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LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0
LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0
LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0
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LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0
46403 on the Midland Main Line near Souldrop in 1955.
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
DesignerH. G. Ivatt
Builder
Build date1946–1953
Total produced128
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte2-6-0
 • UIC1′C h2
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Leading dia.3 ft 0 in (0.914 m)
Driver dia.5 ft 0 in (1.524 m)
Length53 ft 1+3⁄4 in (16.20 m)
Loco weight47.10 long tons (47.9 t; 52.8 short tons) (6400–64)
48.45 long tons (49.2 t) (remainder)
Tender weight37.15 long tons (37.7 t; 41.6 short tons)
Fuel typeCoal
Fuel capacity4 long tons (4.1 t; 4.5 short tons)
Water cap.3,000 imp gal (14,000 L; 3,600 US gal)
Firebox:​
 • Grate area17+1⁄2 sq ft (1.63 m2)
BoilerLMS type 7
Boiler pressure200 lbf/in2 (1.38 MPa)
Heating surface:​
 • Firebox101 sq ft (9.4 m2)
 • Tubes924 sq ft (85.8 m2)
Superheater:
​
 • Heating area134 sq ft (12.4 m2) or
124 sq ft (11.5 m2)
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder size16 in × 24 in (406 mm × 610 mm)
Valve gearWalschaerts
Performance figures
Tractive effort17,410–18,510 lbf (77.44–82.34 kN)
Career
Operators
Power class
  • LMS: 2F
  • BR: 2MT
Numbers
  • LMS:6400–6419
  • BR: 46400–46527
NicknamesMickey Mouse
Axle load classBR: Route Availability 2
Withdrawn1961–1967
Disposition7 preserved, remainder scrapped

The London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 is a class of steam locomotive designed for light mixed traffic.

Design

[edit]

Elderly 0-6-0s formed the backbone of the low-powered locomotives within the LMS fleet. William Stanier had concentrated on introducing larger engines and it was left to George Ivatt to introduce a new class of low-powered locomotive. He designed a tender version of the Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T, introduced at the same time, which was inspired by the Stanier Class 3 2-6-2T, which was inspired by the Fowler Class 3 2-6-2T.[1] The 2-6-0s had greater range: 3,000 imperial gallons (14,000 L; 3,600 US gal) of water and 4 long tons (4.1 t; 4.5 short tons) of coal compared to the tank design's 1,350 imperial gallons (6,100 L; 1,620 US gal) and 3 long tons (3.05 t; 3.36 short tons). They were thus well-suited to their task and performed well following draughting problems being resolved by both Derby and Swindon. Further engines of this type were built as the BR Standard Class 2 2-6-0, these locomotives having BR standard fittings and a modified cab and tender profile to allow completely unrestricted route availability; both LMS and BR 2MT moguls are often nicknamed "Mickey Mouse".[2]

Construction

[edit]

A total of 128 were built between 1946 and 1953, mostly at Crewe. 20 were built by LMS and given the numbers 6400–19. On nationalisation in 1948 40000 was added to their numbers to become 46400–19. The remaining 108 locomotives of the class, numbered 46420–46527 were built by British Railways, and from 46465 (Darlington, 1951) an increase in cylinder diameter of 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) yielded a tractive effort of 18,510 lbf (82.3 kN), 1,100 lbf (4.9 kN) greater than the original design. The LMS classified them 2F, BR as 2MT.

Table of orders
Number Lot no. Date Built at
LMS BR
6400–09 46400–09 182 1946 Crewe
6410–19 46410–19 189 1947 Crewe
— 46420–34 194 1948 Crewe
— 46435–49 201 1950 Crewe
— 46450–59 207 1950 Crewe
— 46460–64 208 1950 Crewe
— 46465–82 1309 1951 Darlington
— 46483–94 1310 1951 Darlington
— 46495–502 1310 1952 Darlington
— 46503–14 394 1952 Swindon
— 46515–27 394 1953 Swindon

The 38 members of the Darlington-built batch (46465 to 46502) were allocated to the Eastern and North Eastern Regions of British Railways. The final 25 (46503 to 46527) were built at Swindon Works and, being allocated to the Western Region, consequently carried the GWR-type vacuum ejector and firehole doors. The Swindon locomotives were initially turned out in lined black. Under the Hanks regime, some received lined green livery as they passed through works while the rest remained black. None of the class was named in service, however some have been named in preservation.

Withdrawal

[edit]

The class was withdrawn between 1961 and 1967.

Table of withdrawals
Year Quantity in
service at
start of year		 Quantity
withdrawn		 Locomotive numbers
1961 128 1 46407.
1962 127 12 46408/15/53/66/69/71/76–78/81/93/95.
1963 115 4 46438/73/83/89.
1964 111 8 46403/09/35/61/67/74–75,
46525.
1965 103 21 46404/13/20/23/25/30/44/56/59/68/72/79/82/88/97–98,
46510–11/24/27.
1966 82 40 46401/05/10/12/14/16/19/21–22/24/26–29/34/42/45–47/50–51/54/58/60/62–64/95–96,
46504/08–09/12–14/17–19/21/26.
1967 42 42 46400/02/06/11/17–18/31–33/36–37/39–41/43/48–49/52/55/57/65/70/80/84–87/90–92/99,
46500–03/05–06/15–16/20/22–23.

Accidents and incidents

[edit]
  • On 27 April 2013, No. 46521 derailed on the trap points at Quorn and Woodhouse on the Great Central Railway following a misunderstanding between the signalman and the locomotive's crew. The derailment was captured on video by a visitor and subsequently posted on YouTube. Nobody was injured, and the locomotive was recovered using a crane; it was then towed back to the shed by BR Class 45 No. D123.[3] Almost one month after the incident, the locomotive returned to service.[4]

Preservation

[edit]

Seven members of the class have been preserved, five built at Crewe Works and two built at Swindon Works. Of the seven engines preserved, six have run in preservation (46428 is undergoing restoration from scrapyard condition to working order at the East Lancs Railway). Three members of the class have also operated on the mainline in preservation: No's 46441, 46443 & 46521. Three of them were purchased from British Railways while the other four preserved examples were rescued from Barry Scrapyard throughout the 1970s. The ones rescued from Barry Scrapyard include No. 46428, No. 46447, No. 46512, and No. 46521. The ones sold directly into preservation from British Railways include No. 46441, No. 46443, and No. 46464.

46443 became a popular mainline engine in the 1980s when it was one of the engines used during the 150th anniversary of the Great Western Railway traveling along many old branchlines including the old Bristol Harbour Railway. 46521 saw use on the mainline in the 1990s but only saw a limited amount of use hauling excursion trains with one of its runs being on the GWML in December 1994.[citation needed]. 46441 was one of the smallest tender engines to operate on the former BR system during the 1990s. As well as being a regular at Carnforth and working at its home on the East Lancashire Railway it was also used for the regular steam on the met programme working trains alongside other steam engines. 46441 in recent years has been on static display inside the museum at the Ribble Steam Railway in Preston awaiting an overhaul. In April 2018 the engine was moved by road to its new home at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, it is presently the only tender engine based at the railway.[citation needed]

BR no Image Name* Builder Built Withdrawn In service Current location Current condition Livery
46428 Crewe Works Dec 1948 Dec 1966 17 Years, 11 Months East Lancashire Railway Under Restoration N/A
Oldest surviving member of the class. Being restored from condition as recovered from Woodham Brothers scrapyard, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales.
46441 Crewe Works Feb 1950 Apr 1967 17 Years, 2 Months Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway Running In BR Lined Crimson, Late Crest (on completion)
The engine commenced its running in tests in October 2023 and is expected to re-enter revenue service in 2024. Boiler Ticket expires 2033.[5]
The engine will retain its non-authentic BR Maroon on completion.[6]
46443 Crewe Works Feb 1950 Mar 1967 17 Years, 28 Days Severn Valley Railway Static Display BR Lined Black, Late Crest
Stored awaiting overhaul in The Engine House, Highley.
46447 Crewe Works Mar 1950 Dec 1966 16 Years, 9 Months East Somerset Railway Operational BR Lined Black, Late Crest
Returned to operation October 2014. On loan from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
46464 The Carmyllie Pilot[a] Crewe Works Jun 1950 Sept 1966 16 Years, 3 Months Strathspey Railway Operational N/A
After preservation, hauled the first scheduled passenger train on the Strathspey Railway on 22 July 1978.[7] Last ran in 1979 and now restored to working order.
The name "Carmyllie Pilot" was used, during their working years, for both 46463 and 46464, both Dundee Tay Bridge (62B) allocated engines. Both locomotives took week about pilot duties at Arbroath station, and were often seen working the Carmyllie Railway branch line, either to the Metal Box factory or the Quarries at Carmyllie.[citation needed] Local railway staff referred to either locomotive as The Carmyllie Pilot, dependent on which was on duty.
The engine underwent its steam test in November 2023 and its overhaul was completed in June 2024, when it was steamed for the first time in 44 years.[8]
46512 E.V. Cooper, Engineer[a] Swindon Works Dec 1952 Dec 1966 13 Years, 11 Months Strathspey Railway Operational BR Lined Black, Early Emblem
Boiler Ticket expires 2031.
46521 Blossom[a] Swindon Works Mar 1953 Oct 1966 13 Years, 7 Months Great Central Railway Under Overhaul BR Lined Green, Early Emblem (on completion)
Boiler ticket expired in 2022. Dismantling for overhaul commenced in October 2023.[9]
  1. ^ a b c Named in preservation

Models

[edit]

Several 00 gauge ready-to-run models of the locomotive have been produced. In 1975, Hornby Railways produced a model of the class, in British Railways lined black (mixed traffic) livery. A BR lined green version followed in 1978. They were on sale until 1982.[10] In 2007 Bachmann Branchline introduced a more detailed model, available in several liveries including LMS unlined black, BR lined black and BR lined Brunswick Green, the latter livery of which was used for a model of now preserved 46521.[11] Graham Farish produces several of the same liveries in British N gauge. Comet Models produce an all-metal kit.

In fiction

[edit]

No. 46521 appeared in the sitcom Oh, Doctor Beeching!. It was for this that it received the name 'Blossom'.[12]

Both 46443 and 46521 appeared in the 1976 Universal Pictures film The Seven-Per-Cent Solution. For this role both locomotives were heavily disguised to have a European flavour.[13]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 is a class of mixed-traffic steam locomotive designed by Henry George Ivatt, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), for light passenger and freight duties on branch lines and secondary routes. Introduced in 1946 to replace ageing 0-6-0 locomotives, the class featured a 2-6-0 wheel arrangement with 5 ft 0 in driving wheels and was classified as LMS 2F or British Railways (BR) 2MT. A total of 128 examples were constructed between 1946 and 1953, with the design proving reliable and economical for post-World War II modernization efforts. The locomotives were equipped with two outside cylinders measuring 16 in × 24 in (406 mm × 610 mm) on early builds, increasing to 16.5 in × 24 in (419 mm × 610 mm) from 1950, driving a superheated boiler at 200 lbf/in² (1.38 MPa). This configuration delivered a tractive effort of 17,410 lbf (77.5 kN) initially, rising to 18,510 lbf (82.4 kN) on later variants, with Walschaerts valve gear and piston valves for efficient operation. The engine weighed approximately 47 long tons 2 cwt (47.2 t), paired with a tender carrying 3,000 imperial gallons (13,600 L) of water and 4 long tons (4.1 t) of coal, enabling extended runs compared to the related 2-6-2T tank version. Overall length was 53 ft 1¾ in (16.20 m), making it suitable for restricted clearances on lighter routes. Construction began under LMS control with 20 locomotives (numbered 6400–6419) built at Crewe Works in 1946–1948, later renumbered 46400–46419 by BR in 1948. The remaining 108 were produced by BR between 1948 and 1953 at Crewe (46420–46464), Darlington (46465–46502), and Swindon (46503–46527), incorporating minor adaptations such as GWR-style fittings at the latter works. The design influenced the subsequent BR Standard Class 2 2-6-0 (78000 class), built from 1952, underscoring its role in standardizing lightweight motive power. In service from 1946 until final withdrawal in 1967, primarily on the Midland Region but also across Western, Eastern, North Eastern, and Scottish areas, the class handled diverse tasks including local passenger trains and pick-up freights. They were painted in unlined black under LMS and unlined black (lined green for some Western Region examples) under BR, with operating costs around 16s 6d per mile in the . Seven examples survive in preservation, with notable operational survivors like Nos. 46441 and 46443 appearing in films and mainline excursions, ensuring the class's legacy on heritage railways such as the and East lines.

Background and Design

Development

Henry George Ivatt assumed the role of Chief Mechanical Engineer for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) on 1 February 1946, succeeding Tom Fairburn and inheriting a fleet depleted by wartime demands. In the immediate post-war period, marked by economic austerity and infrastructure recovery needs, Ivatt prioritized economical, lightweight designs to enhance efficiency on secondary routes and support the transition toward . His approach focused on reducing maintenance costs and improving availability through innovative features like self-cleaning smokeboxes and manganese steel components, addressing labor shortages and resource constraints prevalent in the late . The LMS Ivatt Class 2 emerged as a response to the obsolescence of aging freight and older mixed-traffic engines, which were increasingly inadequate for even light duties on branch lines and cross-country services. Ivatt shifted from the traditional configuration to a for better stability and ride quality, aiming to provide a versatile mixed-traffic capable of handling both and freight tasks without excessive wear on lighter infrastructure. This design was intended to modernize the LMS fleet economically, filling a gap for modest-powered engines that could operate where heavier Stanier classes were restricted. Influences from prior LMS engineers shaped the Class 2's development, including boiler adaptations derived from William Stanier's 2-6-2T tanks and precedents in Henry Fowler's earlier tank locomotive designs, which emphasized compact, efficient power plants. Ivatt developed the 2-6-0 tender engine in parallel with a related 2-6-2T tank version, sharing the same No. 7 boiler to streamline production and parts commonality; the tender variant extended operational range for longer routes. These evolutions incorporated American-inspired refinements, such as outside cylinders and a pony truck, to optimize space and performance while maintaining simplicity. The locomotive received an LMS power classification of 2F, later redesignated as British Railways (BR) 2MT upon in 1948, underscoring its mixed-traffic role with moderate output suitable for light loads. Route availability was set at RA-2, permitting use across much of the network, including routes with weight restrictions. Central to the goals was a low loading of 13 long tons 15 cwt, enabling passage over lighter bridges and tracks without reinforcement, complemented by enhancements in coal and water efficiency—such as a 3,000-gallon tender capacity and a two-row for improved fuel economy—to minimize operational costs in the resource-scarce post-war era.

Technical Specifications

The LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 was designed as a mixed-traffic with key mechanical features optimized for and secondary duties, incorporating a compact frame and efficient power plant. Its emphasized reliability and light loading, drawing from LMS traditions while introducing simplifications for postwar production. The class utilized outside cylinders and for straightforward maintenance and operation.
SpecificationDetails
Wheel arrangement, with driving wheels of 5 ft 0 in (1.524 m) and leading wheels of 3 ft 0 in (0.914 m)
LMS type 7, working 200 psi (1.38 MPa), total heating surface 1,159 sq ft (108 m²) comprising evaporative surface of 1,025 sq ft (95 m²) and surface of 134 sq ft (12 m²), firebox heating surface 101 sq ft (9.4 m²), grate area 17.5 sq ft (1.63 m²)
CylindersTwo outside, 16 in × 24 in (406 mm × 610 mm) for locomotives up to No. 46464; increased to 16.5 in × 24 in (419 mm × 610 mm) from No. 46465 onward; with piston valves
17,410 lbf (77.44 kN) for early builds; increased to 18,510 lbf (82.34 kN) in later versions through cylinder enlargement and addition of sand domes
Locomotive weight47 long tons 2 cwt (105,504 lb or 47.8 t) for early builds; increased to approximately 48 long tons 8 cwt (108,416 lb or 49.2 t) later due to modifications
TenderLMS diagram 2111 or 2209 type, water capacity 3,000 imp gal (13,600 L; 3,600 US gal), coal capacity 4 long tons (4.1 t); overall and tender weight approximately 193,000 lb (87.5 t)
This design served as the direct basis for the British Railways Standard Class 2 2-6-0, sharing the same and cylinder layout but featuring a revised tender with greater coal capacity for extended runs.

Construction

LMS Production

The London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) initiated production of the Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 with a batch of 20 locomotives constructed at between December 1946 and March 1947, numbered 6400–6419. These were the only examples built under LMS ownership before in 1948, utilizing standardized LMS components such as the Type 2 to facilitate rapid assembly despite ongoing post-World War II material shortages that delayed the program's start. The first locomotives entered service in 1946, marking the class's entry into service. Early design features included an initial of 17,410 lbf from two outside cylinders measuring 16 inches by 24 inches, operating at 200 psi boiler pressure, without sand domes to simplify construction for light mixed-traffic duties. These locomotives were allocated primarily to the LMS Western and Northern Divisions for trials on light freight and passenger workings, reflecting their intended role in and secondary services. Compared to subsequent British Railways builds, the LMS batch exhibited minor variations in tender fittings, such as LMS-specific and capacity arrangements (4 tons of and 3,000 imperial gallons of ), which differed in profile and standardization from the later BR-standardized versions.

British Railways Production

Following the of Britain's railways in , British Railways assumed production of the Ivatt Class 2 , constructing an additional 108 examples between and 1953. These were numbered 46420–46527, with the prefix 40,000 added to the original LMS for consistency across the network. This expanded the total class to 128 locomotives, which provided the foundational design for the later BR Standard Class 2 . Construction occurred at three major British Railways workshops: 45 at (46420–46464), 38 at Darlington Works (46465–46502), and 25 at (46503–46527), with the final locomotive entering service in December 1953. The production rate averaged approximately 20 locomotives annually, shaped by post-nationalization priorities for and amid the transition to a unified railway system. Design refinements were introduced on later batches to optimize performance, particularly from No. 46465 onward built at in 1951. These included an increase in cylinder diameter from 16 inches to 16.5 inches, raising the from 17,410 lbf to 18,510 lbf, alongside improved arrangements and taller parallel chimneys that enhanced steaming efficiency and reduced smoke emissions. Such modifications addressed operational feedback from earlier LMS-built examples while aligning with British Railways' emphasis on reliability for mixed-traffic duties.

Operational Service

Deployment and Usage

The LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 locomotives were primarily employed for light mixed-traffic duties on secondary and branch lines across the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) and later British Railways (BR) networks. These roles encompassed hauling short-haul freight trains, such as and general goods, as well as local passenger services with frequent stops. Their design emphasized versatility for lightweight operations, replacing older freight locomotives on less demanding routes. During the LMS era, allocations were concentrated in the Western Division, particularly around the area, where locomotives like No. 46428 handled stopping passenger trains between , , , , and . Under BR, the class saw widespread use in the London Midland Region, including and the , with examples such as No. 46521 serving the lines from depots at , , and . Later transfers expanded operations to the Scottish Region (up to 18 locomotives by 1964) and Eastern/North Eastern Regions, though numbers there declined rapidly by the mid-1960s. Initial BR allocations also included the Lakeside & Haverthwaite line in , where No. 46441 managed passenger workings to Lakeside and local freights. Typical duties involved short-haul freights on branch lines, local passenger trains, and occasional shunting in goods yards, leveraging the class's compact size for efficient operation on lighter infrastructure. With a rating of 3—the lowest category—the class could operate on virtually all BR lines, covering approximately 80% of the network without restrictions. This broad applicability, combined with their economical running costs, made them a staple for everyday traffic until dieselization advanced. The locomotives earned the nickname "" from their prominent front sandboxes, which resembled the character's ears when viewed from certain angles.

Performance Characteristics

The LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 was capable of reaching speeds of up to approximately 60 mph during passenger workings, while maintaining sustained speeds of 45–50 mph with mixed traffic loads of around 270 tons, as demonstrated in service tests conducted between and in April 1947. These performance levels highlighted its suitability for light mixed-traffic duties on secondary routes, where it provided reliable operation without excessive demand on . The locomotive's design emphasized ease of handling, allowing crews to achieve consistent results on undemanding gradients. In terms of efficiency, the class showed good steaming qualities on lighter workloads, contributing to economical fuel use relative to larger mixed-traffic locomotives such as the Stanier Class 5 4-6-0. Its simple construction and reliable facilitated low maintenance requirements, with recorded mileage between overhauls reaching 83,155 miles in service. However, it struggled on steeper inclines exceeding 1 in 100, where power output proved insufficient for heavier formations, limiting its versatility on more challenging mainline sections. Key limitations included underpowered performance for express passenger services, with maximum train loads typically restricted to 400–600 tons on level track. Earnest crews noted its playful two-note and the distinctive appearance of its prominent sandboxes, which resembled ears and earned the class the affectionate nickname "." This design's focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness directly influenced subsequent improvements in the British Railways Standard Class 2 2-6-0.

Withdrawal

Timeline and Process

Withdrawals of the LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 locomotives commenced in December 1961 with the condemnation of No. 46407, marking the beginning of the class's retirement amid British Railways' shift toward diesel traction. This initial withdrawal was followed by a gradual increase in numbers removed from service, driven by the Modernisation Plan's emphasis on diesel locomotives such as the Class 25 for mixed-traffic duties and the economic pressures of the , including rising maintenance costs for steam operations. The pace accelerated significantly from 1965 onward, coinciding with the implementation of the Beeching Report's recommendations for rationalizing uneconomic branch lines, which diminished the need for versatile light locomotives like the Ivatt Class 2. In 1965, 21 locomotives were withdrawn; this rose to 40 in 1966 and peaked at 42 in 1967, with the final five examples retired from depot in July of that year, bringing the total class to an end after just over two decades in service. By the close of 1966, over two-thirds of the 128-strong fleet had been taken out of traffic, reflecting the rapid replacement by more efficient diesel and multiple-unit alternatives that offered comparable operating economics at around 16s 6d per mile. The withdrawal process typically involved condemnation at major maintenance depots such as , where many locomotives underwent final assessments before being declared surplus. Condemned engines were then dispatched to scrapyards for breaking, with a significant portion processed at private facilities like those operated by G. Cohen & Co. or British Railways' own disposal sites, contributing to the near-total loss of the class. Only seven locomotives escaped scrapping, a low attributed to heritage priorities favoring larger, more prominent classes capable of hauling heavier tourist trains on preserved lines.

Final Allocations

In the late , the remaining LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 locomotives were primarily allocated to sheds in the London Midland Region, with smaller numbers in the Scottish Region and earlier transfers to the Eastern Region having been fully withdrawn by 1964. Key depots included 9E , where several engines from the original Crewe-built batches lingered into service until 1966, and 8H Burton, which housed a handful for local freight duties until their disposal. In the Scottish Region, allocations were limited, with 66A Polmadie retaining just one in 1964 before the last Scottish examples, such as 46460 at 66D and 46464 at 61B , were withdrawn in August 1966. By 1966, many of the surviving locomotives were stored unserviceable due to the ongoing dieselisation and line closures, reducing the active fleet to around 42 engines. For instance, No. 46441 was allocated to 10A until its withdrawal in April 1967, while concentrations at 17A Friargate supported final freight workings on residual branch lines. The closure of branch lines, including the & Dorset Railway in 1966, accelerated reallocations as light mixed-traffic duties diminished, forcing engines like those from Bath Green Park sheds to relocate northward to remaining depots such as (9L), where the last five—including No. 46402—operated until July 1967. Notable among the final survivors was No. 46512, allocated to 84H from January 1965, later transferred to , and withdrawn in November 1966. These late postings were documented in detail through Railway Correspondence and Travel Society (RCTS) records and shed allocation books, which track individual engine movements and conditions during the decline phase.

Incidents

Operational Accidents

The LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 demonstrated strong reliability during on the , Midland and Scottish and British Railways, operating effectively on light mixed traffic duties across branch lines and secondary routes after early draughting issues were resolved at and . This design contributed to a low incidence of major mechanical failures, enhancing its overall safety profile compared to larger, heavier classes. One documented incident occurred in September 1964 when No. 46464 was damaged in a collision with a Class B1 locomotive at shed; it was repaired at Works but later withdrawn in 1967 due to firebox issues. Minor operational challenges, such as wheel slip on wet or frosty rails leading to occasional hot boxes, were typical for of the era but managed through routine maintenance.

Post-Preservation Events

During the early years of preservation, stored locomotives of the class occasionally suffered from environmental deterioration, highlighting the challenges of securing withdrawn examples prior to relocation to heritage sites. On 27 April 2013, No. 46521 derailed at low speed on trap points at & Woodhouse station on the while shunting carriages during the Swithland Steam Gala; the incident caused no injuries, disrupted the event, and saw the locomotive recovered and returned to service by early May 2013. In March 2024, following its overhaul, No. 46441 experienced a minor snag with slow release of its steam brake during a crew training run with a four-coach at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway; the issue was promptly resolved on-site without further disruption or damage. These post-preservation events have contributed to broader enhancements across heritage railways, including stricter track standards to prevent derailments on trap points and enhanced crew training protocols for shunting and signalling procedures.

Preservation

Surviving Examples

Out of the 128 locomotives built for the LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0, seven were preserved, representing the only survivors of the class. These examples were acquired between 1967 and 1968, either directly from British Railways depots or from scrapyards such as at Barry, , where several arrived for breaking up following withdrawal from service. The preserved locomotives and their acquisition histories are as follows:
  • No. 46428, built at in December 1948, was withdrawn in December 1966 from South and sent to scrapyard, arriving in August 1967. It was rescued in 1972 by the Bury Standard 4 Group, who transported it to the for preservation. Initial restoration efforts began in the 1970s, focusing on structural repairs from its scrapyard condition, though full steaming has yet to occur.
  • No. 46441, constructed at in April 1950, was withdrawn in April 1967 following a collision at Lancaster Green Ayre and purchased directly from British Railways that same year by enthusiast Chris Beet. It was initially restored in the early 1970s at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, entering service in LMS lined black livery after overhaul. The locomotive later received mainline certification for heritage operations.
  • No. 46512, built at in December 1952, was withdrawn in November 1966 from Crewe South and arrived at scrapyard in June 1967. It left Barry in May 1973 and was moved initially to the , later to Bulmer’s Railway Centre in , and then to the Strathspey Railway in 1982. Restoration efforts culminated in return to steam in October 2000, with subsequent overhauls including 2005–March 2011 and November 2020–November 2021 to maintain operational condition.
  • No. 46521, outshopped from Swindon Works in March 1953, was withdrawn in October 1966 from Machynlleth and sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard at Barry, arriving in March 1967, where it remained until selected for preservation in 1969 by Severn Valley Railway supporter Charles Newton. Purchased in July 1970, it arrived at the railway in March 1971, with external restoration commencing immediately; full overhaul was completed by July 1974, marking the first ex-Barry locomotive restored there. In preservation, it received the unofficial name "Blossom" during filming of the BBC sitcom Oh, Doctor Beeching! in 1995–1997.
  • No. 46443, built at Crewe Works in 1950, was withdrawn in March 1967 from Carlisle Kingmoor and bought directly from British Railways by Richard Willcox. It arrived at the Severn Valley Railway under its own steam in April 1967 as the second locomotive on the line, with initial restoration in the late 1960s and early 1970s enabling service by 1970, including appearances in period advertisements.
  • No. 46464, the last of its Crewe-built batch completed in July 1950, was withdrawn in August 1966 from Dundee Tay Bridge and purchased directly from British Railways in 1967 by local enthusiast Ian Fraser, who presented it to City Corporation. It moved to the Strathspey Railway, where initial restoration in the culminated in it hauling the line's first scheduled on 22 July 1978; it carries the nickname "The Carmyllie Pilot" in preservation.
  • No. 46447, constructed at in May 1950, was withdrawn in December 1966 from Edgeley and sent to scrapyard, arriving in June 1967. Rescued as the 20th departure from Barry in , it was initially restored cosmetically in the 1970s before full mechanical overhaul enabled steaming by October 2014, though early preservation work focused on preservation at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
These acquisitions highlight the efforts of enthusiast groups and railways to save representatives of the class amid the rapid dieselisation of British Railways in the late , with most initial restorations occurring during the to enable heritage operations.

Current Status and Operations

As of November 2025, three preserved examples of the LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 remain operational on heritage railways, providing passenger services and participating in special events. No. 46441, based at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, holds a boiler certificate valid until 2033 and conducted mainline excursions in 2024 following its return to service after a major overhaul. In 2025, it continued operations, including a guest appearance at the East Lancashire Railway's Autumn Steam Gala in October, where it hauled trains in British Railways lined black livery. No. 46512 operates at the Strathspey Railway, where it has been active throughout the 2025 season, often double-heading with other locomotives for opening weekend services in . No. 46464, the "Carmyllie Pilot," completed a comprehensive overhaul at the Strathspey Railway in 2024 after more than four decades out of service and entered traffic in late 2024. It performed its first revenue-earning passenger run in early 2025 and has since hauled regular trains, including double-headed formations with No. 46512 during the line's opening events. No. 46447, on long-term loan from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to the , was withdrawn in October 2024 for its 10-year overhaul, with work commencing in March 2025. Two locomotives are currently under restoration or recent overhaul. No. 46428 is undergoing restoration from scrapyard condition at the , managed by the Bury Standard 4 Group, with work ongoing; significant progress includes a full lift and inspection in August 2025, targeting a return to operation in 2026. The remaining preserved examples are non-operational. No. 46521, following active service at the since its 2013 overhaul, was withdrawn in 2022 for a major overhaul and remains stored there pending completion. No. 46443 is on static display at the Railway's Engine House in Highley, out of service since 2013 while awaiting funding for a heavy general overhaul. Mainline running is limited to No. 46441, reflecting the class's suitability for heritage operations but also the challenges of certification and maintenance. Looking ahead, restoration efforts for No. 46521 and No. 46443 are expected to restore them to traffic by the late , potentially expanding operational examples. These locomotives contribute significantly to heritage railways by demonstrating the class's efficiency on branch lines and mixed-traffic duties, supporting educational programs, galas, and tourist services that highlight mid-20th-century British steam technology.

Legacy

Model Representations

The LMS Ivatt Class 2 has been represented in model form primarily through ready-to-run locomotives in OO and gauges, with etched kits available for advanced builders seeking greater detail. These models replicate key prototype features such as the , tapered , and tender design, often incorporating era-appropriate liveries from the LMS and early British Railways periods. In (1:76 scale), Hornby produced one of the earliest commercial models of the class, with the R.857 representing a British Railways version in black livery, released around 1974–1977. This early Hornby model featured basic detailing, including simplified representations of the and , which drew criticism from enthusiasts for lacking the finesse of later productions. Bachmann's Branchline range introduced a more detailed ready-to-run model in 2007, with catalog numbers in the 32-8xx series; examples include 32-830 (LMS black No. 6402) and 32-826 (LMS black No. 6404), available in LMS unlined black and British Railways lined black/green liveries. These Bachmann models are DCC-ready with an 8-pin socket, include fine etched nameplates, and offer variations such as domed or parallel sand domes to match prototype differences between - and Derby-built locomotives. In N gauge (1:148 scale), Graham Farish (a Bachmann brand) has offered models since the early 2010s, using the 372-xxx series numbering. Notable examples include 372-627 (LMS black No. 6404) and 372-626 (British Railways lined black early emblem No. 46477), produced in British Railways black and green liveries with upgrades like coreless motors, couplings, and Next18 DCC interfaces for sound-equipped versions. These models emphasize smooth running and include separately fitted details such as handrails and bufferbeam pipes. In O gauge (1:43 scale), Seven Mill Models released a limited-edition ready-to-run model in 2025, exclusive to WJVintage and Raylo, with 100 pieces available in LMS plain black (£625), BR late crest plain black (£625), BR early crest lined (£675), and BR late crest lined (£675) liveries. The model features a precision-engineered , cast metal body, twin motors, and 2/3 rail switchability. Etched brass kits for detailed construction in 4mm scale (OO) are available from Wizard Models under kit code LK16, providing frames, body, and motion components for assembly with a proprietary chassis. High Level Kits offers complementary chassis upgrades and gearboxes compatible with Bachmann's OO model, enabling enhanced suspension and smoother operation for kit-built or modified versions. adaptations for garden railways exist through custom builders using scaled-down plans derived from the . Model accuracy has improved over time, with Bachmann's OO and gauge offerings praised for capturing subtle traits like the swan-neck reverser and self-cleaning , though early Hornby versions were noted for oversimplified fittings and tender detailing. Collectibility is moderate among enthusiasts of mid-20th-century British steam; ready-to-run examples typically retail for £120–£160 new as of 2025, while used or limited-edition club models (such as Bachmann Collectors Club variants) range from £50 for basic used items to £200 or more for mint-condition or weathered editions.

Depictions in Media

The LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 has appeared in several British television productions, notably as locomotive No. 46521, which was renamed "Blossom" for its role in the 1995–1997 sitcom Oh, Doctor Beeching!. This series depicted the era of closures under the Beeching Axe, with the locomotive hauling passenger trains on preserved railways during filming. In film, locomotives Nos. 46443 and 46521 featured prominently in the 1976 adaptation of The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, a story directed by . Both engines were repainted in red livery, fitted with flared stovepipe chimneys, and given large brass number plates to portray Austrian locomotives in a key train sequence. The class is documented in railway enthusiast literature, including detailed historical accounts in volumes from the Locomotives of the LMS series published by the RCTS (Railway Correspondence and Travel Society), which cover design, construction, and operational use. A dedicated title, The Book of the Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0s: 46400–46527 by John Jennison, provides comprehensive analysis of the locomotives' development and service. Representations of related Ivatt designs appear in digital simulations, such as add-ons for Train Simulator by , including the Ivatt 2-6-2T tank version with recreated sounds and performance characteristics based on the original designs. These simulations often draw from preserved examples for authenticity. Documentaries on the end of British Railways steam operations reference mixed-traffic duties, highlighting the class's contribution to of steam traction. Culturally, the Ivatt Class 2 symbolizes British railroading, embodying efficient light mixed-traffic work during the transition to diesel. It earned the affectionate nickname "" due to its compact size yet capable performance, a term originating from the prominent route indicator discs resembling ears. In recent media, preserved No. 46441 has been featured in 2024–2025 heritage videos on platforms like , showcasing its return to mainline running after overhaul in 2025, including loaded test runs on standard-gauge lines at the .

References

  1. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2019/09/lms-ivatt-2-2-6-0-and-2-6-2t-steam-locomotives-class-information.html
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  27. https://www.svrwiki.com/LMS_Ivatt_Class_2_46443
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  30. https://preservedbritishsteamlocomotives.com/46447-2/
  31. https://locomotive.fandom.com/wiki/LMS_Ivatt_Class_2_2-6-0_No._46447
  32. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2025/06/steam-locomotive-46441-set-for-east-lancashire-railway-visit.html
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tcFALIhNrI
  34. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2025/03/double-headed-steam-trains-for-scottish-railway-opening-weekend.html
  35. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c978e2y03d4o
  36. https://iwsteamrailway.co.uk/heritage/our-rolling-stock/locomotives/no-46447/
  37. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2025/08/boiler-lift-completed-for-steam-locomotive-46428.html
  38. https://svr.co.uk/locomotive/lms-ivatt-class-2-46443/
  39. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/07/appeal-to-be-launched-for-restoration-of-steam-locomotive-46443.html
  40. https://railwaymoviedatabase.com/the-seven-per-cent-solution/
  41. https://www.svrwiki.com/The_Seven-Per-Cent_Solution
  42. https://www.lmssociety.org.uk/pubs.php
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  44. https://www.steamsoundssupreme.com/ivatt-2mt-tank
  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y54CV18bhNE
  46. https://grokipedia.com/page/LMS_Ivatt_Class_2_2-6-0
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