The Midland South Western Junction Railway (MSWR) opened its line between Andoversford and Andover for freight traffic on 16th March 1891, giving the potential for through working of trains between Cheltenham and Southampton. The MSWJR were eager to capitalise on the potentially lucrative freight market to and from Southampton Docks and excised running powers to the docks in October 1892. An order was placed for a 2-6-0 tender locomotive from the Beyer Peacock Company based in Manchester. This locomotive was delivered on 31st May 1895 and given the number 14. She was similar to a design of locomotives for the New South Wales Government Railway in Australia, but had an enclosed cab and larger tender.
This locomotive proved very successful and so a second locomotive, No 16 was ordered to the same design, albeit with an extended footplate and cab. She was delivered on 21st May 1897 and cost £2626.
This locomotive soon gained the nickname ‘Galloping Alice’ apparently coming about on account of the speed at which here small 4ft driving wheels had to make to gain a moderate progress and the motion she had when moving.
Unlike her older sister no 14, which was sold in 1914, ‘Alice’ made it into Great Western service in 1923 seemingly acquiring the new nickname ‘Galloping Gertie’ at this time. She was re-built with a GWR no 9 boiler, new chimney and a GWR standard 2500 gallon tender. She was given the number 24 and put back to work, mainly operating Pick-Up goods trains between Swindon and Stoke Gifford yard. Legend has it that in 1930 she was once pushed into service to haul an express from Bristol to Swindon after the failure of King class 6003 King George IV. This she did to the best of her abilities, but it probably proved too much for the old girl as she was taken out of service and disposed of a few months later.
Tel: 01793 771615 Address: Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon, SN25 2DA
E-mail: gallopinggertie@live.co.uk