Barry Railway Class G facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barry Railway Class G |
|
| Power type | Steam |
|---|---|
| Designer | J. F. Hosgood |
| Builder | Vulcan Foundry (2) Sharp, Stewart & Co. (2) |
| Build date | 1892 and 1895 |
| Total production | 4 |
| Configuration | 0-4-4T |
| UIC classification | B2' n2t |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Driver diameter | 5 ft 7+1⁄2 in (1.715 m) |
| Trailing wheel diameter | 3 ft 0 in (0.914 m) |
| Wheelbase | 22 ft 5 in (6.833 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 56 long tons 1 cwt (125,600 lb or 56.9 t) (62.8 short tons) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Cylinders | Two inside |
| Cylinder size | 17+1⁄2 in × 26 in (444 mm × 660 mm) |
| Tractive effort | 15,925 lbf (70.84 kN) |
| Delivered | 1892 and 1895 |
| Withdrawn | 1925–1929 |
| Disposition | All scrapped |
The Barry Railway Class G locomotives were steam trains used by the Barry Railway in South Wales. These engines were a type called a tank locomotive. This means they carried their water and fuel (coal) directly on the engine itself. They were designed by J. F. Hosgood and built by two different companies: Vulcan Foundry and Sharp Stewart. The first of these locomotives started working in 1892.
What Were They Used For?
These locomotives were first used for passenger services. They pulled trains between Barry and Cardiff in the suburbs. Later, other trains called the 'J' class took over these routes. The 'G' class locomotives then moved to different passenger duties. They worked on the main line between Barry and Porth. They also ran services between Pontypridd Graig and Cardiff Clarence Road. The railway company wanted their passenger trains to look very smart. The 'G' class locomotives were always kept in excellent condition.
Their Journey and End
In 1922, the Great Western Railway took over the Barry Railway. This meant the 'G' class locomotives became part of the Great Western Railway's fleet. However, none of these locomotives lasted long enough to be owned by British Railways, which was formed later. All of them were taken out of service between 1925 and 1929. Sadly, none of the 'G' class locomotives were saved. They were all eventually scrapped.
How They Were Numbered
The Barry Railway Class G locomotives had different numbers during their time. They had numbers when they belonged to the Barry Railway. Then, they received new numbers when they joined the Great Western Railway. Here is a table showing their numbers and who built them:
| Year Built | How Many | Builder | Builder's Serial Numbers | Barry Railway Numbers | GWR Numbers | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1892 | 2 | Vulcan Foundry | 1348–1349 | 66–67 | 2, 3 | Locomotive 67 was a bit different. It did not have a copper-capped chimney like the others. It also had special covers (splashers) over its trailing wheels. |
| 1895 | 2 | Sharp Stewart | 4053–4054 | 68–69 | 4, 9 |
