As the first class built to a new design by British Railways the Britannia’s incorporated design features from the engines of the former Big Four railway companies. Capable of working fast express passenger trains and more menial freight work, the Britannia’s were amongst the most versatile locomotives in the BR fleet. For the early part of her life ‘Britannia’ was based in London and East Anglia, working fast boat train services to the Eastern docks. In her later years she was transferred North West, to work heavy trains on the West Coast Main Line. She was eventually retired in May 1966 and after two periods of running in preservation, ‘Britannia’ became part of the Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust in 2009. She made her third return to steam on the mainline in October 2018 and is currently based at Crewe or out on the wider rail network.

Photo by: Andrew Shapland