BR Period Locomotives: lnwrbns_br1997

Ex-LNWR 2F 0-6-2T No 58900 is on pilot duties when its seen on the up middle road between Platforms 3 and 4 shunting stock on 25th August 1953. The 'Coal Tank', a class of 4ft 3in Side Tank Coal Engines designed by FW Webb, was introduced in 1881 and 300 examples were built over a period of 16 years. This design was a tank version of Webb's tender locomotive design known as the 'Coal Engine' introduced in 1873 and which was the first locomotive designed by Webb and was deemed to be very successful. There was an operational need at the time for locomotive power which had greater operational flexibility over shorter journeys.

Webb therefore introduced the Coal Tank' version with the coal and water carried on the engine's own frames but with an additional pair of carrying wheels under the bunker to help carry this extra weight. They were originally intended for short-distance freight work, but were found to be very useful for local passenger trains and were soon at work all over the LNWR system. The early engines were painted plain black, but later engines were turned out in the fully lined-out black passenger livery.

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