19th July 2023

Definitely a study in rust! GWR Breakdown Crane no. 2 stands outside the engine shed awaiting restoration. Built for the GWR in 1908 by Ransomes & Rapier, Ipswich it was at that time the largest-capacity railway crane then in existence. Designed to lift 36 tons at 20 feet radius, it actually had plenty of spare capacity and was known to lift up to, and over, 50 tons! Its claim to fame was when it was used, along with crane no. 1, in GWR publicity photos holding up no. 111 "The Great Bear", the only 4-6-2 Pacific-type locomotive the GWR owned. It continued in railway service until 1975, being withdrawn and sold into preservation by BR.