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A typical Scottish freight locomotive from the late 19th and early 20th century, this locomotive class was designed by Matthew Holmes in 1888 for general freight duties. The 18" diameter cylinders were larger than most of the other NBR locomotives of the time, and the design was so successful that 168 examples had been built by 1900.
Most of the Class came from the NBR works at Cowlairs, but a batch of 15 locomotives were built by Neilson (and a further 15 by Sharp Stewart). The Class was rebuilt by W.P.Reid, Holmes' successor, between 1913 and 1923, with new larger boilers and a much improved cab.
No.673 was rebuilt at Cowlairs in 1915, and sent with 24 others of the same Class to support the Army in France. After its return to Scotland in 1919, No.673 was named "Maude" after Lieutenant General Sir Fredrick Stanley Maude, who had commanded the successful British forces in Mesopotamia until his death from cholera in 1917. As usual for the economically minded NBR, the name was painted on the splasher, and there was no need for nameplates.
"Maude" worked freight duties only throughout its 75 year service, being withdrawn from Bathgate Shed in 1966. Following an appeal by the SRPS, the locomotive was purchased, restored to working order and repainted in the goods livery of the NBR. Vacuum brake apparatus has been fitted, and a replacement front buffer beam (the original having been damaged by the use of "Maude" for snow ploughing duties), all obtained from J36 65345.
"Maude" took part in the Liverpool and Manchester Railway 150th Anniversary celebrations in 1980, and steamed to Liverpool and back to represent Scottish railways at this event.
The locomotive is currently on display in the Museum of Scottish Railways in Bo'ness.
To find out more - see the Factsheet.
