LNER Route: Leicester to Marylebone

Rugby Central Station: gcrcs259

Preserved GWR 4-4-0 No 3440 'City of Truro' stands light engine at Rugby Great Central station. Built by Swindon works in May 1903 No 3440 was alleged to have reached 100 mph whilst hauling the 'Ocean Mails' special from Plymouth to London Paddington on 9th May 1904. From 1922 onwards City of Truro featured prominently in the Great Western Railway's publicity material, hence its enduring appeal as seen above. Standing just below the cab resplendent in his uniform and checking his watch is Station Master Potts. The locomotive was rebuilt to a limited extent in 1911 and 1915, and renumbered 3717 in 1912 and remained in service until March 1931 when it was withdrawn from SND Swindon shed to be preserved.

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