LNER Peppercorn Class A2 60532 Blue Peter - BR Service

BR Service

Initially all the A2s were allocated to English sheds. 60532 was allocated to the North Eastern Region of BR at York, where it worked principally over the East Coast Main Line.

In the autumn of 1949 five A2's were overhauled at Doncaster where a number of modifications were made, including the fitting of a multiple valve regulator and a double blastpipe and chimney, together with Kylchap cowls. In addition, 60532 received a second whistle placed offside behind the chimney. This chime whistle is being sounded in the illustration above. Subsequently the five A2's, including 60532, moved to Scotland to make up for deficiencies experienced with the Thompson Class A2/2's (rebuilt LNER Class P2). 60532 was allocated to Aberdeen, with all the Scottish based A2s used mainly on express passenger services between Aberdeen and Edinburgh, which benefited from their greater power and acceleration.

After the English based A2's were withdrawn in 1962/3, the three remaining Scottish A2's remained in service until 1966. Replaced by diesel power, 60532 was allocated to Dundee and became the last Peppercorn Pacific to be overhauled at Darlington Works. As a result it was often requested for rail tours, working as far as Holyhead and Exeter St Davids.

60532's final rail tour was in October 1966 over the Waverley Line and the West Coast Main Line over Beattock. 60532 was withdrawn from service on 31 December 1966, and put into store.