LM<S Shed Codes and Plates

[Frank Sharp]

I've found out on the intenet that the BR shed code system was based on or an expansion of the LMS method. I know BR locos carried their codes on small oval plates usually mounted on the lower half of the smokebox door. I haven't picked this out on photos of locos in the prewar LMS era. Does anyone know where and how the LMS put its codes on their locos, particularly interested in late 1930s.

Thanks

 

Frank

[bécasse]

The LMS introduced its unified shed code system in 1935 using cast iron plates very similar to those subsequently used by BR (whose system was basically an extension of that adopted by the the LMS in 1935). The cast-iron plates were based on the former MR system although they weren't quite the same size. Whether because of this or for some other reason many ex-LNWR locomotives didn't carry the cast iron shed code plates even in BR days.

[LMS2968]

It was the number plates which tended to be absent from ex-LNWR locos rather than the shed plates, which they did get.

 

The LNWR and L&YR used enamel plates, black or dark blue figures and border on a white background. The plates were on a peg which fitted into a slot on the rear of the cab roof. Post Grouping, these plates, which were still oval but more rounded than the Midland cast plates, were moved to the smokebox door. New build, including Stanier classes, engines received them up to 1934 when they were replaced by the cast iron type. Until then, the LNWR and L&YR shed numbers were retained on the plates, although L&YR sheds were prefixed C for Central Division. There were no alpha suffixes to any of the plates, including the cast Midland ones.

 

From 1935, the entire system was replaced and all engines received cast plates in a new numbering sequence with no duplication across divisions, which there had been before. All got an Alpha suffix, A being the Concentration shed responsible for most loco repairs while its sub-sheds were lettered from B onwards.

[Compound2632]

On 18/03/2023 at 20:43, LMS2968 said:

From 1935, the entire system was replaced

 

In a concession to the ex-LNWR men forced to adopt a Midland system, Willesden was 1A.

[kevinlms]

1 hour ago, Compound2632 said:

 

In a concession to the ex-LNWR men forced to adopt a Midland system, Willesden was 1A.

With Cricklewood given 14A!

OK, a few ex-Midland shed were given lower numbers, but Cricklewood was the first large shed.

[LMS2968]

7 hours ago, Compound2632 said:

 

In a concession to the ex-LNWR men forced to adopt a Midland system, Willesden was 1A.

True, but previously in the LNWR list, Camden had been 1 and Willesden 2. Camden became 1B to Willesden's 1A, and as there had always been some rivalry, this more than stirred things up a little!