Springburn Virtual Museum

Railway industry

Indian Stores Department WG Class 2-8-2 on display in George Square during Colonial Week, 1950

This engine was one of 100 built at the Queen's Park Works during 1948-1950. One of the engines was displayed in George Square, with the Indian Government's permission, during Colonial Week in 1950. The following year, a North British locomotive represented the industry at the South Bank Exhibition during the Festival of Britain.

Problems arose during the transportation of these engines by road bogie, or low-loader. The bogie, which had to be specially brought from Liverpool, was too short, and the two front wheels of the engine had to be removed to make it fit on. Two fitters had to lie across the bogie, underneath the 89-ton engine, and guide it precisely into place. The other 99 engines had to be transported the same way, with their two front wheels fitted on at the docks.

Many of Britain's colonies, demanding independence, tried to reduce imports, and set up their own industries, putting protectionist taxes on imports of foreign goods. The North British Locomotive company even helped to set up the locomotive works at Chitaranjan in India.

Source: Glasgow City Archives