Francis
Statistics
Name: Francis
Number: 44441 (LMS 4441, S&D 41)
Prototype: LMS 4F Class
Wheel Arrangement: 0-6-0
Build Date: 1927
Built: Crewe Works
Number: 44441 (LMS 4441, S&D 41)
Prototype: LMS 4F Class
Wheel Arrangement: 0-6-0
Build Date: 1927
Built: Crewe Works
Profile
Francis was built in 1927 at Crewe Works. For the first 15 years of his life, he worked up around in Scotland, mainly around Aberdeen.
However, in the middle of the Second World War, several engines were ordered to be cut up for their metal. Francis, despite being relatively new, was one of these engines, but just before he fell to the torch, he was ordered by the Foreman to be transferred to Templecombe. It is widely believed that the Somerset and Dorset line needed more motive power to help with the war effort down there. Francis was sent down to the south almost at once, and many people around Aberdeen claim that he is "the one that got away".
When Francis arrived, he was instantly repainted into S&DJR prussian blue, despite the company being part of the LMS. Some people claim that the painters were drunk at the time, and they thought that the year was 1920.
Francis instantly began arguing with one of his brothers based at Templecombe, namely Fowler. The sound of their voices would often carry on down the line towards Wincanton. He also became very irritated with another of his brothers, Felix, which led to one of his catchphrases being created - "Shut up, Felix!"
In 1963, Francis was a typical 4F on the line, but he began to notice that Fowler was acting strangely. When he cornered him about it, he discovered that Fowler was planning to leave to avoid scrapping. Francis, who didn't know about his fate up in Scotland, thought that Fowler was being stupid talking about them being scrapped, until he spoke with the engines on the Out of Use line. After threatening to tell the Managers, Francis was allowed to go with Fowler, but he was very reluctant at allowing Felix to come with them.
Although many believe that Francis actually gets on very well with Fowler, they are all now too traumatized to tell anyone why they think that, and it seems that Francis is to blame...
However, in the middle of the Second World War, several engines were ordered to be cut up for their metal. Francis, despite being relatively new, was one of these engines, but just before he fell to the torch, he was ordered by the Foreman to be transferred to Templecombe. It is widely believed that the Somerset and Dorset line needed more motive power to help with the war effort down there. Francis was sent down to the south almost at once, and many people around Aberdeen claim that he is "the one that got away".
When Francis arrived, he was instantly repainted into S&DJR prussian blue, despite the company being part of the LMS. Some people claim that the painters were drunk at the time, and they thought that the year was 1920.
Francis instantly began arguing with one of his brothers based at Templecombe, namely Fowler. The sound of their voices would often carry on down the line towards Wincanton. He also became very irritated with another of his brothers, Felix, which led to one of his catchphrases being created - "Shut up, Felix!"
In 1963, Francis was a typical 4F on the line, but he began to notice that Fowler was acting strangely. When he cornered him about it, he discovered that Fowler was planning to leave to avoid scrapping. Francis, who didn't know about his fate up in Scotland, thought that Fowler was being stupid talking about them being scrapped, until he spoke with the engines on the Out of Use line. After threatening to tell the Managers, Francis was allowed to go with Fowler, but he was very reluctant at allowing Felix to come with them.
Although many believe that Francis actually gets on very well with Fowler, they are all now too traumatized to tell anyone why they think that, and it seems that Francis is to blame...
Francis' Face
Created by Dark DJ