LMS Fowler 2-6-4T
| LMS Fowler 4P 2-6-4T | |
|---|---|
|
2300, circa. 1928 | |
| Type and origin | |
| Power type | Steam |
| Designer | Sir Henry Fowler |
| Builder | LMS Derby Works |
| Build date | 1927–1934 |
| Total produced | 125 |
| Specifications | |
| Configuration | 2-6-4T |
| UIC classification | 1′C2′ h2t |
| Leading wheel diameter | 3 ft 3 1⁄2 in (1.003 m) |
| Driver diameter | 5 ft 9 in (1.753 m) |
| Trailing wheel diameter | 3 ft 3 1⁄2 in (1.003 m) |
| Wheelbase | 38.5 ft (11.73 m) |
| Length | 47 ft 2 3⁄4 in (14.40 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 86.25 long tons (87.6 t) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 long tons (3.6 t) |
| Water capacity | 2,000 imp gal (9,100 l) |
| Boiler | LMS type G8AS |
| Boiler pressure | 200 lbf/in2 (1.38 MPa) superheated |
| Firegrate area | 25 sq ft (2.3 m2) |
| Heating surface: – Tubes and flues | 1,082 sq ft (100.5 m2) |
| – Firebox | 138 sq ft (12.8 m2) |
| Superheater area | 266 sq ft (24.7 m2) or 246 sq ft (22.9 m2) |
| Cylinders | Two, outside |
| Cylinder size | 19 in × 26 in (483 mm × 660 mm) |
| Performance figures | |
| Tractive effort | 23,125 lbf (102.87 kN) |
| Career | |
| Operator(s) |
|
| Power class |
|
| Number(s) |
|
| Withdrawn | 1959–1966 |
| Disposition | All scrapped |
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The London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) Fowler 2-6-4T was a class of steam locomotive passenger tanks designed by Henry Fowler.
Construction
125 examples of the class were built. The last 30 numbered 2395 to 2424 were fitted with side-window cabs. The LMS classified them 4P, BR 4MT. They were the basis for a family of subsequent LMS/BR Class 4 2-6-4T locomotives.
Operational use
Most of the class were used on longer-distance commuter trains from stations in London, Manchester and other large towns. A number were allocated to Tebay Motive Power Depot and were used to bank heavy passenger and goods trains up the steep incline to Shap on the LMS West Coast Main Line. Some operated on the long trip from Shrewsbury to Swansea (Victoria). The last two surviving locos were withdrawn from service in 1966.
Numbering
The LMS numbered the class 2300–2424, BR adding 40000 to their numbers to make them 42300–424. Numbers 2395-2424 had a side window and doors in their cabs,[1] unlike those pictured here.
| LMS no. | BR no. | Lot no. | Date built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2300–2303 | 42300–42303 | 47 | 1927 |
| 2304–2324 | 42304–42324 | 47 | 1928 |
| 2325–2374 | 42325–42374 | 53 | 1929 |
| 2375–2384 | 42375–42384 | 89 | 1932 |
| 2385–2423 | 42385–42423 | 101 | 1933 |
| 2424 | 42424 | 101 | 1934 |
Preservation
No locos were preserved, but the January 2013 edition of The Railway Magazine reported that a new-build project to recreate a Fowler 2-6-4T was at an initial research stage.
One of the NCC Class WT locos (No. 4), which drew heavily from the Fowler design, is preserved by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland. It is currently stored awaiting overhaul.
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to LMS Fowler Class 4 2-6-4T. |
- ↑ Ian Allan abc British Railways Locomotives 1960
- David Hunt, Bob Essery Fred James (2002) LMS Locomotive Profiles No. 3: The Parallel Boiler 2-6-4 Tank Engines ISBN 1-874103-72-0
- Rowledge, J.W.P. (1975). Engines of the LMS built 1923–51. Oxford: Oxford Publishing Company. ISBN 0-902888-59-5.
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