Added November 2019
D1 no 234 ‘Rottingdean’
D1 no 239 ex ‘Patcham’
D1 no 241 ex ‘Stanmer’
In 1983 I was invited to Scaleforum to give a demonstration on scratchbuilding locomotives. As part of this, I decided to cut out the parts for three D1 tanks, to show them in various states of construction. ‘Rottingdean’ was the first to be completed, in 1984. (The last wasn’t finished until 2011!)
The first of the D-tanks were built in 1873, and these locos proved to be so useful, and economic to run that production continued for 14 years, and the class eventually totalled 125. Rottingdean was built in 1881, part of the sixth batch, all built by Neilson’s of Glasgow since Brighton works was fully stretched building G-singles and E tanks. It was initially shedded at Brighton, later moved to Epsom at the Grouping, and back at Brighton by 1937.
On Marsh’s appointment as CME in 1905, the loco liveries changed and passenger locos were repainted in two-tone umber. However Rottingdean retained its IEG livery and name until 1911. The loco was eventually fitted for motor train working, along with many others of the class, in 1913.
Withdrawals of the class commenced in 1903 although most of the class survived into the 20’s and 30’s. Rottingdean was one of the last four survivors, and after a seemingly untroubled life, was withdrawn in February 1950 (having spent 11 years in store) together with ‘Guildford’ and ‘Stockwell’. The last of the class ‘Buckhurst’ was finally broken up in September 1950 having racked up a total of 1,790,791 miles.
The chassis is fully compensated with Portescap motor, and split-axle pickups, similar to Strasbourg.
The photos left and right show Rottingdean in action on the now dismantled layout ‘Brighton Road’.
These photos show the loco on ‘Plumpton Green’: on the left, running light engine to Lewes with D3 ‘Victoria’, after bringing in the raceday specials for Plumpton Races, and on the right hauling the horsebox train.
D1 no 234 ‘Rottingdean’
D1 no 239 ex ‘Patcham’
D1 no 241 ex ‘Stanmer’
In 1983 I was invited to Scaleforum to give a demonstration on scratchbuilding locomotives. As part of this, I decided to cut out the parts for three D1 tanks, to show them in various states of construction. ‘Rottingdean’ was the first to be completed, in 1984. (The last wasn’t finished until 2011!)
The first of the D-On Marsh’s appointment as CME in 1905, the loco liveries changed and passenger locos were repainted in two-
Withdrawals of the class commenced in 1903 although most of the class survived into the 20’s and 30’s. Rottingdean was one of the last four survivors, and after a seemingly untroubled life, was withdrawn in February 1950 (having spent 11 years in store) together with ‘Guildford’ and ‘Stockwell’. The last of the class ‘Buckhurst’ was finally broken up in September 1950 having racked up a total of 1,790,791 miles.
The chassis is fully compensated with Portescap motor, and split-
The photos left and right show Rottingdean in action on the now dismantled layout ‘Brighton Road’.
These photos show the loco on ‘Plumpton Green’: on the left, running light engine to Lewes with D3 ‘Victoria’, after bringing in the raceday specials for Plumpton Races, and on the right hauling the horsebox train.
