Banking in the Caledonian c1900

[Mike 1]

A link to this film was posted on the LNWRS facebook page. At the end of the sequence is a Caledonian engine with what appears to be a banking engine running backwards?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVUqVqN ... -pAWlQltxc

Mike

[Mike 1]

My apologies. Just realised this was discussed here.

https://www.crassoc.org.uk/forum/viewto ... king#p7793

Mike

[WCML55.68]

Hello Mike,

Thanks for posting this and the link to the former discussion.

It definitely appears to be a banking loco running backwards, a highly unusual and quite dangerous practice. Because of the incline, the firebox will be slightly higher than the boiler and greatly increasing the risk of uncovering the firebox crown and risk of explosion. All of the photos I have and have seen of banking on Beattock, Shap and elsewhere, the locos always work chimney first.

Paul.

[dumb buffer]

I think the air cylinder was by the rear buffer beam; and you can just get a glimpde of the top corner of the cab ---- if you're quick!

Allan F

[dunalastairv]

Just to add my tenpenny'orth: I think this film dates from 1912.

Michael.

[WCML55.68]

I think the air cylinder was by the rear buffer beam; and you can just get a glimpde of the top corner of the cab ---- if you're quick!

Allan F

Well spotted and abso correct. It think the narrow cab and bunker creates the illusion. Still a cracking clip.

[wscarchitect]

In the early 1970's, an exCR fireman told me that the 0-4-4T's running from Strathaven to Blantyre via Glassford, Quarter, etc. had to travel bunker first because of the long gradient.

[caley739]

The lack of turning facilities at Strathaven looks like the real reason for bunker first running !!