GWR Sharp, Roberts locomotives

GWR Lion, Atlas and Eagle
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderSharp, Roberts & Co.
Serial numberR, S, and T
Build date1838
Total produced3
Rebuild date1844
Number rebuilt2 (Atlas and Eagle)
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte2-2-2
2-2-2T (after rebuild)
Gauge7 ft 14 in (2,140 mm)
Leading dia.3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Driver dia.6 ft 0 in (1,829 mm)
Trailing dia.3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Wheelbase13 ft 10 in (4.22 m)
Cylinder size14 in × 15 in (356 mm × 381 mm)
14-by-18-inch (356 mm × 457 mm) or 15-by-18-inch (381 mm × 457 mm) (after rebuild)
Career
OperatorsGreat Western Railway
Number in class3
Withdrawn1847-1872
DispositionUnknown, probably scrapped

The first 19 locomotives ordered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the Great Western Railway included three 2-2-2 Sharp, Roberts locomotives. They were built by Sharp, Roberts and Company and the most successful of the early designs, two lasting until the 1870s.

The original 14-by-15-inch (356 mm × 381 mm) cylinders were replaced from 1844 by larger 14-by-18-inch (356 mm × 457 mm) or 15-by-18-inch (381 mm × 457 mm) ones.

Locomotives

  • Lion (Sharp, Roberts R; 1838–1847)
  • Atlas (Sharp, Roberts S; 1838–1872)
This locomotive was rebuilt as a 2-2-2T tank locomotive in 1860. After it was withdrawn it was sold to a Mr Glasbrook in Swansea.
  • Eagle (Sharp, Roberts T; 1838–1871)
This locomotive was rebuilt as a 2-2-2T tank locomotive in 1860.

References

  • Reed, P. J. T. (February 1953). White, D. E. (ed.). The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway, Part 2: Broad Gauge. Kenilworth: RCTS. pp. B10–B11. ISBN 0-901115-32-0.
  • Waters, Laurence (1999). The Great Western Broad Gauge. Hersham: Ian Allan Publishing. ISBN 0-7110-2634-3 – via Archive.org.