History of 2968

Stanier Mogul 2-6-0 No. 2968 is the sole survivor of a class totalling 40 locomotives constructed at Crewe Works in 1933/1934, to the first design of the then Mr. W. A. Stanier, following his appointment as Chief Mechanical Engineer to the London Midland and Scottish Railway Co. in 1932. First numbered in the LMS 132X series 13268 was allocated from new to Willesden, she was later renumbered 2968 in LMS stock and 42968 in BR ownership. Initially the Moguls were allocated to all four operating divisions of the LMSR and were deployed from the outset on fast fitted freights, and passenger turns, particularly summer reliefs, duties which they performed until their demise.

2968 Crewe Works 14/4/34
Photo: E.R.Morten

In BR days the class were found mainly in the Western Division of the London Midland Region, concentrated around Nuneaton, the Midlands and North West England. On summer Saturdays they were frequent visitors to the North Wales holiday resorts working to and from Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and over the Pennines to Sheffield.

Although recorded on numerous occasions throughout her LMS and BR service, 42968's most prestigious known working to date occurred on 8/8/59 when as a Crewe North engine she passed Bromsgrove at the head of the 08.40 a.m. Bournemouth-Bradford (Exch.) Express Passenger.

With the rundown of steam in the 1960s, 42968 moved in quick succession to Gorton (9G), Heaton Mersey (9F) and finally Springs Branch Wigan (8F) where she became the last working member of the class and was withdrawn on 31/12/66.

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