125 examples of the class were built. The last 30 numbered 2395 to 2424 were fitted with side-windows and doors to their cabs.[1] The LMS classified them 4P, BR 4MT. They were the basis for a family of subsequent LMS/BR Class 4 2-6-4T locomotives.[citation needed] The Irish Northern Counties Committee (NCC) Class W2-6-0 moguls were also strongly influenced by this class, albeit the driving wheel diameter was three inches greater to match the NCC practice.[2]
The cylinder and piston valve design and the setting of the Walschaerts valve gear, allowing a maximum travel of 6+3⁄8 inches (16 cm) in full gear, was believed by O. S. Nock to subsequently lead to the "outstanding success" of the class.[2]
Operational use
Most of the class were used on longer-distance commuter trains from stations in London, Manchester and other large towns.[citation needed] A number were allocated to TebayMotive Power Depot and were used to bank heavy passenger and goods trains up the steep incline to Shap on the LMS West Coast Main Line. Some operated on the long trip from Shrewsbury to Swansea (Victoria).[citation needed] The last two surviving locos were withdrawn from service in 1966.
42389 was hauling the Tring to Euston commuter train that was hit in the rear at Harrow and Wealdstone on 8 October 1952 by a Perth to Euston express. 112 people died in the accident. 42389 was undamaged.[citation needed]
Despite coupled wheels of only 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) diameter the class was sometimes noted as achieving over 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) on outer suburban services to and from Euston.[2]
Numbering
The LMS numbered the class 2300–2424, BR adding 40000 to their numbers to make them 42300–424.[1]
Table of orders
LMS no.
BR no.
Lot no.
Date built
2300–2303
42300–42303
47
1927
2304–2324
42304–42324
47
1928
2325–2374
42325–42374
53
1929
2375–2384
42375–42384
89
1932
2385–2423
42385–42423
101
1933
2424
42424
101
1934
Preservation and revival
No locos were preserved, but the January 2013 edition of The Railway Magazine reported that a new-build project to recreate a Fowler 2-6-4T was at an initial research stage.
In May 2015, the LMS-Patriot Project announced that after the completion of Patriot Class No. 45551 The Unknown Warrior, it would begin construction on a new-build Fowler 2-6-4T. Similar to the Patriot, it will carry the number of the last member of the class, No. 42424, and be built to main line running standards, though it will only primarily be used on heritage lines.[3]
David Hunt, Bob Essery Fred James (2002) LMS Locomotive Profiles No. 3: The Parallel Boiler 2-6-4 Tank EnginesISBN1-874103-72-0
Rowledge, J.W.P. (1975). Engines of the LMS built 1923–51. Oxford: Oxford Publishing Company. ISBN0-902888-59-5.
Further reading
Dent, George (February 2008). "From Fowler to Fairburn: the LMS 2-6-4T story". Model Rail. No. 114. Peterborough: EMAP Active. pp. 38–39. ISSN1369-5118. OCLC173324502.