A4s at Haymarket

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

A4s at Haymarket


Watch these once mighty streamliners still hard at work in steam's twilight years

This deeply atmospheric and evocative film visits the last redoubt of the once mighty Gresley A4 streamlined locomotives. After their displacement by diesels, these magnificent engines were re-located to Edinburgh's Haymarket shed, working out their final days on menial duties until their appointment with the cutter's torch. Despite the obvious neglect and grimy state of all the engines on show, they still look sublimely beautiful in snow and the setting winter sun.

While most of the locomotives seen in this film met their end in a breaker's yard, two managed to escape the cutter's torch and can be seen restored to their former glory to this very day. Class A4 Pacific 60004 Union of South Africa is privately owned, and is one of six A4s which survived the end of steam, while former North British Railway J36 65243 is currently on display at the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway.


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