LMS Route: Nuneaton to Birmingham New Street

LMS Route: Birmingham New Street to Tamworth

Saltley Shed: mrsalt66

Ex-LMS 4F 0-6-0 No 44604 is seen with fitted with one of the experimental high-sided Fowler tenders whilst stabled on one of the roads in front of No 3 roundhouse on 13th August 1949. Built by Derby in September 1940, its late date of construction demonstrates Derby office would still revert back to type if they had the opportunity. Given the success of Stanier's other designs and the ex-Midland designed 4F's notoriety for hot boxes many observers thought the design should never have been resurrected. Built as No 4504 it remained in service until it was withdrawn from Normanton shed in 1964 to be scrapped in February 1964 at Darlington works.

The experiment was carried out under Stanier as part of the evolution to what became the Stanier high-sided tender with a curved top and fitted to all of his classes except his 2-6-0 Moguls, successors to the Hughes/Fowler Crabs. Fortunately, from an aesthetic point of view, the design tried above was deemed not successful and the more attractive Stanier design followed, first on a 6'-6"+ 6'-6" axle spacing, giving 3500 gallons capacity, followed by a 7'-6" + 7'6" axle spacing on the familiar 4000 gallon tenders.

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