I don’t have an issue with J.Beisly’s letter on the efficiency of steam locomotives (December 26) but what intrigues me is the accompanying photo of a Black 5 loco taking on water at Grosvenor Terrace.

On long-haul journeys water troughs were placed between the rails in order for the engine to take on water without having to stop on its run. As there are no such provisions at Grosvenor Terrace, how was water supplied, a line-side water bowser?

If the loco had stopped at York station (half a mile away) why didn’t it get topped up there? Maybe one of your knowledgeable enthusiasts could supply the answer.

David J.Wilde, Acomb, York.