HIGHLAND RAILWAY / LMS: 1882 SKYE BOGIE (CLASS L) 4-4-0 Train STAMP SHEET

A GREAT gift idea for the Locomotive & Highland Railway Enthusiast (as well as Stamp Collector) and ideal for framing.  A 22.5 x 32.7 cms Complete Sheet of 50 Stamps of the 1880 HR Skye Bogie Class L Locomotive comprising 25 se-tenant pairs of two genuine 1985 MINT/UNUSED 5c stamps from Union Island (Grenadines of St Vincent) in the West Indies (Issued 25th March 1985).  The first stamp illustrates the technical / plan drawings and the second stamp shows the locomotive at work. The scans below show (i) a close up of the stamps and (ii) the complete sheet. The stamps are 32 years old but are in pristine unmounted mint condition.  The sheet would make an ideal present for the Highland Railway enthusiast and is ideal for framing.

One of the most scenic rail routes in Britain is the "road to the Isles" which leads west across the hills to Kyle of Lochalsh (a stone's throw from the Isle of Skye). Shortly after it was opened in 1870, the Highland Railway made the step up from 2-4-0s to 4-4-0s with leading bogies on its celebrated "Duke" Class.  In 1882, a single smaller-wheeled version was built specifically for the Skye line using the same chassis as the Duke class - hence the name "Skye Bogie".  They were excellent performers and worked all the traffic on the "Kyle Road" for many years.  As late as 1919, no other class of locomotive was allocated to Kyle of Lochalsh shed.  The last survivor ceased work in 1930.

A Pretty Unique Item of HR Memorabilia!

Between 1983 and 1987 the Islands of the British Commonwealth collaboratively produced an Omnibus issue of postage stamps depicting famous and historic locomotives.  I will be offering about 300 other Locomotive Stamp Sheets in my Other eBay Auctions over the coming weeks.  Many more are also in stock.  Please check out my eBay Shop for any specific Locomotive Stamp Sheet Requests.

These stamps are genuine and were recognised and used as valid postal currency for the transport of mail throughout the world. All these stamps have been officially catalogued by Scott, Michel, Yvert et Tellier, Unificato, Stanley Gibbons, and Domfil.  The stamps were on sale in Post Offices in the individual countries of origin for at least 90 days following issue. The stamps were also made available through the Crown / Commonwealth Agents until their withdrawal in 1990.