Night Squadron – Bulleid Battle of Britain Class 34086 219 Squadron
One of the largest classes of steam locomotives ever completed, the joint West Country/ Battle of Britain class formed the backbone of the Southern Region and later BR(SR) motive power, especially on the lighter lines where the heavier Merchant Navy class could not go. 60 of the 110 locomotives were later rebuilt but the engine shown here, 34086 219 Squadron kept her air-smoothed and Bulleid valve-gear until withdrawal. Despite total withdrawal by 1967 twenty ‘Light Pacifics’ survive in preservation.
