This variation on the 4500 class were designed as small mixed traffic branch locomotives, mainly used on branch lines. They were a development of Churchward’s 45xx class with larger side tanks and increased water capacity. 100 were built numbered 4575–4599 and 5500–5574. A number were fitted with auto apparatus in 1953 to enable them to run […]
History This class was designed as small mixed traffic branch locomotives, mainly used on branch lines. The design was based on the earlier 44xx class but with larger driving wheels and altered wheel spacing. This gave them extra speed — capable of 60 mph (97 km/h) in service. A total of 75 were built; 55 were built in […]