THIS is a group of locomotives with a fascinating history. Starting in 1902 with three 0-8-0s for the Great Central Railway, Robinson’s heavy freight fleet grew rapidly as an integral part of general manager Sam Fay’s strategy to rescue the company from financial difficulties.
In 1923, the GCR passed on 241 powerful locomotives to the newlyformed London & North Eastern Railway.
Prior to this in 1917, the Robinson 2-8-0 was adopted as a standard type for the Railway Operating Division of the Royal Engineers. More than 500 were constructed by several manufacturers.