A Malcolm Root 'Special'

A superb painting by Malcolm Root is the subject of todays post, 5 April 2023, duplicated as a 1000-piece jigsaw from Kingfisher Publishing. The painting was completed in 2003 and emerged recently in jigsaw form.

The Oliver Bulleid, designed 'Pacific', No.34072 257 Squadron, was one of the 110, unique 'Light Pacific' Locomotives, known as 'Spam Cans' to enthusiasts; they were split into 'West Country' and 'Battle of Britain' classes. The 'Battle of Britain' class 4-6-2 No.34072 257 Squadron was built at Brighton Works in 1948 and withdrawn from service in 1964. The two classes were notable for their 'air smooth casings' and chain driven valve gear. The locomotive was the 158th example to leave Barry Scrapyard in 1984 purchased by the owners of 'Merchant Navy' class, No.35027 Port Line, and arrived at Swindon, in 1990, for restoration. It was then sent to the Swanage Railway two years later and ran until 2003 when a major overhaul was necessary. The overhaul began in 2013 and the locomotive returned into service in 2018. 34072 remains in active service at the Preserved Railway. In Malcolm's picture the locomotive is shown in its final depot at Eastleigh, with two engine-men in attendence. The painting, reflecting the engine's final operational year, 1964, is included in the book Malcolm Root's Railway Paintings. I you would like this puzzle in your collection just Google Railway Recollections jigsaw puzzles.