John Robinson, CME of the GCR is justly famous, for his '8K' class of freight 2-8-0's (LNER class 04). In addition to the GCR’s requirements, many more were built for the ROD (Railway Operating Dept.) for use in Europe and the Middle East, seeing service in both wars. A total of 647 were built between 1911 and 1919. Their history is both complex and fascinating but will reward investigation. Ex-ROD examples were not only utilised by another four UK pre-grouping railways but some gravitated to China and even Australia! January 1912-built 63601, the only UK survivor, lost her original elegant GC chimney, ‘wheel & handle’ smoke-box door fastening and other detail differences over the years, unlike the two preserved Australian examples that remain in virtually original condition.
