COMIN’ ROUND THE MOUNTAIN

Series

Series Name: Mining Review 6th Year

Issue

Issue No.

Date Released

Mar 1953

Stories in this Issue:

Story

Story No. within this Issue

2 / 4

Summary

BFI synopsis: antique locomotives at Seaham Harbour - locos from the 1870s and 1890s still working.
NCB Commentary - Dawdon Colliery, in County Durham, sends much of its coal for shipment to nearby Seaham Harbour. The two-mile line hugs the rugged north-eastern coast.
As well as getting the coal away quickly, the Harbour Board find useful jobs for old rolling stock not yet pensioned off - and for some antique engines too.
They reckon that although an engine like this is really a museum piece, people can still have a better idea of what they’re like - and what they can do - if they’re allowed to be seen in action. This one dates from the 1890s - and just look at what she’s pulling!
The trucks look odd as well. They were built this shape because ordinary railway wagons can’t get under the low bridges that cross the lines around Seaham.
Out of somewhere that looks like the Tunnel of Love comes the prize piece in the collection. Old Faithful here was built in 1873, and she’s still willing and able.
Railway lovers all over the country will be sorry when the day comes when these strange old engines have to be retired. They look as if they’ll last for ever.

Researcher Comments

Commentary recorded 2 February 1953.

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