Intro
Key points from from Scott-Morgan and Martin (Red Panniers) pages 123-129
History edit
Page 123 edit
From the early 1880s Neasden was the base of the Metropolitan Ry steam fleet. Originally at Edgware Road but not big enough for development and expansion. New works started in 1881. New loco works in 1883. Many locos rebuilt and three members of the Met E class constructed here.
Also a wooden loco shed - two roads - for about 10 locos (also sheds such as New Cross, Chesham, Aylesbury). 1898 - shed replaced with wooden roundhouse with twice the capacity. Demolished 1908 in poor state of repair. Locos rehoused in three roads of the old carriage washing shed (built 1897, corrugated iron). Served as home until most of the Met's steam hauled working was transferred to the LNER in 1937. Neasden site remodelled with a new two road shed (brick).
Page 129 edit
(Some Memories of a Steam Apprentice - Ron Head)
1969-70 at Neasden - now steam fleet of just 6 locomotives. Helped Bill Craigh (boilersmith)
and page 130 - L89 - was always in trouble with various boiler problems. GWR locos usually referred to as "Westerns" to distinguish from old Met locos.