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British Railways built a variety of steam locomotive types, both to pre-Nationalisation designs, and to its own 'Standard' designs. These locomotives were destined to lead short lives, some as little as only 5 years against a design life of over 30 years, because of the decision to end the use of steam traction in 1968. For an explanation of numbering and classification, see British Locomotive and Multiple Unit Numbering and Classification. 1 Background
British Railways was created in 1948 by the merger of the big four grouped railway companies; the Great Western Railway (GWR), the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) and the Southern Railway (SR). It therefore inherited a wide legacy of rolling stock, much of which needed replacing due to the ravages of World War II.
1.1 Construction
Initially, construction focused on perpetuating pre-Nationalisation designs. Some of these were already quite old, one class (the J92 tank engines) were a pre-Grouping design! From 1951, BR started to build steam locomotives to its own standard designs, which were largely based on LMS practice, but incorporating ideas and modifications from the other constituent companies and America. Although more were ordered, only 999 BR standards were constructed, and the last, 92220 Evening Star, was built in 1960.
1.2 Withdrawal
Steam traction on British Railways ended in 1968, with the exception of the narrow gauge Vale of Rheidol line, which remained operated by British Rail until 1987 and which used three steam locomotives ( TOPS Class 98).
2 Steam Locomotives Built by British Railways
2.1 Big Four designs
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Desiged by H. G. Ivatt of the LMS, but built by BR in 1949, 41241 is preserved on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. She has a 2-6-2T wheel arrangement and a 2MT power classification
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2.2 BR standard classes
2.2.1 Tender Locomotives
- BR standard class 7 : 70xxx, Britannia Class
- BR standard class 8: 71000, 'Duke of Gloucester'
- BR standard class 6 : 72xxx, Clan Class
- BR standard class 5 : 73xxx
- BR standard class 4 4-6-0 : 75xxx
- BR standard class 4 2-6-0 : 76xxx
- BR standard class 3 : 77xxx
- BR standard class 2 : 78xxx
- BR standard class 9F: 92000-250
2.2.2 Tank Locomotives
- BR standard class 4 tank : 80xxx
- BR standard class 3 tank : 82xxx
- BR standard class 2 tank : 84xxx
2.3 Freight Locomotives
These included two types purchased from the British War DepartmentThe War Department in the United Kingdom was responsible for the supply of equipment to meet the war effort, both at home and abroad. War Department Railways One aspect of the War Department's work was the supply of locomotives and rolling stock for use o following their use during World War II on railways in Great Britain and elsewhere in Europe.
- WD class 8F 2-8-0 : 90000-732
- WD class 8F 2-10-0 : 90750-774
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