Rumbling dis-content on the S&DJR!
In the 1960's the S&DJR management were intent on sticking with steam power and had picked up ex GNRI 205 on withdrawal by NIR. The loco was a favourite of the then Loco Superintendent and was restored to its GNRI livery and properly maintained. A few years later he learnt that NIR had withdrawn UG 0-6-0 49 ex GNR 149 and accordingly, as mechanically he thought it shared many features with the 4-4-0, he persuaded the Board to acquire it too rather than invest in more expensive new diesels.
Hurriedly placed into service it soon became apparent that 49 or 9 on the S&DJR was basically past it, however increasing traffic and some difficulty in hiring further CIE diesels meant that it had to soldier on. S&D Loco crews were becoming increasingly dis-contented with having to continue with steam, especially when comparing their lot with colleagues on the diesels and No. 9 bore the brunt of their disenchantment.
The writing for steam was on the wall and here we have No 9 paused whilst shunting the local trip, sharing a brew with their luckier mates on A3r.