Prototype photos - John Fowler "Airdmillan" No.20763 of 1935

I've had a couple of people ask for reference photos of this loco at Woodford. Given that I've now uploaded reference photos of both this, and the B9½ 0-6-2, (Roundhouse Fowler's prototype) it might be worth doing the same with some other locos and wagons at Woodford..

Like most of the ANGRMS collection, Airdmillan was in poor shape after thirteen years sitting in a park. Thanks to the relatively dry climate at Woodford, the loco is in much the same condition as it was when we bought it in 1975. It looks worse than it really is, but we'll likely never get around to doing anything with it, due to having too large a collection and an extreme shortage of active hands. No shortage of armchair enthusiasts whinging about it all slowly returning to the earth, though.. It is a shame though, this was the very last steamer to leave Fowler works, after which they focused on building diesels.

If like me, you own a Roundhouse Bundaberg Fowler, then you too, may find these foggy morning photos to be a useful detailing reference - The "Bundies" being modified copies of this earlier Fowler.