Midland Railway

I have to admit that the Midland Railway is a favourite probably because of the sheer elegance of S W Johnson's locomotive designs. In my view there is nothing better than a Johnson Single locomotive. Formed from the usual amalgamation of minor railways the Midland became a leading operator in the years before the Grouping of 1923. Even after this date it had a huge influence on the LMS Railway for many years much to the dismay, I suspect, of the LNWR supporters.

Formed in 1847 from the amalgamation of minor railways, this railway served the central part of England in the Yorkshire and Lancashire areas but was always in competition with other railways in the area due to lucrative coal transportation in the rich coal fields. The railway was subsequently amalgamated with the London & North Western Railway shortly before the Grouping of 1923.The locomotives appeared to be quite colourful in the early years being a dark green (almost Brunswick green) This disappeared by 1878

I have to admit that the Midland is probably my favourite Pre Group railway. The sheer elegance of many of the locomotive designs, particularly those of S W Johnson fill me with admiration. Which is why my first 3D model is a Johnson Single. Formed in 1844 from the usual amalgamation of minor railways the Midland expanded to become a leading operator vying with LNWR for the premier service. It served areas up the west coast of UK from London to Scotland ( with running power agreements with other railways). It formed joint railways and crept into East Anglia (M&GNR) and down to the South coast (S&DJR). Early locomotives were painted a dark green but this changed to the "famous" Midland Red around 1883 (exact date iffy). Coaching stock was the same colour.