This photograph was taken in 1861 of a "Bloomer" locomotive and tender at Wolverton. In the background you can see the back of the second station and refreshment rooms.
These new locomotives could reach speeds of 60 mph on their own and run at average speeds of 36 - 38mph with train loads. By the standards of the day they were very fast and the phrase "express train" entered the language. Not all of these engines were built at Wolverton but they were developed and built under McConnell's regime at Wolverton and perhaps brought a little bit of glamour to Wolverton's production history.
In 1985 a replica "Bloomer" was built and installed in Milton Keyne's central plaza. Over the years it deteriorated and in 2006 was moved to Wolverton for restoration. I don't know the status of the project.
A replica is under construction at Tyserly
Visit the site at http://andrewstransport.smugmug.com/Britishheritagerailways/Birmingham-Tyseley-Locomotive/17847856_tPdBnj/1364878639_cXcFDTG#!i=1364878639&k=cXcFDTG
Of course do support their magnificent work
I am grateful to Wolverton past for the text and the LNWR society for the picture.
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