Livery
When originally delivered in 1897, No.16 was most probably painted Crimson Lake known sometimes as ‘Midland Red’. However, it has been commented by some authors that the paint work looked different to that applied to Midland Locomotives, in that it had a slightly yellowish hue, possibly caused by the several varnish coats applied after painting.
The boiler barrel was Crimson Lake was black and yellow (or possibly gold) lining bands.
There is some conjecture over whether the dome cover was pained or not. Pictures of the No.16 appear to show a different colour to the boiler barrel, so it could be assumed that the dome was polished brass rather that crimson lake. We can’t be sure.
The cab sides were also Crimson Lake with black lining edged with yellow (or possibly gold) applied in rectangular boxes with round edges to the side sheets, one box above the horizontal side rail and one below.
This style of lining was also applied the side of the sand boxes.
When new, the locomotive splashers and valances were plain Crimson Lake all over with no lining, but by the turn of the century, the splashers were black with Crimson Lake panelling on the sides only
It is assumed that the chassis was black as was the running boards, cab roof and smoke box. The Footsteps and Guard Irons were probably black all over as well.
Over the years the livery is known to have changed, probably during major overhauls and to reflect circumstances at the time.
For example by 1914 the locomotive appeared in plain black livery with no lining, in 1917 No16 is recorded as being plain dark olive and finally, at the point of group in 1923 plain black again.
During all of these livery changes, the buffer beams remained vermillion.
Numbering and Lettering
The only numbering was a 6 inch (15.25 cms) high 16 in Gils Sans Serif lettering carried on the cab side.
The only lettering appeared on the tender as six inch (15.25 cms) high initials of the company. Originally the letters in the tender included an ‘&’ like so M & S W J RY
However, this was shorted to M S W J RY in later years. The bar under the letter y appears more like a dot on some photographs.
The above is just a guide so we suggest you refer to period photographs to ensure you get the level of detail you require. Also, if you have any further information, please let us know and we will be pleased to update our information.