GWR 2900 Class

Infobox Locomotive
name=Great Western Railway 2900 "Saint" class
powertype=Steam


caption=
designer=George Jackson Churchward
builder=GWR Swindon Works
whytetype=4-6-0
leadingsize=convert|3|ft|2|in|m|3|abbr=on
driversize=convert|6|ft|8+1/2|in|m|3|abbr=on
wheelbase="loco:" convert|27|ft|1|in|m|2|abbr=on
"loco & tender:" convert|53|ft|4+3/4|in|m|2|abbr=on
length=convert|63|ft|0+1/4|in|m|2|abbr=on
width=convert|8|ft|11|in|m|2|abbr=on
height=convert|13|ft|3+1/2|in|abbr=on
axleload=convert|18|LT|lk=on
cylindercount=Two, outside
cylindersize=convert|18|x|30|in|mm|0|abbr=on|lk=on
boiler=GWR Standard No. 1
boilerpressure=convert|200|psi|MPa|2|abbr=on|lk=on
firearea=convert|27.22|sqft|abbr=on
fireboxarea=convert|154.94|sqft|abbr=on
tubesandflues=convert|1485.96|sqft|abbr=on
superheaterarea=convert|307.52|sqft|abbr=on
tractiveeffort=convert|20530|lbf|kN|2|abbr=on
fuelc
convert|5|LT|lb
waterc
convert|4000|impgal|abbr=on|lk=on
weight=convert|68.30|LT
tenderweight=convert|43.15|LT
valvegear=Stephenson
valvetype=10 in (254 mm) piston valves
railroad=Great Western Railway
railroadclass=2900 or "Saint"
powerclass=GWR: C
BR: 4P
axleloadclass=Red
numinclass=76
retiredate=1931–1953
disposition=All scrapped, but one Hall being back-dated to 2900 specificationThe Great Western Railway Saint Class 4-6-0 steam locomotives for passenger train work. Number 2925 "Saint Martin" was later rebuilt as the prototype Hall Class locomotive, and renumbered 4900.

Prototypes

Three prototype versions of what was to become the 'Saint' class of locomotives were made in 1902–1903. The first of these was number 100 and it was completely different from anything the Great Western had produced before. Built to his ideas on standardisation of design, G. J. Churchward created a large response for its completely modern look, but few people realised the great developments that it would bring about. It was originally built with a parallel boiler, then with a half-cone boiler in 1903 and later the first superheated half-cone boiler in 1910. The locomotive was said to have an American look about her and it was true that Churchward had investigated American designs on boilers, but for efficiency in the design of the motion, it was to the continent that he turned. To this end, a locomotive was ordered from the Société Alsacienne for the De Glehn 4-4-2 compound engine so that Churchward could compare the design with his own.

The second prototype was engine number 98. Built with a half-cone boiler as standard, the difference between the earlier locomotive was in the valve gear layout and cylinder design, and in addition, the valve diameter had grown from 6½ inches (165 mm) to 10 inches (254 mm).

The third and last prototype was number 171 and although built in 4-6-0 configuration, it was quickly converted to 4-4-2 so that a direct comparison with the De Glehn locomotives was established. The third prototype's main contrast with previous prototype engines was a working pressure of convert|225|psi|MPa|2|abbr=on|lk=on. While the trials between the two locomotives were taking place, a further nineteen locomotives were ordered similar to the design of 171 except that thirteen were built as 4-4-2s while the remaining six were built as 4-6-0s, until a decision was made on the best wheel arrangement for the Great Western's lines.

Production

Preservation

Because no Saints survived into preservation, the Great Western Society at Didcot is currently reverting 4942 Maindy Hall to be 2999 - "Lady of Legend".

List of locomotives

References

*
*
*
*

External links

*Great Western Society "Great Western Archive", details of locomotives: [http://www.greatwestern.org.uk/m_in_snt_saint29a.htm 2900 - 2924] , [http://www.greatwestern.org.uk/m_in_snt_saint29b.htm 2925 - 2955] , [http://www.greatwestern.org.uk/m_in_snt_saint29c.htm 2971 - 2998]