A magnificent railway bridge is the focus of today's post (7th February 2011). I have chosen two different views of the bridge, as depicted on jigsaws in my collection.
One of the most famous bridges in the UK, the Forth Bridge, spanning the Firth of Forth in Scotland, is superbly captured in the 400-piece jigsaw by Good Companion. Titled simply, Forth Bridge, the puzzle reproduces a T. E. North original painting illustrating the world's first, major steel bridge. Designed by Sir John Fowler and (Sir) Benjamin Baker, the huge structure is around 1.5 miles long and over 100 metres high; construction began in 1886. Local researchers estimate that 98 men were lost during its construction, much higher than the figure (57) reported on completion of the bridge. The official opening was performed by HRH The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, on 4th March 1890. The puzzle is shown in pic number one. A BR (ex LNER) express headed by a 4-6-2 'A2' class lcomotive, No.60525 A. H. Peppercorn, is pictured traversing the bridge with a variety of boats and ships included on the river beneath.
The 'listed' bridge is also featured in pic number two. A Gresley 'A4' class 4-6-2, No.60004 William Whitelaw, (Great Snipe prior to 1941) in BR blue livery, is shown crossing the bridge heading BR blue and grey coaches. The puzzle, from manufacturer Victory, is of 125 pieces but it was available in other sizes. The artist's name is not shown on the jigsaw - perhaps it is a 'cropped' version of the original canvas.