Springburn Virtual Museum

Railway industry

Sudan Railways 4-8-2 leaving Vulcan Street, 1951

This photograph shows Sudan Railways 4-8-2 leaving Vulcan Street en route to Finnieston docks. This was one of 42 locomotives built at the Hyde Park works in 1951.

The transport of locomotives was a hazardous business. The centre of gravity of the engines had to be carefully worked out and the hooks which lifted the engine had to be very precisely placed, because even the slightest imbalance could cause the engine, which could weigh up to 100 tons, to topple over.

The engine, once on the 'bogie', could not be permitted to move and had to be securely fastened on. This was done by fitters who had to lean across the bogie, underneath the engine, and guide it into place to secure it with cotter pins.

Source: Glasgow City Archives