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Ex Caledonian Railway no. 123
on Rail Enthusiasts Special

taking water at Muirkirk

Caledonian Railway Company locomotive no 123 was built at the Hydepark Works of Neilson & Co in Springburn, Glasgow in 1886, works No. 3553
She entered LMS service in 1923 and renumbered 14010. She was withdrawn in 1935
This locomotive had an unusual wheel arrangement of 4-2-2, and won a gold medal at the Edinburgh International Exhibition of 1886.

In regular service, no 123 worked on the Carlisle to Edinburgh section of the West Coast route,
a section was just over 100 miles long and included steep climbs up to Beattock (1014 feet) and Cobbinshaw (900 feet).

The West Coast and East Coast trains were in constant competition to reduce travelling times from London to Scotland, which was known as the "Great Race North".
No 123 was one of the racing trains and often managed a speed of 56 miles per hour.

This locomotive is now on display in the Museum of Transport in Glasgow.

A photograph of this engine leaving Muirkirk can be viewed here on the Ayrshire History site

A photograph of CR 123 at Yorkhill in the 1980's can be viewed here

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