GWR 2600 Class
The GWR 2600 Class is a class of steam locomotive built by Great Western Railway (GWR) in the early 20th century.
Introduction
The GWR 2600 Class was a class of mixed-traffic steam locomotives designed for general-purpose work on the Great Western Railway. The class consisted of six locomotives built between 1908 and 1913, with the intention of replacing smaller engines in GWR's fleet.
History/Background
The GWR 2600 Class was designed by Frank Sartorius, the Chief Mechanical Engineer of GWR. The class was built at the company's Swindon works and entered service in 1908-1913.
- 1908: First locomotive, No. 2401, is completed.
- 1910: Second locomotive, No. 2425, is completed.
- 1912: Third locomotive, No. 2446, is completed.
- 1913: Fourth and fifth locomotives are completed.
Key Concepts
The GWR 2600 Class was a compound steam locomotive, meaning it used both high- and low-pressure cylinders to drive the wheels. This allowed for more efficient use of fuel and increased power output compared to simpler steam engines.
- Compound steam: Used both high- and low-pressure cylinders
- Mixed traffic: Designed for general-purpose work, including freight and passenger services
- Swindon works: Where the locomotives were built
Technical Details
The GWR 2600 Class was equipped with a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement, meaning it had four leading wheels, six driving wheels, and no trailing wheels. The class used a Bagnall valve gear system.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Wheel arrangement | 4-6-0 |
| Cylinders | 2 x 20 in (508 mm) |
| Bogies | 4 wheel bogie |
| Valve gear | Bagnall |
| Tender type | Water tender |
Applications/Uses
The GWR 2600 Class was primarily used for freight and passenger services on the Great Western Railway. The class proved reliable and efficient, but were eventually replaced by diesel-electric locomotives in the mid-20th century.
- Freight services: Used for transporting goods over long distances
- Passenger services: Used for transporting passengers over short to medium distances
- Diesel-electric replacement: Replaced by diesel-electric locomotives in the mid-20th century
Impact/Significance
The GWR 2600 Class played an important role in the development of steam locomotives and their use on British railways. The class's efficient design and reliable operation made it a successful replacement for smaller engines.
Steam locomotiveRelated Topics
The GWR 2600 Class is related to other steam locomotive classes, including the GWR 2401 Class and the LMS 6F Class.
- GWR 2401 Class: Similar design, but with some differences
- LMS 6F Class: British Railways' equivalent class
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!