1894 was an important year, as a young 14 year old Topham Hatt began his apprenticeship at Swindon. Rumor has it that he’s always had a soft spot for 4-4-0 tender engines. (Looking at YOU Edward)
Pictured here is a GWR 3252 Duke Class, one of the 1895 batches. Some say that Topham peeking up from the maintenance pit resembles a chick tucked under a hen.



















