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Great Western 14xx No.1466 at Didcot Railway Centre – Digital Download
Bring home a piece of Great Western Railway history with this detailed photograph of 14xx Class No.1466, preserved at the Didcot Railway Centre. Captured in its authentic heritage surroundings, this image reflects the enduring charm of one of the GWR’s most iconic small tank engines.
Built at Swindon Works in 1936, No.1466 is one of the 14xx 0-4-2T tank engines, designed by Charles Collett for branch line passenger services. Compact yet versatile, these engines worked on lightly-laid rural routes across the West Country and the Thames Valley, often hauling single coaches or “auto-trains.”
Withdrawn from British Railways service in 1963, No.1466 was saved by the Great Western Society and became one of the very first locomotives to arrive at Didcot Railway Centre. Today, it stands as a pioneering symbol of the UK’s preservation movement and remains a much-loved favourite among enthusiasts.
I was drawn to capture No.1466 at Didcot because of its unique role in British steam preservation — not just as a GWR branch line engine, but as one of the founding locomotives of the Didcot collection. Its modest size, coupled with the atmospheric backdrop of the Centre, tells a story of railway heritage that goes beyond power and scale. I wanted this image to highlight both the charm of the locomotive and the historic setting that has preserved it for future generations.
Great Western 14xx No.1466 at Didcot Railway Centre – Digital Download
Bring home a piece of Great Western Railway history with this detailed photograph of 14xx Class No.1466, preserved at the Didcot Railway Centre. Captured in its authentic heritage surroundings, this image reflects the enduring charm of one of the GWR’s most iconic small tank engines.
Built at Swindon Works in 1936, No.1466 is one of the 14xx 0-4-2T tank engines, designed by Charles Collett for branch line passenger services. Compact yet versatile, these engines worked on lightly-laid rural routes across the West Country and the Thames Valley, often hauling single coaches or “auto-trains.”
Withdrawn from British Railways service in 1963, No.1466 was saved by the Great Western Society and became one of the very first locomotives to arrive at Didcot Railway Centre. Today, it stands as a pioneering symbol of the UK’s preservation movement and remains a much-loved favourite among enthusiasts.
I was drawn to capture No.1466 at Didcot because of its unique role in British steam preservation — not just as a GWR branch line engine, but as one of the founding locomotives of the Didcot collection. Its modest size, coupled with the atmospheric backdrop of the Centre, tells a story of railway heritage that goes beyond power and scale. I wanted this image to highlight both the charm of the locomotive and the historic setting that has preserved it for future generations.
