As part of our regular series on local landmarks, Julia Omari discovers a children’s favourite.

Robert is the 38 tonne saddle tank steam engine that sits outside Stratford station, however when he first arrived in Newham back in 1993, his original spot was next to the gas works in Beckton. His change of location in 1999 was due to ongoing vandalism.

The red locomotive was actually built green by the Ironside Engine Company, Bristol in 1933 and was originally named Lamport number 3 due to being one of three engines that transported coal for Lamport Ironside Mines in Northamptonshire where he worked until the mines closed in 1969. After spending many years providing fun family trips on heritage railway lines, Lamport Number 3 then went on display at various locations including a number of museums.

After receiving an image and name upgrade Robert can now enjoy his permanent home in Newham, to the delight of many young children who often associate him with Thomas, that other very famous tank engine.

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