Diesel Engine, Hendon Shunting Yard, Sunderland

Robert Soden painted this Class 56 diesel locomotive directly from the subject, on a cold summer's day when Sunderland was enveloped in sea-fret.

Robert was initially attracted by the graphics on the side of the engine. These represent coal, in the form of black diamonds, and cooling towers from a coal-fired power station. These locomotives hauled coal from pits to power stations in so-called ‘merry-go-round’ trains. Travelling at very slow speeds, the coal wagons could be filled and emptied on the move – an innovative system that gave the coal industry a new lease of life.

The subject of this painting is possibly locomotive 56134, which was named ‘Blyth Power’, and can seen in the associated photograph. Courtesy of Jim Nisbett, Class 56 Group.

Gemini Collection, Zurbarán Trust