WD "Austerity" 2-8-0: In Game, Part 3 (LMR)

Today we are taking a look at two of the most anticipated engines in the WD "Austerity" 2-8-0 class.

Although a majority of the returning WD's were sent out to the Big Four railway companies, two engines continued to be held in WD stock. These saw service on the Longmoor Military Railway in Hampshire (along with two of the WD Austerity 2-10-0s). They were engines 77337 and 79250, and in the WD 1957 renumbering scheme they were renumbered to 400 and 401.

Each engine was given a name and a fine looking nameplate on the running board to match. 77337 became Sir Guy Williams and 79250, Major General McMullen.

Sadly both engines were scrapped (along with all but one of the WD 2-8-0's) but we are delighted to bring them back to life again in Train Simulator with their very distinctive blue LMR livery.

Sir Guy Williams as 77337.

Major General McMullen as 79250.

Sir Guy Williams as No. 400 after the 1957 WD renumbering scheme.

And Major General McMullen as No. 401.

Next week it's 1948 to 1967 and nationalisation! The Big Four became British Railways - but what happened to the WD 2-8-0's?