Class D11/1, No.62667, ‘SOMME’, is seen here, on 07/06/1953, at Elsecar Colliery Sidings, having just hauled the R.C.T.S. (Sheffield Branch), South Yorkshire No.2 Rail Tour. I would imagine that this must have been one of the few occasions that a mainline express locomotive was seen at this location, although it is believed that earlier Royal Visits to Elsecar Colliery might well have provided similar opportunities. This location now forms part of the overspill car park for the Elsecar Heritage Centre, which today, would be found behind the photographer. The spire of Holy Trinity Church, Elsecar, is clearly visible, rising vertically behind the locomotive.
L. &. N.E.R., Class D11/1, No.62667, was built by the Great Central Railway, at their Gorton Locomotive Works, in 1922, as G.C.R. Class No.11F, and as GCR No.503, and delivered new, to Great Central Railway, in November 1922, when it received the commemorative name “Somme”. The locomotive was renumbered by the L. &. N.E.R., as No.5503, in December 1924, then again, renumbered, as No.2667, in July 1946, and then again, renumbered, as No.62667, by British Railways, in October 1949. The locomotive, over its life time, was allocated to Immingham, Trafford Park, Boston, Mexborough, and Lincoln Depots, prior to finally being allocated to Sheffield Darnall M.P.D., (Shed No.41A), on 20/04/1957, and from where it was officially withdrawn from service, whilst allocated, but stored there, on 17/11/1960. It is believed that the locomotive was scrapped, at British Railways, Doncaster Locomotive Works, in late 1960 – early 1961.
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