournament in particular not only due to the railway connection, or for the fact that I follow Rugby Union and the 'Home Nations', but because I was moved and saddened to hear the news last weekend that the Scottish Rugby legend Doddie Weir had died of motor neuron disease (MND). It is another stark reminder about the value of life, the preciousness of life, and in Doddie's case, the fragility and often cruel nature of life. Doddie was a gentle giant, much adored by his family, his peers, and the country, both on and off the pitch. His contribution was truly priceless.  

 

Doddie was a larger than life character, always smiling, always positive, and despite adversity he never gave up. He was an avid campaigner very keen to raise support and awareness of MND. Someone who will be greatly missed by many.  

4270 at Toddington in 2014 on what is believed to be her first official outing following restoration - Photo courtesy of David Holmes

 

As much as we love and care for our steam engines and our heritage railway, it's just as important that we look out for and care for one another, especially during these cold winter months and the festive period. Whilst Christmas is a joyous time for many, sadly this isn't always the case for everyone. You needn't look no further than the situation in Eastern Europe at the present time. Who'd have thought that after 100 years, 4270 would still be operating with conflict ongoing. 

 

4270 arrives at Winchcombe Station with a southbound freight circa 2014/2015 - Photo courtesy of David Holmes

Some would rightly ask, how does one become so attached to an inanimate object? Well, much like humans and pets, put simply, steam engines can also be considered as family members. Whilst they are not living beings in a cognitive or biological sense, they are very much alive from an engineering and mechanical perspective. If you look after a steam locomotive and treat it well, it will return the favour with many miles of faultless running and exemplary service. Although a steam engine cannot converse in the same manner as you and I, it can communicate through sounds and smells.

 

It will be a day of mixed emotions when 4270 departs us for pastures new in the new year, as it will mark an end to our long custodianship, for now at-least anyway. Who knows what the future holds for her, but with the recent photo charter event and the Santa weeks' still to come, it's important that we give her a fitting send-off. Here's to the next 100+ years!

 

4270 stands at Winchcombe Station with a Santa Special - 27th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Paul Richardson

Stay tuned folks as another instalment on this great bastion of GWR engineering will be coming in the not too distant future. 4270 will be continuing to operate services over the festive period and into early January 2023 (please check first).

 

4270 - A true centurion and centenarian of our times, an icon, one of our very own gentle giants, and a legend in steam. 

 

As for Doddie Weir, well, in my view and I hope you'll agree, he was an inspiration and a hero for humanity.

Alex (the sooty one!). 

 

I'll leave you with the late Eva Cassidy and a rather fitting song given its railway references. 'People Get Ready'

All published photographs are my own unless otherwise stated/credited.