Today's puzzle features a photograph of a British Railways 'Standard' class 4MT (mixed traffic) 4-6-0 locomotive, No.75027. The jigsaw is from the JR Puzzles (Stockport) stable, later marketed by JHG Puzzles of Ashmore, Dorset.
The location for the locomotive, heading Southern Railway passenger coaches, is the Bluebell Railway, the UK's first standard gauge, preserved railway. No.75027 was built in 1953/54 at Swindon Works and was based on BR's Western Region for several years. She was withdrawn from service in August 1968 and purchased by a member of the Bluebell Railway. The owner then became a generous donor of the engine to the railway. No.75027, is currently on static display at the railway, awaiting overhaul. The jigsaw, titled Standard Class 4, is a 1000-piece example and part of the Steam Trains series
Following nationalisation in 1948, British Railways decided to build a fleet of different locomotive classes based on a simple design principle, incorporating features from all 4 previous railway companies. They were all classed as 'Standards'. The designs were overseen by Robert Riddles from 1951, and goals were affordable cost and easy maintenance.
