British Rail Class 98
British Rail Class 98
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British Rail Class 98
No 8 Llywelyn apart from being allocated a TOPS code, was also painted in Rail Blue livery.
Specifications
Gauge1 ft 11+3⁄4 in (603 mm), VoR only
4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

The British Rail Class 98 is a Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) classification that has been used to cover all steam locomotives used on the mainline in Britain, but also has a particular usage for the three Vale of Rheidol Railway-design 2-6-2T locomotives that remained in the ownership of British Rail (BR) after the end of mainline steam traction in August 1968. The locomotives on the Vale of Rheidol Railway were the only steam locomotives ever officially to carry the British Rail corporate blue and the double arrow logo.

The number 98010 was assigned to an 0-6-0DH locomotive acquired by BR in 1987. This locomotive also worked the Vale of Rheidol and was sold along with the steam locomotives. 98010 was built by the Brecon Mountain Railway, using parts supplied by Baguley-Drewry.[1]

Vale of Rheidol locomotives

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These three steam locomotives, numbered 7-9 by the Great Western Railway and British Railways, were the only ones to survive in BR's ownership after the end of mainline steam traction in August 1968. Under TOPS they were allocated Class 98 and were nominally numbered 98007-98009, but these numbers were never actually carried on the locomotives.

Registered steam locomotives

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46115 Scots Guardsman - a class 7 engine, TOPS number 98715

The Class 98 series has also been used for privately owned steam locomotives registered to run on the mainline since 1971. The first two digits are the class designation, in this case 98, the remaining three digits are allocated as follows:

The third digit represents the power classification, which was assigned (with a few exceptions) to all British Railways locomotives. The narrow gauge VoRR locomotives were not assigned a power class, but for TOPS purposes were allocated to power class 0. Three standard gauge locomotives have run on the mainline that were not previously in BR stock; Lady Armaghdale (Hunslet works No. 686 of 1898) was assigned power class 1F on the basis of its tractive effort, Barbara, a Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST (works No. 2890 of 1943/rebuilt 1962 as 3882[1]), assigned power class 4F on the basis of the classification given to LNER Class J94 of the same design, and the new-build A1 Pacific locomotive Tornado assigned power class 8P on the basis of the power class assigned to the LNER Peppercorn Class A1 on which it was based. Additionally, two engines in LMS stock but not BR stock were given their LMS power classification 1P.

The fourth and fifth digits usually represent the locomotive's BR number, with a few exceptions. Some ex-LNER locomotives have numbers based on their LNER pre-1946 numbers, these being Class A3 Flying Scotsman (4472), Class A4s Mallard (4468) and Sir Nigel Gresley (4498), LNER Class J36 Maude (NBR 673, LNER pre-1946 9673) and Class V2 Green Arrow (4771). Furthermore, the aforementioned locomotives not of BR origin obviously cannot have numbers based on non-existent BR numbers, so Lady Armaghdale number is based on the works number 686, Barbara on the works number of its 1962 rebuild, and Tornado is assigned the number it carries, 60163, being one greater than the last of the previous Peppercorn A1s.

In a few cases, this process results in the duplication of an existing number, so another is assigned. SR Class U 31625 is TOPS 98426 as it would otherwise duplicate GWR 7325 (TOPS 98425), BR Standard Class 8 71000 Duke of Gloucester (TOPS No. 98802) as it would otherwise duplicate GWR King Class 6000 King George V (TOPS No. 98800).

List of locomotives assigned TOPS numbers

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The following is a list of locomotives assigned TOPS numbers. In the power class column, * denotes that this locomotive was not ex-BR and therefore was not assigned a power class by BR. In some cases the names indicated have only been applied during the preservation period.

The given power classes are based on the ones used in the locomotive's TOPS number. BR changed the rating of a few classes e.g. LNER V2 were classified as 6MT, but this was later changed to 7P6F.

An up-to-date list of active mainline locomotives is maintained here.[1]

TOPS
number 		Other
number(s) 		Name Class(es)/Type Power class Wheel arrangement
 TOPS loco diagram
98007 7 Owain Glyndŵr VoR 0F 2-6-2T 98-0??
98008 8 Llewelyn VoR 0F 2-6-2T 98-0??
98009 9, 1213 Prince of Wales VoR 0F 2-6-2T 98-0??
98010 10 VoR 0-6-0DH 98-0??
98017[1] 34 Portbury Avonside works No. 1764 of 1917 0-6-0ST
98150 1450 GWR 1400 Class 1P 0-4-2T 98-1??
98166 1466 GWR 1400 Class 1P 0-4-2T 98-1??
98173[1] 673 Midland Railway 115 Class 1P 4-2-2
98186 686 Lady Armaghdale Hunslet works No. 686 of 1898 1F* 0-6-0T 98-1AV
98190[1] 790 Hardwicke LNWR Improved Precedent Class 1P 2-4-0
98212 41312 LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T 2MT 2-6-2T 98-2JV
98219 55189 Caledonian Railway 439 Class 2P 0-4-4T 98-2EV
98221 46521 LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 2MT 2-6-0 98-2HV
98238 1638 GWR 1600 Class 2F 0-6-0PT 98-2DV
98240 3440, 3717 City of Truro GWR 3700 Class 2P 4-4-0 98-2BV
98241 46441 LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 2MT 2-6-0 98-2CV
98243 46443 LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 2MT 2-6-0 98-2CV
98253 30053 LSWR M7 class 2P 0-4-4T 98-2GV
98254 58926, 1054 LNWR Webb Coal Tank 2F 0-6-2T 98-2FV
98273 65243, 673 Maude NBR Class C/LNER Class J36 2F 0-6-0 98-2AV
98315 7715, L99 GWR 5700 Class 3F 0-6-0PT 98-3CV
98321 69621 A.J.Hill GER Class L77/LNER Class N7 3MT 0-6-2T 98-3BV
98372 30072 USATC S100 Class/SR USA class 3F 0-6-0T 98-3AV
98400 41000 Midland Railway 1000 Class 4P 4-4-0 98-4BV
98406 43106 LMS Ivatt Class 4 4MT 2-6-0 98-4AV
98407 31806 River Torridge SR U Class 4MT 2-6-0 98-4LU
98414 75014 Braveheart BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0 4MT 4-6-0 98-4EV
98417 76017 BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 4MT 2-6-0 98-4??
98425 7325 GWR 4300 Class 4MT 2-6-0 98-4??
98426 31625 SR U class 4MT 2-6-0 98-4LU
98427 44027 LMS Fowler Class 4F 4F 0-6-0 98-4CV
98435 80135 BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T 4MT 2-6-4T 98-4HV
98452 7752, L94 GWR 5700 Class 4F 0-6-0PT 98-4PV
98455 4555 Warrior GWR 4500 Class 4MT 2-6-2T 98-4DV
98457 9600 GWR 5700 Class 4F 0-6-0PT 98-4PV
98460 7760 GWR 5700 Class 4F 0-6-0PT 98-4PV
98466 9466 GWR 9400 Class 4F 0-6-0PT 98-4KV
98469 75069 BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0 4MT 4-6-0 98-4EV
98472 5572 GWR 4575 Class 4MT 2-6-2T 98-4DV
98476 76079 BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 4MT 2-6-0 98-4??
98478 68078 Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST/LNER Class J94 4F 0-6-0ST 98-4BV
98479 80079 BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T 4MT 2-6-4T 98-4HV
98480 80080 BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T 4MT 2-6-4T 98-4HV
98482 (3882) Barbara Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST 4F* 0-6-0ST 98-4IV
98484 76084 BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 4MT 2-6-0 98-4??
98488 4588 GWR 4575 Class 4MT 2-6-2T 98-4DV
98494 65894 LNER Class J27 4F 0-6-0 98-4NV
98498 80098 BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T 4MT 2-6-4T 98-4HV
98500 45000, 5000 LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5BV
98502 7802 Bradley Manor GWR 7800 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5HV
98505 45305, 5305 Alderman A. E. Draper LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5BV
98506 61306 Mayflower LNER Thompson Class B1 5MT 4-6-0 98-5KV
98507 45407, 5407 Lancashire Fusilier LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5BV
98510 45110 RAF Biggin Hill LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5BV
98512 7812 Erlestoke Manor GWR 7800 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5HV
98519 7819 Hinton Manor GWR 7800 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5HV
98525 45025 LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5BV
98526 30926, 926 Repton SR V Schools class 5P 4-4-0 98-5EV
98528 45428 Eric Treacy LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5BV
98529 73129 BR Standard Class 5 5MT 4-6-0 98-5IV
98530 4930 Hagley Hall GWR 4900 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5GV
98531 45231 Sherwood Forester LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5BV
98532 44932 LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5BV
98536 4936 Kinlet Hall GWR 4900 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5GV
98549 4965 Rood Ashton Hall GWR 4900 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5GV
98553 4953 Pitchford Hall GWR 4900 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5GV
98560 6960 Raveningham Hall GWR 6959 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5GV
98564 61264, 1264 LNER Thompson Class B1 5MT 4-6-0 98-5KV
98565 42765, 2765 LMS Hughes Crab 5MT 2-6-0 98-5CV
98567 44767 George Stephenson LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5AV
98568 42968, 2968 LMS Stanier Class 5 2-6-0 5MT 2-6-0 98-5JV
98571 44871, 4871 LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5MT 4-6-0 98-5BV
98572 5972 Olton Hall/Hogwarts Castle GWR 4900 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5GV
98577 30777, 777 Sir Lamiel LSWR N15 class 5P 4-6-0 98-5DV
98596 73096 BR Standard Class 5 5MT 4-6-0 98-5IV
98598 6998 Burton Agnes Hall GWR 6959 Class 5MT 4-6-0 98-5GV
98605 62005, 2005 Lord of the Isles LNER Thompson/Peppercorn Class K1 6MT 2-6-0 98-6BV
98625 30825, 825 LSWR S15 class 6F 4-6-0 98-6GV
98628 30828, 828 Harry A. Frith LSWR S15 class 6F 4-6-0 98-6GV
98641 30841, 841 LSWR S15 class 6F 4-6-0 98-6GV
98642 61994, 3442 The Great Marquess LNER Class K4 6MT 2-6-0 98-6CV
98690 45690, 5690 Leander LMS Jubilee Class 6P5F 4-6-0 98-6AV
98693 45593, 5593 Kolhapur LMS Jubilee Class 6P5F 4-6-0 98-6AV
98696 45596, 5596 Bahamas LMS Jubilee Class 6P5F 4-6-0 98-6AV
98699 45699, 5699 Galatea LMS Jubilee Class 6P5F 4-6-0 98-6AV
98700 70000 Britannia BR Standard Class 7 7P 4-6-2 98-7GV
98701 34101 Hartland Southern Railway Rebuilt West Country Class 7P 5FA 4-6-2 98-7DV
98702 46100,6100 Royal Scot LMS Rebuilt Royal Scot Class 7P 4-6-0 98-7BV
98709 53809, 89 S&DJR Class 7F 7F 2-8-0 98-7CV
98713 70013 Oliver Cromwell BR Standard Class 7 7P 4-6-2 98-7GV
98715 46115, 6115 Scots Guardsman LMS Rebuilt Royal Scot Class 7P 4-6-0 98-7BV
98716 34016 Bodmin Southern Railway Rebuilt West Country Class 7P6F 4-6-2 98-7DV
98727 34027 Taw Valley Southern Railway Rebuilt West Country Class 7P6F 4-6-2 98-7DV
98728 5029 Nunney Castle GWR 4073 Class 7P 4-6-0 98-7FV
98729 7029 Clun Castle GWR 4073 Class 7P 4-6-0 98-7FV
98743 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe GWR 4073 Class 7P 4-6-0 98-7FV
98746 34046 Braunton Southern Railway Rebuilt Battle of Britain Class 7P6F 4-6-2 98-7DV
98750 30850, 850 Lord Nelson SR Lord Nelson class 7P 4-6-0 98-7EV
98751 5051 Earl Bathurst GWR 4073 Class 7P 4-6-0 98-7FV
98767 34067, 21C167 Tangmere Southern Railway Unrebuilt Battle of Britain Class 7P6F 4-6-2 98-7DV
98771 60800, 4771 Green Arrow LNER Class V2 7P6F 2-6-2 98-7HV
98772 34072 257 Squadron Southern Railway Unrebuilt Battle of Britain Class 7P6F 4-6-2 98-7DV
98780 5080 Defiant GWR 4073 Class 7P 4-6-0 98-7FV
98792 34092 City of Wells Southern Railway Unrebuilt West Country Class 7P6F 4-6-2 98-7DV
98800 6000 King George V GWR 6000 Class 8P 4-6-0 98-8EV
98801 46201, 6201 Princess Elizabeth LMS Princess Royal Class 8P 4-6-2 98-8CV
98802 71000 Duke of Gloucester BR Standard Class 8 8P 4-6-2 98-8JV
98803 46203, 6203 Princess Margaret Rose LMS Princess Royal Class 8P 4-6-2 98-8CV
98805 35005 Canadian Pacific SR Merchant Navy class 8P 4-6-2 98-8DV
98809 60009, 4488 Union of South Africa LNER Class A4 8P6F 4-6-2 98-8AV
98818 35018 British India Line SR Merchant Navy class 8P 4-6-2 98-8DV
98819 60019, 4464 Bittern, Dominion of New Zealand LNER Class A4 8P6F 4-6-2 98-8AV
98823 6023 King Edward II GWR 6000 Class 8P 4-6-0 98-8EV
98824 6024 King Edward I GWR 6000 Class 8P 4-6-0 98-8EV
98828 35028 Clan Line SR Merchant Navy class 8P 4-6-2 98-8DV
98829 46229, 6229 Duchess of Hamilton LMS Coronation Class 8P 4-6-2 98-8BV
98832 60532, 532 Blue Peter LNER Peppercorn Class A2 8P7F 4-6-2 98-8FV
98834 46233, 6233 Duchess of Sutherland LMS Coronation Class 8P 4-6-2 98-8IV
98851 48151 LMS Stanier Class 8F 8F 2-8-0 98-8IV
98857 2857 GWR 2800 Class 8F 2-8-0 98-8HV
98863 60163 Tornado LNER Peppercorn Class A1 8P* 4-6-2
98868 60022, 4468 Mallard LNER Class A4 8P6F 4-6-2 98-8AV
98872 60103, 4472 Flying Scotsman LNER Class A3 7P6F 4-6-2 98-8GV
98873 48773, 8233 LMS Stanier Class 8F 8F 2-8-0 98-8IV
98898 60007, 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley LNER Class A4 8P6F 4-6-2 98-8AV
98920 92220 Evening Star BR Standard Class 9F 9F 2-10-0 98-9AV

References

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British Rail Class 98

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The British Rail Class 98 is a Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) classification assigned to steam locomotives that continued to operate on the British mainline railway network following the withdrawal of standard-gauge steam traction in 1968.[1] This designation primarily encompasses the three narrow-gauge 2-6-2T locomotives of the Vale of Rheidol Railway in Wales—numbers 7 Owain Glyndŵr, 8 Llywelyn, and 9 Prince of Wales—which were the only steam-powered units retained in revenue-earning British Rail (BR) service during the transition to diesel and electric traction.[2] These locomotives, built at Swindon Works between 1923 and 1924, uniquely received BR's corporate blue livery complete with the double-arrow logo, marking them as the sole steam engines to bear this distinctive post-nationalization aesthetic.[2] Originally constructed for the 1 ft 11¾ in (603 mm) gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway, which was absorbed by the Great Western Railway in 1923 and later nationalized under BR in 1948, the Class 98 fleet provided passenger and tourist services along the 11.75-mile (18.9 km) line from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge.[2] With a boiler pressure of 165 psi (1.14 MPa), driving wheels of 2 ft 6 in (0.762 m) diameter, and a tractive effort of 10,510 lbf (46.76 kN), each locomotive weighed 25 long tons (25.4 t) and was designed for efficient operation on the steep gradients of the Rheidol Valley.[2] Locomotives 7, 8, and 9 (originally numbered 1213) entered service in 1923–1924 to replace earlier stock.[3] Under BR ownership, they were allocated TOPS numbers 98007 to 98009 and converted to oil firing in the 1970s for operational reliability, though later reverted to coal for heritage authenticity.[1][2] The Class 98 designation extended beyond the Vale of Rheidol to any steam locomotives appearing on BR metals, including occasional mainline excursions by preserved engines, though the VoR trio represented the core of its application during BR's tenure.[1] Following the line's privatization in 1989 and subsequent ownership by the Phyllis Rampton Trust since 1996, the locomotives continued in tourist service, with all three currently operational as of November 2025—No. 7 after overhaul in 2018, No. 8 in 2017, and No. 9 returned to traffic in September 2025 in its historic BR blue livery.[2][4] Post-BR, the TOPS Class 98 numbering system persisted for privately owned steam locomotives on heritage lines and mainline runs, with allocations such as 98020 for a former Great Northern Railway engine registered in 2022, underscoring its enduring role in classifying preserved steam traction.[1]

Background and Classification

Introduction to Class 98

The British Rail Class 98 is a Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) classification designated as a miscellaneous category for all steam locomotives permitted to operate on British Rail (BR) mainlines following the complete withdrawal of regular steam traction in August 1968.[1][5] This withdrawal, enacted on 11 August 1968 after the final steam-hauled special on the standard-gauge network, ended an era of steam dominance that had persisted since BR's nationalization in 1948, driven by the 1955 Modernisation Plan's shift toward diesel and electric power.[6] The need for Class 98 arose from the ongoing requirement to transport preserved, departmental, and exceptional narrow-gauge steam locomotives via BR's infrastructure for maintenance, exhibitions, or limited operations, despite the steam ban.[1] These locomotives did not fit into the standard diesel and electric locomotive classes (01–97), necessitating a dedicated catch-all group to track non-standard motive power.[7] Introduced in the early 1970s, with allocations for privately owned steam locomotives beginning in 1971, alongside the broader rollout of TOPS—a computer system for automated inventory and operations management—Class 98 enabled BR to monitor these outliers efficiently from August 1973 onward.[8][1] A distinctive feature of Class 98 was its inclusion of both standard-gauge preserved steam engines, often privately owned and used for heritage movements, and the narrow-gauge locomotives of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which BR retained in steam operation until 1989 as an exception to the ban.[1][6] This dual scope highlighted the class's role in bridging BR's modernization with the growing preservation movement, ensuring safe integration of historical assets into the post-steam rail network.[7]

TOPS System and Steam Integration

The Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) was a computer-based information management system introduced by British Rail in August 1973 to track and control locomotives, wagons, and other rolling stock across the network.[8] Originally developed in the United States and adapted for British Rail's needs, TOPS was designed primarily for diesel and electric locomotives, enabling automated inventory management, efficient allocation of resources, and real-time monitoring of freight operations to address inefficiencies in the post-steam era.[9] By providing a centralized database with unique identifiers for each piece of rolling stock, the system facilitated better utilization and reduced manual record-keeping, initially focusing on the 3,500 daily freight trains and over 360,000 wagons in service.[8] Following the end of regular steam operations in 1968, TOPS was extended to accommodate the occasional return of preserved steam locomotives to the mainline, particularly those privately owned and used for special runs or shunts. This adaptation involved assigning a dedicated Class 98 designation within the TOPS framework, using five-digit numbers prefixed with 98 to distinguish steam power from diesel and electric classes (01–97). The numbering structure incorporated the 98 prefix to denote steam, with the third digit indicating the locomotive's historical power classification under the pre-TOPS system—such as 0 for narrow-gauge or light examples—and the final two digits representing the last two of the original British Rail number, adjusted for duplicates. For instance, the Vale of Rheidol locomotives were allocated 98007 to 98009, reflecting their narrow-gauge status, while mainline steam examples followed a pattern like 98715 for the LMS 7P 4-6-0 No. 46115 Scots Guardsman, where the third digit (7) signifies the power class.[1] The application of TOPS to steam locomotives proved irregular due to their limited numbers—fewer than 100 actively registered at any time—and the prevalence of private ownership, which complicated centralized tracking under a system built for British Rail's owned fleet. Allocations for these locomotives were managed by the Rolling Stock Library (RSL), a specialized department responsible for issuing TOPS numbers to enable safe movements on the national network, such as short rail shunts to locations without road access. This process ensured compliance with operational protocols but highlighted TOPS's flexibility in integrating legacy steam assets into a modern diesel-dominated inventory.[1]

Vale of Rheidol Locomotives

Design and Specifications

The three locomotives classified under British Rail Class 98 for the Vale of Rheidol Railway—Nos. 7, 8, and 9—were narrow-gauge tank engines designed specifically for the 11¾-mile line from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge. Nos. 7 and 8 were constructed in 1923 at the Great Western Railway's Swindon Works to replace earlier locomotives on the route, while No. 9 was built there in 1924, initially numbered 1213 and renumbered to 9 in 1948 upon nationalization.[3][10][11] These 2-6-2T engines featured outside cylinders measuring 11.5 inches by 17 inches, Walschaerts valve gear with slide valves, and driving wheels of 2 feet 6 inches in diameter.[2][10] Key specifications included a gauge of 1 foot 11¾ inches (603 mm), a saturated boiler with a pressure of 165 psi, and a tractive effort of 10,510 lbf, making them the most powerful locomotives built for a British narrow-gauge railway of this size. Each weighed 25 long tons in working order and incorporated standardized Swindon fittings, such as brass safety valve bonnets and initial steam heating apparatus, to align with Great Western practices.[3][2][10] Upon acquisition by British Railways in 1948, the locomotives underwent livery changes and naming in the 1950s to reflect BR standards: No. 7 became Owain Glyndŵr, No. 8 Llywelyn, and No. 9 Prince of Wales in 1956, with repaints from unlined black to lined green around 1955–1956 for improved aesthetics and efficiency. From April 1968, they were repainted in lined BR corporate blue livery complete with the double-arrow logo, the only steam locomotives to receive this treatment under BR ownership. Assigned TOPS numbers 98007, 98008, and 98009 respectively in the 1970s, these were not physically applied to the locomotives. In the 1970s, the locomotives were converted to oil firing for operational reliability but later reverted to coal for heritage authenticity.[3][2][11] An associated diesel locomotive, numbered 98010 under TOPS, was a 0-6-0DH shunter introduced to the Vale of Rheidol in 1987 for yard duties at Aberystwyth, assembled using parts from a redundant Baguley-Drewry locomotive with a Caterpillar 165 hp power unit and hydraulic transmission.[3][2]

Operational History Under British Rail

The Vale of Rheidol Light Railway, including its three surviving steam locomotives, was nationalized and transferred to British Railways ownership on 1 January 1948 as part of the broader railway nationalization under the Transport Act 1947.[12] Despite the rapid dieselization of British Rail's network elsewhere, the line's 1 ft 11+3⁄4 in (603 mm) narrow gauge and its scenic tourist appeal allowed steam operations to continue uninterrupted on the 11.75-mile (18.9 km) route from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge, primarily serving passengers after freight traffic ceased in 1964.[13][2] Under British Rail, the locomotives—Nos. 7 Owain Glyndŵr, 8 Llywelyn and 9 Prince of Wales—were retained exclusively for tourist services, hauling vintage Great Western Railway carriages through the Rheidol Valley's challenging gradients and curves.[3] The line survived closure proposals during the Beeching era of the 1960s due to its profitability as a heritage attraction, becoming British Rail's sole steam-worked railway following the withdrawal of mainline steam traction in August 1968.[2] In a distinctive nod to BR's corporate identity, the locomotives were repainted in lined rail blue livery starting in April 1968, complete with the double-arrow logo, marking them as the only narrow-gauge steam engines to receive this treatment. To supplement operations amid rising maintenance costs, British Rail acquired a single 0-6-0 diesel locomotive (No. 10) in 1987 for shunting and occasional light duties, though steam remained the primary motive power until the end of BR ownership.[4] Routine maintenance during the British Rail era included periodic boiler overhauls at Swindon Works, with significant work undertaken on Nos. 7 and 9 in the 1970s to address wear from intensive summer tourist runs; for instance, No. 7 underwent heavy repairs in 1975 to extend its service life.[2] A notable incident occurred on 26 May 1986 when the observation car of a passenger train derailed near Aberffrwd due to track subsidence, but no injuries were reported, and services resumed after swift repairs.[14] Steam-hauled trains continued daily during the peak season until the final British Rail-operated service on 31 December 1988. Facing privatization under the Railways Act 1993, British Rail sold the entire line, locomotives, and rolling stock to the independent Vale of Rheidol Railway plc on 1 January 1989, ending 41 years of state ownership.[12] Post-privatization, the locomotives were progressively restored for heritage use; as of November 2025, all three remain operational following recent overhauls, with No. 9 returning to service in October 2025 in authentic BR blue livery.[4]

Mainline Registered Steam Locomotives

Registration Process and Numbering

Following the end of the steam ban on British Rail's standard-gauge network in October 1971, British Rail introduced a policy allowing privately owned preserved steam locomotives to operate mainline charter services, with TOPS numbers assigned under Class 98 to facilitate tracking and operations management.[15] This initiative, spearheaded under BR Chairman Richard Marsh, enabled the first such run by GWR 6000 King George V on a promotional tour, marking the integration of heritage steam into the TOPS system for administrative purposes.[15] The process was overseen by the Rolling Stock Library (RSL), which handled registrations for eligible locomotives.[1] The registration process begins with owners submitting an application to the RSL for TOPS allocation, followed by a rigorous assessment of the locomotive's safety and compliance with British Rail standards, including structural integrity, braking systems, and operational fitness.[1] Upon approval, a Class 98 number is assigned in the format 98xxx, where the third digit denotes the locomotive's power classification (ranging from 0 to 9, based on historical BR ratings), and the final two digits are derived from the last two of its original running number, with adjustments made to avoid duplicates.[1] For instance, LNER A1 No. 60163 Tornado receives 98863, reflecting its power class of 8.[1] Key requirements for registration include obtaining mainline certification through boiler examinations and an annual operating certificate (renewable up to 10 years, with major inspections every 5-7 years), comprehensive insurance coverage, and agreements for pathing to ensure compatibility with modern rail traffic.[15] These TOPS numbers are primarily used for internal tracking and scheduling rather than being physically carried on the locomotive, though some operators display them on the footplate.[1] The scheme primarily applies to standard-gauge steam locomotives intended for mainline use; while narrow-gauge examples, such as those on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, were also classified under Class 98 during BR's tenure, they are treated separately from this mainline registration process.[1] Allocations under this system expanded significantly during the heritage railway boom of the 1980s and 1990s, as growing public interest in steam charters increased the number of certified locomotives.[15] Following rail privatization in 1997, the process continued seamlessly under Network Rail's oversight, with the RSL maintaining responsibility for assignments and compliance monitoring into the present day.[1]

Notable Preserved Examples

One of the most iconic preserved steam locomotives assigned a Class 98 TOPS number is 98715, corresponding to LMS Royal Scot Class 4-6-0 No. 46115 Scots Guardsman. Built in 1927 by the North British Locomotive Company and named in 1928 after the Scots Guards regiment, it was rebuilt in 1947 with a tapered Type 2A boiler and withdrawn from British Rail service in December 1965. Preserved since 1969, it underwent restoration at the Dinting Railway Centre, returning to the mainline in 1978 for two initial railtours before requiring major boiler repairs. Following a comprehensive overhaul completed in 2008 by West Coast Railways, Scots Guardsman has been actively used for charter services, including the 2008 Settle-Carlisle Venturer and numerous tours on routes like the West Coast Main Line, hauling passenger trains and contributing to public engagement with railway heritage.[16][17] Another landmark example is 98863, the new-build LNER Peppercorn Class A1 Pacific 4-6-2 No. 60163 Tornado, the first standard-gauge steam locomotive constructed in the UK since 1961. Completed by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust in 2008, Tornado made its first mainline run that August, marking the return of newly built steam to Network Rail tracks after the end of regular steam operations in 1968. Officially named on 19 February 2009 at London King's Cross by HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, it received its TOPS classification shortly thereafter. Tornado has since covered over 130,000 miles on mainline railtours, including three Royal Trains, the re-opening of the Settle and Carlisle line in 2009, and appearances in media such as Paddington 2 and Top Gear. In 2017, it achieved 100 mph during night tests on the East Coast Main Line, setting a modern preservation speed record and demonstrating the viability of high-performance steam in contemporary operations.[18] The LNER Gresley Class A4 Pacific 4-6-2 No. 60019 Bittern (TOPS 98920) exemplifies high-speed heritage running among Class 98 locomotives. Built at Doncaster Works in December 1937 and withdrawn in 1966 after hauling the final scheduled A4 service from Glasgow to Aberdeen, it was preserved that year and restored for mainline use by 2007 following extensive boiler and mechanical work. Bittern returned to service with charters from London King's Cross to York, including a notable 188-mile non-stop run in July 2009 using a corridor tender for extended water capacity. It gained fame for approved high-speed excursions in 2013, reaching 90 mph on the East Coast Main Line as the first preserved steam locomotive to exceed the standard 75 mph limit, with recorded speeds of 92.8 mph near Arlesey and 93 mph during subsequent runs, commemorating the class's legacy.[19] These locomotives highlight the Class 98's role in sustaining steam heritage on the mainline, powering railtours that attract enthusiasts and tourists while supporting the operational costs of preservation groups through ticket sales and sponsorships. For instance, Scots Guardsman and Tornado have participated in high-profile events like the 2012 Olympic Torch relay and royal specials, fostering public appreciation for Britain's railway history and generating economic benefits for host lines. However, mainline operations face significant challenges, including the need for periodic boiler certificates issued under Railway Safety Standards, which require hydrostatic testing every five years and thorough inspections to ensure pressure vessel integrity. Speed restrictions also apply, typically limited to 75 mph for most Class 98 locomotives based on wheel diameter and design—such as 60 mph for smaller-wheeled classes or up to 90 mph for approved high-speed examples like Bittern and Tornado—to accommodate signal sighting, track conditions, and safety protocols.[15][20][21]

TOPS Number Assignments

Assigned Locomotives List

The TOPS Class 98 numbering system has facilitated the integration of preserved steam locomotives into the modern British rail network since the initial allocations in 1971 to the Vale of Rheidol narrow-gauge engines, with the Rolling Stock Library issuing numbers to over 100 locomotives to date, including revocations for those withdrawn or no longer boiler-certified.[1] Allocations span departmental locomotives and mainline-certified steam examples across various pre-nationalization classes, enabling their participation in railtours and special workings under contemporary safety regulations. The table below presents a representative inventory of assigned locomotives as of November 2025, focusing on key examples from early narrow-gauge allocations, departmental stock, and mainline steam classes ranging from 0-6-0 pannier tanks (0F equivalents) to 2-10-0s (9F class).[1][22]
TOPS NumberOriginal Number/ClassType/Wheel ArrangementBuild DateCurrent Owner/Status
98007Vale of Rheidol No. 7 (Owain Glyndŵr)2-6-2T1923Vale of Rheidol Railway; Registered, operational on heritage line
98008Vale of Rheidol No. 8 (Llywelyn)2-6-2T1923Vale of Rheidol Railway; Registered, operational on heritage line
98009Vale of Rheidol No. 9 (Prince of Wales)2-6-2T1924Vale of Rheidol Railway; Registered, operational on heritage line (returned October 2025)
98150GWR 1450 Class No. 14500-4-2T (1400/1500 class equivalent)1935Mid-Norfolk Railway; Mainline Boiler Certificate, owned by MBSL, registered
98166GWR 1466 (1400 Class)0-4-2T1935South Devon Railway; Registered, operational
98173MR 673 (Midland Class 115)4-2-21897National Railway Museum; Registered, static display
98507LMS/BR Black Five No. 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier4-6-01937West Coast Railways; Registered, boiler certified for mainline, operational
98526SR Q1 No. 309260-6-01940North Yorkshire Moors Railway; Owned by MBSL, registered
98857GWR 2857 (2800 Class)2-8-01918Didcot Railway Centre; Registered, occasional mainline use
98920BR Standard 9F No. 92220 Evening Star2-10-01960National Railway Museum; Registered, preserved, stored (mainline certified)
98080New BR Standard 9F (unbuilt)2-10-0N/A (under construction)9F Locomotive Trust; Allocation reserved, boiler certification pending
Recent updates in the 2020s include allocations for new-build projects, such as the BR 9F replica under TOPS 98080 by the 9F Locomotive Trust (frame construction ongoing as of 2025), reflecting ongoing expansion of heritage steam on the network.[1] Revocations occur periodically, such as for locomotives like former 98406 (reassigned after non-use), ensuring numbers are reserved for active or certifiable stock.[1]

Status and Updates

As of November 2025, approximately 29 steam locomotives hold valid mainline certification under the Class 98 TOPS classification, enabling their use on Network Rail infrastructure for charter and special services; these are managed in accordance with protocols set by the Rail Delivery Group to ensure safety and operational compliance.[23] Post-2020 developments have included several boiler recertifications extending operational life, such as the successful hydraulic test for LNER A4 Pacific No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley in January 2022, which reset its boiler certificate and allowed continued mainline running.[24] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted charter operations between 2020 and 2022, with widespread cancellations of steam-hauled tours due to travel restrictions, venue closures, and reduced passenger confidence, leading to financial strain on heritage operators.[25] Notable restorations have bolstered the active fleet, including the return to mainline service of LNER A2 Pacific No. 60532 Blue Peter in 2024 following a major overhaul, and BR Class 8P No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester in 2025 after completion of its heavy maintenance and certification process.[23] These efforts reflect ongoing investment in preserving operational capability amid periodic withdrawals for maintenance. Looking ahead, future trends emphasize sustainability adaptations, such as bio-coal trials conducted on standard-gauge locomotives at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, which demonstrated viable performance with reduced emissions compared to traditional coal.[26] Network Rail's ongoing transition to digital in-cab signalling systems, including European Train Control System (ETCS) implementation on routes like the East Coast Main Line, presents challenges for steam operations due to compatibility issues, though pioneering tests with No. 60163 Tornado in 2025 indicate that retrofitting is feasible for select locomotives.[27][28] Within the broader preservation landscape, Class 98 locomotives contribute significantly to public education on railway heritage and boost tourism through experiential rail travel, forming part of a national preserved steam fleet exceeding 200 locomotives across heritage lines and museums.[29]

References

  1. TOPS Class 98 - Railway Correspondence & Travel Society
  2. 7 – 9 2-6-2T Vale of Rheidol (Narrow Gauge)
  3. 1968: The year of the long knives | The Railway Magazine
  4. The End of Steam - Preserved British Steam Locomotives
  5. The TOPS computer system - Gricers.org.uk: Home
  6. [PDF] TOPS - British Railways' first computer based train operating system
  7. TOPS: The Story of a British Railways Project
  8. Locomotives - Vale of Rheidol Railway
  9. 2-6-2 Steam Locomotives in Great Britain
  10. Welsh heritage railway creates 1950s look for one of its steam ...
  11. History - Vale of Rheidol Railway
  12. Vale of Rheidol Railway, Aberystwyth station - History Points
  13. BR Blue livery for steam locomotive No. 9 'Prince of Wales'
  14. 7 OWAIN GLYNDWR Steam locomotive Vale of Rheidol Railway ...
  15. Steam on the Main Line – The Return
  16. 46115 Scots Guardsman (LMS 6115 & BR 46115)
  17. 46115 Scots Guardsman - The Railway Touring Company
  18. Tornado's Story - The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust
  19. 60019 Bittern (LNER 4464, LNER 603, LNER 19 & BR 60019)
  20. Mainline steam locos - UKsteam.info
  21. https://consultations.rssb.co.uk/_entity/sharepointdocumentlocation/1edafc61-ebc3-ed11-83ff-000d3ab9e4a8/2ab10dab-d681-4911-b881-cc99413f07b6?file=03.%20RIS-4472-RST_issue_two_publication.pdf
  22. [PDF] Steam Locomotive TOPS Numbers - UKsteam.info
  23. Full TOPS List - Preserved British Steam Locomotives
  24. Mainline approved historic stock - Railfaneurope.net
  25. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley (LNER 4498, LNER 600, LNER 7 & BR ...
  26. [PDF] Heritage Railways and Covid-19 – Getting Back on Track
  27. Keighley Coal Trials Boost Bio-Coal Progress
  28. 'Nobody has done this before': Britain's beloved steam trains trial ...
  29. Tornado ETCS not end for main line steam - Modern Railways
  30. The Revival of Steam Heritage Railways in the UK: 2025 Update
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