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GWR 4575 Class
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The Great Western Railway (GWR) 4575 Class is a class of 2-6-2T British steam locomotives.
History
[edit]They were designed as small mixed traffic branch locomotives, mainly used on branch lines. They were a development of Churchward's 4500 Class with larger side tanks and increased water capacity.[2] 100 were built numbered 4575–4599 and 5500–5574. 15 (Nos. 4578/81/89, 5511/24/29/34/35/45/55/59/60/68/72/74) were fitted with auto apparatus in 1953 to enable them to run push-pull trains on South Wales lines with auto trailers.[2]
They often are referred to as Small Prairie Class tank locomotives.
| Year | Quantity | Lot No. | Locomotive numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 | 30 | 242 | 4575–4599, 5500–5504 | |
| 1927 | 20 | 249 | 5505–5524 | |
| 1928 | 20 | 251 | 5525–5544 | |
| 1928–29 | 30 | 253 | 5545–5574 |
Preservation
[edit]11 members of the class have been preserved:
| Number and name | Home | Status | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4588 | Peak Rail | Has run in preservation,[when?] but currently out of service requiring overhaul.[as of?] It was sold from the Dartmouth Steam Railway in 2015 and is now owned by Mike Thompson and based at Peak Rail.[4] | |
| 5521/L.150 | Epping Ongar Railway[5] | Built in 1927, withdrawn by BR[year needed] and sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard, having run just over 1,000,000 miles (1,600,000 km). Saved with classmates 4561 and 5542 by the West Somerset Railway Association, but was sold with 5542 to repay purchase debts and to fund restoration of 4561. Bought by Richard and William Parker in 1980, it was restored at the Flour Mill, Forest of Dean from 2004 to 2007. It was featured in the 2007 Wolsztyn Parade,[6] then travelled to Budapest, Hungary where it worked intermittently with MAV Nosztalgia, including piloting the Orient Express. It returned to Poland in 2008, operating suburban services from Wroclaw to Jelcz Laskowice. After a third appearance at the 2009 Wolsztyn Parade, it was returned to England. In May 2013, it was painted in London Transport livery and numbered L.150 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Metropolitan line. Returned to traffic in 2021 following overhaul.[7] | |
| 5526 | South Devon Railway | On loan to the Gwili Railway.[as of?] Boiler ticket expires in 2027. | |
| 5532 | Llangollen Railway | Under restoration.[8][as of?] | |
| 5538 | The Flour Mill, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire | Under restoration.[as of?] Previously displayed in Barry Island.[9][until when?] | |
| 5539 | Barry Tourist Railway | Under restoration.[as of?] Previously part of the Barry Ten until 2006.[10] | |
| 5541 | Dean Forest Railway | Currently operational as of 2023. Boiler ticket expires in 2024.[11] | |
| 5542 | South Devon Railway | Currently under overhaul at the South Devon Railway.[as of?] This locomotive has visited several preserved railways throughout her preservation career.[12] | |
| 5552 | Bodmin and Wenford Railway | Returned to service in 2023 after overhaul, having previously run from 2003 to 2013.[13] | |
| 5553 | Peak Rail | Owned by Pete Waterman. Last steam engine to leave Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, in January 1990. First resteamed in 2002, running until 2012, mostly at the West Somerset Railway. Moved in 2015 from Crewe Heritage Centre for overhaul, which was completed in 2021 at Peak Rail. Currently operational, boiler ticket expires 2031. | |
| 5572 | Didcot Railway Centre | On static display awaiting overhaul.[14][as of?] |
Two members of the class have also briefly been out on the mainline: 5521 and 5572. 5521 was shipped to Poland in 2007 to take part in the Wolsztyn Parade, as well as briefly piloting the Orient Express. 5572 made an appearance at an open day in Reading as part of the GWR 150 celebrations in 1985, arriving under its own power. When returning to Didcot again under its own power the engine also hauled the replica broad gauge locomotive "Iron Duke" alongside the preserved GWR Railcar W22W.[citation needed]
Models and toys
[edit]Lima made a model[when?] of the 4575 class, number 4589, in GWR green, also a British Railways black-liveried version, running number 5574. Bachmann Branchline have for many years[when?] made various versions of the 4575 Class.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Champ (2018), p. 319.
- ^ a b le Fleming (1962), pp. J46–J50.
- ^ Allcock et al. (1968), p. 35.
- ^ "South Devon Railway 4588 page". Archived from the original on 20 September 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
- ^ "Great Western Railway 4575 class 2-6-2T locomotive, 5521". Epping Ongar Railway. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ Jones, Trevor (April 2008). "Brits' abroad: Great Western goes East". Hornby Magazine. No. 10. Hersham: Ian Allan Publishing. pp. 44–45. ISSN 1753-2469. OCLC 226087101.
- ^ "The Flour Mill 5521 page".
- ^ "Llangollen Railway 5532 Page".
- ^ "The Flour Mill Projects page".
- ^ "Llangollen Railway 5539 Page". Archived from the original on 30 December 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
- ^ "Dean Forest Locomotive Group 5541 Page".
- ^ "5542 Web site". Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
- ^ "Bodmin and Wenford Stock List - 5552". Archived from the original on 9 April 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
- ^ "5572 - 2-6-2T".
- Allcock, N. J.; Davies, F. K.; le Fleming, H. M.; Maskelyne, J. N.; Reed, P. J. T.; Tabor, F. J. (1968) [1951]. White, D. E. (ed.). The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway, part one: Preliminary Survey. Kenilworth: RCTS.
- Champ, Jim (2018). An Introduction to Great Western Locomotive Development. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-4738-7784-9. OCLC 1029234106. OL 26953051M.
- le Fleming, H.M. (February 1962). White, D.E. (ed.). The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway, part nine: Standard Two-Cylinder Classes. RCTS.
- Whitehurst, Brian (1973). Great Western Engines, Names, Numbers, Types and Classes (1940 to Preservation). Oxford, UK: Oxford Publishing Company. pp. 40–41, 50, 102, 137. ISBN 978-0-9028-8821-0. OCLC 815661.
Further reading
[edit]External links
[edit]- 4400 / 4500 tank classes
- Class 4575 Details Archived 1 October 2022 at the Wayback Machine at Rail UK
GWR 4575 Class
View on GrokipediaDesign and Development
Background and Origins
The Great Western Railway (GWR) faced significant expansion challenges following the 1923 Grouping, which integrated numerous smaller railways into its network, necessitating versatile locomotives for secondary and branch line operations across Wales and the West Country.[5] In response, Chief Mechanical Engineer Charles Collett initiated designs for improved mixed-traffic engines to handle the increased demands without the limitations of tenders.[6] The 4575 Class emerged in 1927 as Collett's development of George Churchward's earlier 4500 Class "Small Prairie" 2-6-2T locomotives, incorporating enlarged side tanks with sloping tops to boost water capacity from approximately 1,000 imperial gallons in the predecessor to 1,300 imperial gallons.[2][7] This enhancement allowed for extended runs on rural routes while maintaining the compact footprint suitable for tight curves and sidings.[1] Designed primarily for branch line duties, the class enabled efficient hauling of heavier freight and passenger loads—up to 11-coach trains—on secondary routes, providing rapid acceleration and reliability without requiring water stops as frequently as tender engines.[2] The initial order comprised 25 locomotives numbered 4575–4599, soon expanded to a total of 100, including the later batch 5500–5574, to meet GWR's growing operational needs in the late 1920s.[8]Technical Specifications
The GWR 4575 Class was a development of the earlier 4500 Class, featuring modifications such as larger side tanks with sloping tops to increase water capacity while retaining the core 2-6-2T wheel arrangement for mixed-traffic duties on branch lines.[3] Key engineering features included two outside cylinders measuring 17 inches in diameter by 24 inches in stroke, fitted with piston valves and Stephenson valve gear for efficient steam distribution.[7] The locomotive utilized the GWR Standard No. 5 boiler, which operated at a working pressure of 200 psi and incorporated superheating elements; the firebox provided 94.25 square feet of heating surface, with tubes contributing 992.51 square feet and the superheater 73.8 square feet, yielding a total heating surface of approximately 1,160 square feet (1,087 sq ft evaporative plus 73.8 sq ft superheater) and a grate area of 16.6 square feet.[4] This configuration delivered a tractive effort of 21,250 lbf at 85% boiler pressure, suitable for hauling typical branch-line trains.[3]| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheel arrangement | 2-6-2T |
| Driving wheel diameter | 4 ft 7½ in |
| Leading/trailing wheel diameter | 3 ft 2 in |
| Cylinder dimensions | 17 in × 24 in (two outside) |
| Valve type | Piston valves |
| Boiler type | GWR Standard No. 5 |
| Boiler pressure | 200 psi |
| Firebox heating surface | 94.25 sq ft |
| Total heating surface | ~1,160 sq ft (including superheater) |
| Grate area | 16.6 sq ft |
| Tractive effort | 21,250 lbf |
| Length over buffers | 36 ft 4½ in |
| Water capacity | 1,300 gallons |
| Coal capacity | 3 tons 14 cwt |
| Locomotive weight | 61 tons |
Construction and Production
Building Program
The GWR 4575 Class locomotives were constructed entirely at the Great Western Railway's Swindon Works, with all 100 units produced between 1927 and 1929. Building on the design principles established by Chief Mechanical Engineer Charles Collett, the class utilized standardized GWR components such as boilers and frames to streamline assembly and ensure consistency across the fleet. Production was divided into four lots: Lot 242 in 1927 (Nos. 4575–4599 and 5500–5504, totaling 30 locomotives), Lot 249 later in 1927 (Nos. 5505–5524, 20 locomotives), Lot 251 in 1928 (Nos. 5525–5544, 20 locomotives), and Lot 253 spanning 1928–1929 (Nos. 5545–5574, 30 locomotives). This batching allowed for efficient manufacturing, with an approximate output of 30–40 locomotives per year, reflecting Swindon's capacity for rapid yet methodical construction of tank engines. The use of interchangeable parts from existing GWR designs minimized custom fabrication, enabling workers to assemble frames, cylinders, and tanks with precision using jigs and templates developed at Swindon. This approach not only controlled expenses but also supported the railway's expansion needs in the late 1920s. Upon completion, each locomotive underwent rigorous quality control and testing at Swindon's stationary testing plant, a facility operational since 1904. New builds were placed on the plant's braked rollers to evaluate boiler pressure, steam consumption, drawbar pull, and wheel balance at equivalents up to 70 mph (around 400 rpm), ensuring reliability before entry into service. These procedures, overseen by Swindon's engineering teams, verified adherence to Collett's specifications and identified any assembly issues, contributing to the class's reputation for robust performance from the outset.Modifications and Variants
During their service life, members of the GWR 4575 Class received several post-construction modifications to improve operational flexibility and efficiency, though the class as a whole avoided major rebuilds. In the 1930s, fifteen locomotives were fitted with auto-brake equipment to enable push-pull operation with autotrailers, particularly on branch lines in South Wales; examples include Nos. 5526, 5537, 5542, 5546, 5553, 5563, 5568, and 5572, which facilitated driver-only working without needing to run around at terminals.[4][3] Some units also received enlarged coal bunkers during overhauls, raising capacity from the standard 3 long tons to approximately 4 long tons in select cases to extend range on remote duties without frequent refueling.[2] During World War II, the class adhered to standard GWR wartime adaptations, such as dimmed or shielded lighting fixtures and enforced speed restrictions to minimize visibility risks during blackouts, ensuring continued use on essential freight and passenger services amid resource constraints.[9]Operational History
Great Western Railway Service
The GWR 4575 Class locomotives were designed for versatile mixed-traffic operations on the Great Western Railway's branch lines, where they primarily handled local passenger services, light freight trains, and shunting duties across rural and semi-rural networks. Their compact size and balanced design made them ideal for the shorter distances and frequent stops typical of these routes, allowing efficient performance without the need for turning facilities at many terminals.[10] These engines were allocated to several key depots in the Western Region, including Old Oak Common near London for suburban and outer London branches, Newton Abbot in Devon for southern routes, and Swindon Works for maintenance and local operations. Other significant sheds included Laira in Plymouth, Bristol Bath Road, and Welsh locations such as Pembroke Dock and Machynlleth, reflecting their widespread deployment to support regional traffic demands. By the end of 1947, just prior to nationalization, allocations showed a concentration in the southwest and Wales, with examples like No. 4575 at Machynlleth and No. 4576 at Pembroke Dock.[11] Notable routes served by the class encompassed the undulating branch lines of Devon and Cornwall, where they were favorites for local passenger and goods workings; the challenging Welsh valleys, including services from depots like Tondu and Treherbert; and extensions into the West of England, such as lines around Exeter to Bristol. In these areas, the locomotives navigated tight curves and moderate gradients effectively, contributing to the GWR's reputation for reliable secondary services.[12][2][13] In terms of performance, the 4575 Class proved reliable for branch line speeds reaching up to 60 mph between stations, enabling timely passenger runs while maintaining stability on routes with varying gradients. Their enlarged side tanks supported extended operations without frequent watering stops, enhancing efficiency for mixed duties that often involved up to 11 coach passenger trains or equivalent freight loads on lighter sections.[4][2]British Railways Era
Upon nationalisation in 1948, the GWR 4575 Class locomotives were allocated to the British Railways Western Region, continuing their roles on former GWR routes with minimal initial changes to their operational patterns.[11] They saw heavy use on South Wales coal traffic, with numerous examples based at sheds such as Ebbw Junction, Aberbeeg, and Tondu, where they handled busy freight workings amid the region's industrial demands.[2] Allocations also included key depots like Machynlleth and Pwllheli for service on the Cambrian lines, supporting passenger and mixed traffic duties during the peak of the 1950s. Some locomotives assisted on named expresses, such as the Cambrian Coast Express to Pwllheli and parts of the Cornish Riviera Express.[11][2] The class reached its zenith in the early 1950s, with all 100 locomotives in service by August 1950, deployed across branch lines in Wales, the West Country, and the Midlands.[11] However, the introduction of diesel multiple units and broader modernisation efforts led to a decline, with duties reduced by the mid-1950s as branch lines faced closures or conversions.[4] Withdrawals commenced in April 1956, starting with locomotives like 4586, as competition from diesel traction displaced the class from main passenger roles.[1] In their final years, surviving examples were relegated to shunting and short-haul freight tasks, particularly in South Wales, with the last eleven in service until 1964.[2] Maintenance continued at Swindon Works into the early 1960s, shortly before the facility ended steam-era activities following the completion of the final BR steam locomotive in 1960.[11][14]Withdrawal and Preservation
Withdrawal Process
The withdrawal of the GWR 4575 Class locomotives commenced in April 1956 with No. 4586, initiating a phased decommissioning under British Railways as steam operations faced mounting pressures.[3] The process gained momentum in the early 1960s, influenced by the Beeching Report of 1963, which prompted extensive branch line closures that diminished the demand for these versatile tank engines on secondary routes. By 1962, the majority had been retired, exemplified by No. 5541's withdrawal in July from Plymouth Laira depot after service on the Launceston branch.[13] The class's operational tenure concluded in December 1964, when the final four locomotives—allocated to depots including Southall and Taunton—were taken out of service, following an average lifespan of about 35 years since their construction between 1927 and 1929.[2] Primary drivers included the widespread dieselization of British Railways' network, which supplanted steam on both passenger and freight duties, alongside the aforementioned line closures that eroded the class's core workload. The locomotives' advancing age further compounded issues, as deteriorating components, especially boilers, escalated maintenance demands and operational costs.[3] Post-withdrawal, 89 of the 100 locomotives were consigned to scrapping, with many processed at Swindon Works—the historic GWR facility where most had been built—and others at private concerns like Cashmore's yard in Newport, South Wales. British Railways maintained detailed records of final examinations, storage periods, and disposals through locomotive stock books and depot logs, ensuring systematic accounting of the class's end.[3]Preserved Examples
Eleven locomotives from the GWR 4575 Class have been preserved, representing a significant survival rate for the type given the extensive scrapping during the 1950s and 1960s.[3] These engines were primarily rescued from Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, South Wales, where most arrived after withdrawal by British Railways between the mid-1950s and early 1960s, with purchases occurring throughout the 1960s and 1970s.[15] The preserved locomotives and their statuses as of November 2025 are:| Number | Build Year | Current Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4588 | 1927 | Severn Valley Railway | Static display |
| 5521 | 1928 | Epping Ongar Railway | Under restoration |
| 5526 | 1928 | South Devon Railway | Awaiting overhaul |
| 5532 | 1928 | Llangollen Railway | Under restoration |
| 5538 | 1928 | Didcot Railway Centre | Static display |
| 5539 | 1928 | Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway | Operational |
| 5541 | 1928 | Dean Forest Railway | Stored, awaiting overhaul (boiler certificate expired December 2024) |
| 5542 | 1928 | South Devon Railway | Awaiting overhaul |
| 5552 | 1928 | Bodmin Railway | Operational |
| 5553 | 1928 | Bodmin Railway (on loan from Peak Rail) | Operational |
| 5572 | 1929 | Didcot Railway Centre | Static display |