A glossary of terms for the old WD 2-8-0s
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2013 6:41 pm
I don't believe that any class of loco had as many nicknames as the old WD. Most of them would be perjorative in any case.
On of the old guys who drops in for a brew occasionally is an ex Sowerby Bridge fireman and he rated the WD as better from the fireman's point of view than the stanier 8F being lighter on coal and at least as good a steamer given decent coal.
Having steamed the sole survivor yesterday for the first time in 2 years, following extensive axlebox work, conversation turned to the names- Rose Grove (Burnley) men called them "shagbags", Wakefield men "Tar boilers", an ex Guildford fireman tells me they were "Barmaids" (top heavy!) on top of which we have "Bed Irons" and of course the unimaginative Dubdees.
By what handle did you know them, and do any of our footplate colleagues have any unusual tales of them that I can share with the lads who are keeping the beast alive? I recall one tale of them being tried out on the old S&D as a possible replacement for the home product which had ferodo type material brake blocks, and failing to keep hold of its train fortunately without repercussions beyond badly stained underwear.
It must be nearly Spring- the snow is much warmer up here now!
Regards
Ralph
On of the old guys who drops in for a brew occasionally is an ex Sowerby Bridge fireman and he rated the WD as better from the fireman's point of view than the stanier 8F being lighter on coal and at least as good a steamer given decent coal.
Having steamed the sole survivor yesterday for the first time in 2 years, following extensive axlebox work, conversation turned to the names- Rose Grove (Burnley) men called them "shagbags", Wakefield men "Tar boilers", an ex Guildford fireman tells me they were "Barmaids" (top heavy!) on top of which we have "Bed Irons" and of course the unimaginative Dubdees.
By what handle did you know them, and do any of our footplate colleagues have any unusual tales of them that I can share with the lads who are keeping the beast alive? I recall one tale of them being tried out on the old S&D as a possible replacement for the home product which had ferodo type material brake blocks, and failing to keep hold of its train fortunately without repercussions beyond badly stained underwear.
It must be nearly Spring- the snow is much warmer up here now!
Regards
Ralph