During the period when the original G.C.R. was in operation some manafacturers of picture postcards chose the pre-grouping (1923) railway companies as subjects for illustration.

Although the dawn of readily available colour photography had yet to arrive, such postcards today give a fascinating insight into the colourful world of the pre-grouping period at a zenith of U.K. railway operations. In the examples on this page the changes in coaching stock livery exercised over the years by the G.C.R. is evident.

In the postcard above, coach stock finished in varnished teak livery (from 1908). Locomotive depicted is Robinson-designed Class 8B 4-4-2 'atlantic' No. 362. This postcard is a faithfull reproduction of a photograph of the down 'Sheffield Special' taken at Amersham.

Early coach stock finished in French Grey and brown (up to 1903). A Tuck's "Oilette" postcard. Locomotive depicted is Robinson-designed Class 11B 4-4-0 No. 1022, known to G.C. drivers as a 'bogie pom-pom'.

Coach stock finished in brown and cream (1903 - 1908). Leading coach is clerestory roofed.

Early coach stock finished in French Grey and brown (up to 1903). An unidentified Robinson 'atlantic' heads the train.

Another classic Robinson design of 1911, the large Class 9N 4-6-2 suburban passenger tank engine. No. 165 (seen here) was the first of the class, appearing from Gorton works two days after the coronation of King George V in June, 1911. As a result these locomotives acquired the nickname of "Coronation Tanks".

A Robinson 4-4-2 Class 8D, No. 258 in photographic grey, or works grey. Actual livery carried in service may be seen in the first postcard. This Robinson-designed 3 cylinder compound 'atlantic' was constructed at Gorton, emerging in December, 1905.

This was arguably one of the most attractive locomotive designs of the time, sadly none have been saved in preservation.