The Rat Roadshow Headboard
The Rat Roadshow Headboard Was constructed at Derby Loco works By our very own Mr B during his Tea breaks in early 1984. 25320 was used as a pattern for measuring and the bracket from a squashed tail lamp was used to make sure it stayed firmly attached to the loco.
In it's first incarnation it carried the legend The Rat Roadshow on Tour 84.
And became a regular sight on the Cambrian. Even making it to the pages of Rail enthusiast (October 1984 issue) It was in this guise that it took an unescorted trip to Penzance!!.
As one saturday morning a less than happy Mr B Turned up for the 07:44 Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth minus headboard.
Explaining that it was in the luggage rack heading west.Fortunately it was retrieved and owner & headboard were reunited later that week. Below are a few Photos of the Headboard out & about on service trains Please Click on the Thumb nails for a larger view

It's second incarnation was for the 15-9-84 The last day of diagrammed class 25's on the cambrian summer saturday trains For this Black day Mr B painted the reverse of the Headboard as The Class 25 Cambrian coast farewell
Click here for a brief review of that day
After This sad occasion Mr B applied A Sulzer & an A.E.I Badge over The 84 But it only produced rarely as the chance of use was virtually nil
After 1986 the Headboard went in to retirement as did most Roadshow members.
But did produce for the Sulzer Salute railtour in 1991 When 25322 gave us some mainline running during its all to brief comeback
Then after a 10 year rest the headboard came out to play again for 25279s(D7629) Passenger debut at the Great Central
Since this outing the Headboard has appeared at Several preserved railways.
Including the 2001 great central diesel gala
(when yet again it went wandering on its own & visited London Thanks to all involved in the return of it in time for the pair of 25's on the Beerex)
Please use the links below to view photos of the Loco's that have have worn the headboard in preservation
25057 25059 25235 25278 25279 25313
To celebrate the Headboard's 20th anniversary Mr B has returned it to it's original condition
By removing the Badges so that once again the 84 is on display
The badges will be replaced at the end of the year
here are a few links to photos of it out and about in 2004
At the N.N.R Here & Here , At the K & W.V.R. Here

The Headboard has also been models in 00 gauge click here to view a couple of photos
And Last but not least click on the thumb nail below
To see a photo of the headboard on something other than a 25