The Midland Railway Study Centre Assemblage Trails

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY ASSEMBLAGE TRAILS
"The Enthusiast's Trail"
Stop Thirteen: A brass teapot stand?

Looking at the drawers in the corner, below the window which looks out to the “exploded” Toyota car...

A brass figure zero with feet attached to it to make it a teapot stand

Stop 13

Where: A1 (lower drawer)

What: Locomotive numeral

Material: Brass

Why: This brass figure 0, later adapted with feet to form a teapot stand, was originally a locomotive numeral, as illustrated below. These were all removed in 1907 in favour of a much larger painted numbers which were easier for signalmen to read at night and report back to the newly formed Control Offices. It is assumed the redundant numerals, no doubt running into several thousands, were melted down and the brass reused, making this an incredibly rare survivor.

Ref: RFB31728

A photograph of Midland Railway locomotive No.2020, an 0-4-4 tank engine, displaying two of these brass numerals on its side.