The picture below of the 4−6−0 side tank (John Fowler no.4950) is a mystery card in my collection. It appears to be an official photograph and the running number (46) suggests it was main-line rather than industrial. But when was it built, and to whom was it delivered?

   It seems fitting that Scotland, the birthplace of the crane tank locomotive, should have at the present time what must be the best kept example in the country. A visit to the Kilmarnock works of Glenfield & Kennedy Limited early in May 1966 revealed the fine specimen illustrated [below - middle]. No.1 (Andrew Barclay 880 of 1902) in a livery of light green and black with yellow lining and lettering makes a fine subject for a colour photograph. It‘s a great pity the RECORD cannot cope with colour, as yet! (We agree! - Hon. Eds.)

    Away over the hills in Lanarkshire is the famous firm of Bairds & Scottish Steel Limited. Whilst they no longer run such engines as their old Dübs tender locomotive (now sadly no more), the entire stock is steam and Scottish built at that! In May 1966 at the Northburn Works in Kipps I found an 1887 Neilson alongside an 1899 Neilson Reid and two 1918 Barclays. An even older Neilson (built in 1883) was at work at the Gartsherrie Iron Works nearby in Coatbridge with an 1889 example under repair. No.7 (North British 16732 of 1905), which I photographed on the slag bank [below], is similar to the Neilsons apart from the shape of the cab, as are Nos.19 and 20 (North British 18385 and 18386 of 1920). A visit to Bairds is to be recommended. The welcome is cordial and the engines are vintage.