On the wall in the SCR is a nameplate and picture of a locomotive named BRADFIELD with a fascinating history.

The story of the steam locomotive came to light over the summer of 2011. Thanks to a visit by Sam Hunt who taught at Bradfield for 35 years (SCR 1967-82) and who expressed an interest in examining the Bradfield nameplate.

Research revealed the Bradfield locomotive was one of the "Schools Class" locomotives or "Southern Railways Class V"; engine number 923, designed by Mechanical Engineer Richard EL Maunsell and made by CME in Eastleigh, Hampshire. Of the 40 engines in total named after prominent English public schools, Bradfield was the 24th, sadly no longer in existence having been reduced to scrap metal many years ago.

Interestingly No 24 was originally named Uppingham but was withdrawn after objections from the school. Built in December 1933 the name was changed from Uppingham to Bradfield on 14 August 1934. The Bradfield was taken out of service in December 1962.

However, appearances can be deceptive as the photograph in the SCR and reprinted alongside is not of the Bradfield nor is it the Uppingham, it is in fact a 911 Dover! Although all the schools were presented with a portrait of their locomotive by Southern Railway at the time of the 'naming', technically it was very difficult to take a picture in the works yard, so only a few of the 40 locomotives were actually photographed. An airbrush artist edited out the background details, name and number accordingly, replacing them with another name and number! The Bradfield Chronicle back in Autumn 2011 noted "Apparently in a certain light and from a certain distance it is possible to detect the airbrushing on the Bradfield locomotive image."

Each locomotive was allocated two nameplates, the second Bradfield plate is displayed in the National Railway Museum in York.

Thank you also to Stephen Bastow (SCR 81-11) for his assistance with the research back in 2011 and Assistant Archivist at the time Val Johnston.