North Western Profiles

Roster Page 33

(33) Caitlin

                       Caitlin is an Ex-LMS 'Coronation' 8P class 4-6-2, designed by Sir William Stanier to bring power to top link express trains out of London Euston/Glasgow Central. Locomotive number 6234 was built in 1938 as part of the third batch of 'Duchess' class locomotives, and she was appropriately named "Duchess of Abercorn". However, when she and her other siblings emerged from Crewe, they had been completed without the famous streamlining  the class was known for. The reason behind this was largely to offset the costs and maintenance difficulties it added on the locomotives, (but this didn't prevent the fourth batch from still emerging  with streamlining). For the last half of the 1930's, 6234 would take charge of the heaviest express trains on the London Midland and Scottish Railway's mainline, putting in good performances and having a clean safety record. However, in 1940, the North Western Railway had approached the LMS about acquiring 3 of their 2 of their coronation class pacific's, and a of their princess royal pacific locomotives for use on the mainline, the deal would be finalized and 6234 would arrive on march 19th. After being checked over at Crovan's Gate, Caitlin would be put to work on the recently launched "Ulfstead Flyer" service, this service would depart from Ulfstead, turn around at Glasgow central, and head back down to Tidmouth on a bi weekly schedule. Despite some initial challenges with the run, she would quickly gain a foothold on the service, and became the designated locomotive to haul it when available, with her passion for racing and friendly attitude acting playing a big role in the services success and the bonds she would form with her fellow engines. However, at the same time, the second world war would roll in, and would see the "Ulfstead Flyer" temporarily shut after an air raid, the rest of the war period would see Caitlin put on the heavier war traffic, but folloing the wars end, and the arrival of 21C101 'Exeter', she would find herself back on her express service, and would eventually form a romantic relationship with 21C101 over the course of their racing rivalry. Over the course of her NWR career, Caitlin has held a constant presence at Vicarstown MPD, wearing her lavender and white lined livery, and sporting the new shape she was given prior to the nationalization of the railway network, which would alter her to the same design as classmates No 46256 and 46257 with her seeing modifications to her frames, the addition of roller bearings, and her gaining a type C2 tender,