Churchward 4500 class 2-6-2T

I have added a large collection of over 65 photos of Churchward’s 4500 class 4500-4574 (including original numbering 2161-2180)

They were designed as small mixed traffic locomotives, mainly used on branch lines. The design was based on the earlier 4400 Class, but with larger driving wheels and altered wheel spacing. This gave them extra speed — capable of 60 mph (97 km/h) in service. A total of 75 were built; 55 were built in four batches between 1906 and 1915 and a fifth batch of 20 locos was built in 1924, during Collett's tenure at Swindon. The first two batches were originally numbered 2161–2190 but were renumbered 4500–4529 during 1912. The first batch (2161–2180) is significant in that it was the last batch of locos built at Stafford Road Works, Wolverhampton. Of this batch 2168 (as 4507) was the last Wolverhampton-built loco to remain in service with BR, not being withdrawn until 1963. The final two batches built were nos. 4530-4554 in 1913-15 and nos. 4555-4574 in 1924.

Starting with
2178

https://railway-photography.smugmug...-Tank-Engines/Churchward-4500-class/i-kkQjb6p

then
4506 at Swindon I believe

https://railway-photography.smugmug...-Tank-Engines/Churchward-4500-class/i-tWtWjHR

then 50 pages of photos to
4573

https://railway-photography.smugmug...-Tank-Engines/Churchward-4500-class/i-JrjfvKm

and 4574

https://railway-photography.smugmug...-Tank-Engines/Churchward-4500-class/i-KNRckK7


Neil