Locomotive Longevity.

An active life of 44 years is a rare record in locomotive history. Such is the record of the “Gladstone” engine, of the old Brighton line (now embraced in the Southern Railway), which has recently been withdrawn from traffic. The “Gladstone” was designed by Mr. William Stroudley, and was the first of a series of express passenger engines which brought the designer world-wide fame. Through the activities of the Stephenson Locomotive Society, the “Gladstone” has been acquired as a national relic. The old engine is being restored in the Southern shops at Eastleigh to its original condition, and repainted in the distinctive yellow shade adopted by its designer. It is being housed temporarily in the L. & N. E. Railway museum at York, and will ultimately find a place of honour in the Science Museum, South Kensington, London.

The average life of British railway engines is about twenty years. Probably Engine 224, of the North British line (now L. & N. E.), set up a world's long service record. This locomotive was built in 1871, and hauled the train which in 1879 dashed over the broken Tay Bridge, in Scotland-a disaster which involved the loss of sixty lives. After being hauled out of the water, No. 224 was again put in service, and continued at work until 1919, thereby placing to its credit a working life of nearly half a century.