GWR 4600 Class

This article is about the single 1913 4-4-2T locomotive. For the older and larger-wheeled 'County Tank' 4-4-2T class, see GWR 2221 Class. For the 0-6-0PT pannier tank locomotives numbered 46xx after 1940, see GWR 5700 Class § Numbering and liveries.
GWR 4600 Class
4600 as built in 1913
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
DesignerGeorge Jackson Churchward
BuilderGWR Swindon Works
Order numberLot 197
Serial number2551
Build date1913
Total produced1
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte4-4-2T
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Leading dia.3 ft 2 in (0.965 m)
Driver dia.5 ft 8 in (1.727 m)
Trailing dia.3 ft 2 in (0.965 m)
Length36 ft 11+3⁄4 in (11.271 m)
Loco weight60 long tons 12 cwt (61.6 t; 67.9 short tons)
Fuel typeCoal
Fuel capacity3 long tons (3.0 t; 3.4 short tons)
Water cap.1,100 imp gal (5,000 L; 1,300 US gal)
Firebox:​
 • TypeBelpaire
 • Grate area93.85 sq ft (8.719 m2)
BoilerGWR Standard No. 5[1]
Boiler pressure200 psi (1.4 MPa)
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder size17 in × 24 in (432 mm × 610 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort18,360 lbf (81.7 kN)
Career
OperatorsGreat Western Railway
Class4600
Power classGWR: A
Axle load classGWR: Blue
Withdrawn1925
DispositionScrapped

The 4600 Class was a 4-4-2T steam locomotive built by the Great Western Railway in 1913. It was one of the GWR standard classes with two outside cylinders.

It was designed as light suburban locomotive, based on the successful 4500 class 2-6-2T engines. Compared with these, it had larger (and fewer) coupled wheels, intended to allow higher speeds with local trains. The only example built spent most of its career in the Birmingham area, and was not considered a success. The limited adhesion and restricted tank capacity meant that it did not improve on the 4500 class, and the larger 2-6-2T classes handled the suburban traffic better. It was moved to western Wales in 1918 for use on the lines to Pembroke Dock and Neyland. It was withdrawn in 1925 and scrapped.[2][3][4]

Notes

  1. ^ Champ (2018), p. 319.
  2. ^ Haresnape & Swain (1976), pp. 94–95.
  3. ^ Holcroft (1957), p. 137.
  4. ^ le Fleming 1962, p. J51.

References

  • Allcock, N. J.; Davies, F. K.; le Fleming, H. M.; Maskelyne, J. N.; Reed, P. J. T.; Tabor, F. J. (1968) [1951]. White, D. E. (ed.). The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway, part one: Preliminary Survey. Kenilworth: RCTS.
  • Champ, Jim (2018). An Introduction to Great Western Locomotive Development. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-4738-7784-9. OCLC 1029234106. OL 26953051M.
  • Haresnape, Brian; Swain, Alec (1976). Churchward locomotives : a pictorial history. London: I. Allan. ISBN 0-7110-0697-0.
  • Holcroft, Harold (1957). An Outline of Great Western Railway Locomotive Practice. London: Locomotive Publishing Co Ltd.
  • le Fleming, H.M. (February 1962). White, D.E. (ed.). The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway, part nine: Standard Two-Cylinder Classes. RCTS. ISBN 0-901115-37-1. OCLC 655827210.