LMS Fowler Dock Tank

LMS 2F Fowler Dock Tank
LMS Fowler Dock Tank 47165 at Fleetwood Docks, Lancashire, on 6 August 1958
Power type Steam
Designer Sir Henry Fowler
Builder LMS Derby Works
Build date 1928–1929
Total produced 10
Configuration 0-6-0T
UIC classification Cnt
Gauge 4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)
Driver diameter 47 in (1.194 m)
Wheelbase 9.5 ft (2.90 m)
Length 27.5 ft (8.38 m)
Locomotive weight 43.6 long tons (44.3 t)
Fuel type Coal
Fuel capacity 1.5 long tons (1.5 t)
Water capacity 1,000 imp gal (4,500 l)
Boiler LMS type G5
Boiler pressure 160 psi (1.1 MPa) saturated
Firegrate area 14.5 sq ft (1.35 m2)
Heating surface:
Tubes
923 sq ft (85.7 m2)
Heating surface:
Firebox
85 sq ft (7.9 m2)
Superheater type None
Cylinders Two, outside
Cylinder size 17×22 in (432×559 mm)
Class 2F
Number in class 10
Number LMS: 11270–11279
LMS: 7100–7109 (1934)
LMS 7160–7169 (1939)
BR:47160-47169
Retired 1959–1964
Disposition All scrapped

The London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) Fowler Dock Tank was a 0-6-0T steam locomotive. Designed for shunting in docks, it had a short wheelbase in order for it to negotiate tight curves.

History

The LMS were responsible for operating lines on a number of docks which, due to space constraints, contained curves considerably sharper than most other places, thus most dock tanks had only four coupled (i.e. driving) wheels in order to allow them to negoatiate the tight curves. With the growth in freight a more powerful engine was required which resulted in this design by Sir Henry Fowler for an 0-6-0 tank locomotive with a 9 foot 6 inch wheelbase which, aided by the use of Cartazzi self-centring axleboxes on the rear axle, allowed the loco to negotiate curves of 2½ chains,[1]. Ten of these simple sturdy locomotives were built on Lot 61 in 1928 and 1929 by Derby Works although, unusually for dock tanks they incorporated outside cylinders, these normally being considered too dangerous in an area where people were working close to the rapidly moving rods.[1] Other than this they were typical of most dock tanks with simple slide valves and oval buffers. They were initially numbered 11270–9, renumbered under the LMS 1933 renumbering scheme to 7100–9, and renumbered again in 1939 to 7160–9. Despite their small number, the LMS considered them standard locomotives.

After nationalisation in 1948, BR added 40000 to their numbers making them 47160–9, and allocated 5 of the 10 to Scottish depots,[1] where they operated on branch lines as well as docks. The locomotives spent their entire lives painted in plain black; withdrawals took place between 1959 and 1964 with none surviving into preservation.

References

  1. ^ a b c Beattie, Ian (July 1986). "LMS Class 2F 0-6-0T". Railway Modeller (Beer: Peco) Vol.38 (No.429): p299, p302. 

External links