Steam Locomotive Information

Here is the photo album for British Railways No. 34072 '257 Squadron', a 4-6-2 located in Swanage, Dorset. If you would like to suggest additional photos for this album, please click here.

Before purchase for preservation the loco was sent for scrap to Woodham's yard, Barry Dock. Photo from 23rd March 1968

Another view of the loco at Barry Dock on 23rd march 1968.

34072 pictured on a visit to the Great Central Railway during their Winter Steam Gala in January 2022

Running in the guise of long scrapped sister, 34066 'Spitfire', No.34072 is pictured during the Spa Valley Railway's Winter Steam Gala on 10th of February 2024.

The nameplate of long scrapped sister, 34066 'Spitfire', carried by No.34072 at the Spa Valley Railway's Winter Steam Gala on 10th of February 2024.

The loco's name plate and squadron crest. Like many of these light Pacifics, they form the 'Battle of Britain' class carrying names that reflect the Royal Air Force's role in the defence of the UK during the early part of World War 2. In this case it is named for a fighter Squadron, but others carry names of air fields or senior RAF officers.

34072 taking water at Dereham during the Mid Norfolk Railway's Steam Gala on 29th June 2024. As you can see it would take some time to fill the tender. The Mid Norfolk Railway is mostly a classic diesel line, but does have steam events, so maybe watering facilities may improve given time.


British Railways 4-6-2 No. 34072 '257 Squadron' Swanage, Dorset, UK	Location: Swanage Railway Status: Operational