The first order, order No.
5 was from Great Western Railway for eight 2-2-2 tender locomotives,
works progressive Nos.1 - 4 &15 - 18, built in 1855 to Gooch's
design for passenger use on the Birmingham to Shrewsbury line.
The driving wheels were 6'-6"
in diameter and the internal cylinders 15½" dia x
22" stroke. The engines were "renewed" from 1972
-75 but little of the original engines remained in the rebuilding.
In 1890 all were rebuilt as 2-4-0's to be known as "River
Class" Payment for the eight engines was £21280. The
cost of production £23373 !
This was the first of seven
orders totalling 68 locomotives all built to 4'-8½"
gauge. The last order in 1931, order No. 148 works progressive
Nos. 6680 - 6704 was for 25 0-6-0 tank engines. |