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US 2-8-0 tender locomotive No. 1604 at Paddington Station, 1942
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US 2-8-0 tender locomotive No. 1604 at Paddington Station, 1942
On December 11th 1942, for the very first time, an American built locomotive steamed into Paddington Station. Acute shortages of locomotives on the GW network due to locomotives being sent overseas caused operational problems that threatened to affect the service the Company could offer to both the government and the general public. This was alleviated in part by borrowing locomotives from other British Railway Companies and also reinstating previously withdrawn engines back into service. In 1942 however, a number of American locomotives were shipped over to Britain to assist the domestic transport network. In a ceremony held at Paddington Station on the 11th December 1942, United States 2-8-0 tender locomotive No. 1604, pictured here adorned with the British and American flags, was formally handed over to Lord Leathers, Minister of War Transport, by Colonel N.A. Ryan, Chief of Transportation for the American Army, who stated that he hoped the locomotive " will do as good work for you as British Engines have done already for us"
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19938953
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
2 8 0 Paddington Second World War World War 2 World War Ii 1604
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a historic moment at Paddington Station in 1942. In the midst of acute locomotive shortages on the Great Western network, an American-built marvel arrived to alleviate operational problems. United States 2-8-0 tender locomotive No. 1604, resplendent with both British and American flags, made its grand entrance into the station. The ceremony held on December 11th marked the formal handover of this magnificent machine to Lord Leathers, Minister of War Transport. Colonel N. A. Ryan, Chief of Transportation for the American Army, presented the locomotive with pride and expressed his hope that it would perform as admirably as its British counterparts had done for their cause. This significant event symbolized not only a gesture of solidarity between two nations during wartime but also showcased the importance of collaboration in maintaining essential transport services. With borrowed locomotives from other British Railway Companies and reinstated engines back in service, this arrival added much-needed strength to Britain's domestic transport network. As we gaze upon this remarkable image today, we are reminded of how history unfolds through unexpected alliances and shared efforts towards a common goal. The sight of No. 1604 adorned with flags serves as a timeless reminder that even amidst challenging times, unity can prevail and keep our world moving forward on track.
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