LNWR 5ft 6in Tank Class facts for kids

Quick facts for kids LNWR 5ft 6in Tank class
No. 1384 As built, photographic grey livery
Power type	Steam
Designer	F. W. Webb
Builder	Crewe Works
Serial number	3152–3171, 3222–3241, 3252–3261, 3385–3434, 3480–3489, 3495–3504, 3511–3530, 3757–3776
Build date	Sept 1890 – July 1897
Total production	160
Configuration	2-4-2T
UIC classification	1′B1′ n2t
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Leading wheel diameter	3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Driver diameter	5 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1.740 m)
Trailing wheel diameter	3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Wheelbase
Locomotive weight	51 long tons (52 t)
Fuel type	Coal
Heating surface: Total	1,074.6 sq ft (99.83 m2)
Cylinders	Two, inside
Cylinder size	17 in × 24 in (432 mm × 610 mm)
Valve gear	Joy
Power class	LMS: 1P
Withdrawn	1907–1955
Disposition	All scrapped

The LNWR 5ft 6in Tank was a class of 160 passenger 2-4-2T locomotives manufactured by the London and North Western Railway in their Crewe Works between 1890 and 1897. The "5ft 6in" in the title referred to the diameter of the driving wheels – although the stated dimension was for the wheel centres – the nominal diameter including the tyres was 5 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,740 mm).

Design

The design featured a boiler pressed to 150 lbf/in² (1.03 MPa) delivering saturated steam to two 17 by 24 inches (430 by 610 mm) cylinders connected by Joy valve gear to the driving wheels.

They were effectively a tank version of the LNWR Webb Precursor Class, which were then being withdrawn.

Service

Three locomotives were withdrawn before the 1923 Grouping; the remaining 157 locomotive passed to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway who renumbered them 6600–6757, and gave them power classification 1P.

Forty-two locomotives were fitted up between 1929 and 1932 by the LMS for push-pull train service.

Two were sold to the War Department in 1930 and 1931; they served on the Longmoor Military Railway where they were became LMR 22 Earl Haig and LMR 23 Earl Roberts. No. 22 was scrapped circa 1939, No. 23 lasted long enough to be renumbered WD 206, but was scrapped during the war.

Forty-three survived to British Railways service in 1948; their numbers were increased by 40000. The last of the class was withdrawn in September 1955 and none were preserved.

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  LNWR era shot, posed for the camera

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  LMS Livery

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  Early BR livery with "BRITISH RAILWAYS" lettering

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  BR livery