This locomotive was built in 1928 by Beyer Peacock for the LNER (London and North Eastern Railway) and numbered 8572. The original design, although modified by 1928, dated back to the GER (Great Eastern Railway) in 1908.
The loco spent most of its working life in East Anglia. Initially, it was used on express passenger services into Liverpool Street. In the 1960s, as the other members of its class were replaced by more modern engines, it pulled goods trains between Norwich and Kings Lynn but also worked passenger trains between Norwich, Cromer and Melton Constable (running over what is now the North Norfolk Railway).
The loco finally retired in 1961; by now the last of its class. It was bought by the M&GN Railway Society in 1963.
By 1967 the B12 was in poor condition and in need of restoration and the loco began a 30-year trip around Europe which included visits to locations in the UK, Holland and East Germany. You can read the full story the M&GN Society website
The work was begun at Sheringham and then Weybourne but progress was slow. The boiler was sent to Essex where the company restoring it went bust. The parts were then shipped to Holland and the East Germany. Eventually, it ended up in hundreds of bits at a works near Leipzig. With the reunification of Germany, this company was sold off to a private company. The MG&N managed to convince the new management to continue with the restoration and the B12 returned to North Norfolk in 1994.
It is seen here in its original apple green LNER livery.
These articles are complied to give a brief overview of the aircraft and locos I photograph for anyone interested in the subject. They do not go deep into the technical details that may appeal to the die hard enthusiast. Each article includes references at the bottom of the page that give much more comprehensive histories.
If you spot any inaccuracies or mistakes in my posts please feel free to comment.
More articles and photographs
- Steam Locos Designations Guide
- J27 Locomotive 65894
- B12 Steam Loco 8572
- 9F Heavy Goods Loco Black Prince
- Trains Portfolio
