B.R. and Great Western Expresses.

'Britannia' class and 'King' class locomotives are to the fore in today's duo of wooden jigsaws - 9th February 2024. First up is a Tower Press puzzle of 35 pieces featuring a British Railways 'Britannia' class 4-6-2 engine, heading an unnamed express; the title is, simply, Express Train. The express is headed by the doyen of the class - No.70000 Britannia. It is from a series of 4 puzzles, titled My Favourites but this is the only steam train example. The train is probably a 'Boat Train', just leaving from, or arriving at, Southampton Docks. An ocean liner is visible in the background and a couple of railway workmen add human interest and scale, to the picture. A passenger aeroplane is added to a summer holiday scene. The puzzle pieces are large and interlocking, fit quite loosely, and are mainly aimed at children.

The second jigsaw, of 80 pieces, is titled Great Western 'Cornish Express' on the coast near Dawlish, Devon. The giant 4-6-0 locomotive No.6014 King Henry VII is heading the express composed of carriages of mixed liveries, along the stretch of West Country coast line, coveted by artists and photographers. Yes, the picturesque line between Teignmouth and Dawlish has been favoured by many famous names, none more so than John Austin. However, many of John's paintings include inclement weather with trains battling against the elements on this south west coast, where sea and land are inseparable in stormy weather. Check out his website. The jigsaw shows the coast railway line in fine weather with a backdrop of smooth waves. I do not know the artist for either jigsaw nor the manufacturer of the second puzzle.