Barry Railway Class B1 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barry Railway Class B1
Former Barry Railway Class B1 0-6-2T at Swindon in 1950, British Railways no. 269
Power type	Steam
Designer	J. H. Hosgood
Builder	Sharp, Stewart & Co. (27), Vulcan Foundry (10), Société Franco-Belge (5)
Build date	1890–1900
Total production	42
Number rebuilt	Some rebuilt from 1924 with GWR boiler
Configuration	0-6-2T
UIC classification	C1 n2t
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Driver diameter	4 ft 4 in (1.321 m); Rebuilds: 4 ft 3 in (1.295 m)
Trailing wheel diameter	3 ft 6 in (1.067 m)
Locomotive weight	55 long tons 3 cwt (123,500 lb or 56 t) (61.8 short tons); Rebuilds: 53 long tons 9 cwt (119,700 lb or 54.3 t) (59.9 short tons)
Fuel type	Coal
Boiler pressure	160 psi (1.10 MPa); Rebuilds: 150 psi (1.03 MPa)
Heating surface: Tubes	1.875 in (0.048 m)
Superheater area	1,070 sq ft (99.406 m2)
Cylinders	Two Inside
Cylinder size	17.5 in × 26 in (444 mm × 660 mm)
Valve gear	Stephenson
Tractive effort	20,825 lbf (92.63 kN); Rebuilds: 19,906 lbf (88.55 kN)
Withdrawn	1932–1951
Disposition	All scrapped

The Barry Railway Class B1 was a type of steam train. These powerful engines were known as tank locomotives. They were built for the Barry Railway in South Wales.

These trains were designed by J. H. Hosgood. They were built by three different companies. These were Sharp Stewart, & Co., Vulcan Foundry, and Société Franco-Belge. The B1 trains were similar to another type, the B class. However, the B1s could carry more water. This meant they could travel further without stopping. They could carry 1,630 gallons of water. This helped them move empty wagons from Cadoxton Yard to Trehafod Junction. They didn't need to stop for more water on the way.

What Did They Do?

These steam engines had important jobs. Their main task was to pull heavy coal trains. They carried coal from Trehafod Junction to Cadoxton Yard. They also picked up coal from mines on the Brecon & Merthyr line. After dropping off the coal, they would return. They often carried empty wagons back. Sometimes, they even carried timber for mines from Barry Docks.

Passenger Journeys

The B1 trains also helped people travel. They pulled trains for miners between Barry and Porth. They were also used for fun trips. People could take excursion trains to Barry Island.

In 1920, two B1 trains were very special. Numbers 111 and 122 carried visitors to the National Eisteddfod. This was a big festival held in Barry that year. The trains brought people from the Rhymney Railway. B1s also pulled the 'Ports Express' train. This train went from Barry to Newcastle. The B1s handled the part of the journey between Barry and Cardiff.

Life of the B1 Locomotives

The Barry Railway Class B1 trains were built between 1890 and 1900. A total of 42 of these engines were made.

In 1922, the Great Western Railway took over the Barry Railway. This meant the B1 locomotives became part of the Great Western Railway's fleet.

Later, in 1948, 20 of these trains were still working. They became part of British Railways. However, by 1952, all 20 of these B1 trains were no longer in use. Sadly, none of these historic locomotives were saved. They were all scrapped.

How Many Were Built?

Here is a list of when and where the Barry Railway Class B1 trains were built: