Four-coupled Tank Locomotive Classes Absorbed by the Great Western Railway

This book is a comprehensive history of the four coupled tank engines absorbed by the Great Western Railway, including thirty-two weight diagrams and nearly 200 photographs of exotic and rare locomotives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

This book is a comprehensive history of the four coupled tank engines absorbed by the Great Western Railway. These locomotives were from nine Broad Gauge companies, nineteen Standard Gauge companies, primarily in the South West, which became part of the GWR between the 1870s and 1914, and a further eighteen companies, mainly in South Wales, absorbed by the GWR in 1922 and 1923 at the formation of the Big Four Grouping. The locomotives described and illustrated range from the 4-4-0 Broad Gauge saddle tanks of the South Devon and Bristol & Exeter Railways to the large 4-4-4 tank locomotives of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway. Not to forget, the numerous and varied 0-4-0 pug saddle tanks of the Swansea Harbour Trust and the Powlesland & Mason company. The book includes thirty-two weight diagrams and nearly 200 photographs, many of exotic and rare locomotives.

Introduction:
The Great Western Railway (GWR) was a major railway company in the United Kingdom that operated from the 1830s to the 1960s. During its existence, the GWR absorbed several other railway companies, resulting in a diverse fleet of locomotives. This book focuses on the four coupled tank engines absorbed by the GWR, which played a significant role in the company's history.

The Four Coupled Tank Engines:
The four coupled tank engines absorbed by the GWR were from nine Broad Gauge companies and nineteen Standard Gauge companies. These locomotives were primarily located in the South West of England and South Wales. The Broad Gauge companies included the South Devon and Bristol & Exeter Railways, which had a fleet of 4-4-0 saddle tanks. The Standard Gauge companies included the Midland & South Western Junction Railway, which had a large fleet of 4-4-4 tank locomotives.

The Locomotives:
The locomotives described and illustrated in this book range from the 4-4-0 Broad Gauge saddle tanks of the South Devon and Bristol & Exeter Railways to the large 4-4-4 tank locomotives of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway. The book also includes numerous and varied 0-4-0 pug saddle tanks of the Swansea Harbour Trust and the Powlesland & Mason company.

Weight Diagrams:
Thirty-two weight diagrams are included in the book, providing detailed information about the weight and dimensions of the locomotives. These diagrams are essential for understanding the engineering and operational aspects of the locomotives.

Photographs:
Nearly 200 photographs are included in the book, showcasing the beauty and rarity of the locomotives. These photographs provide a visual representation of the locomotives and their historical significance.

Conclusion:
This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Great Western Railway and the four coupled tank engines absorbed by the company. The comprehensive description and illustrations of the locomotives, along with the weight diagrams and photographs, provide a deep insight into the engineering and operational aspects of these iconic machines.

Weight: 1052g
Dimension: 259 x 248 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399095433