BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0

The BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 is a class of steam locomotive designed by Robert Riddles for British Railways (BR). 115 locomotives were built to this standard.

Design and construction The class was designed at the ex-LNER works at Doncaster which was also responsible for building 70 of the 115-strong class. The remaining 45 were built at Horwich. None were built at Derby Works although it was intended that 20 would be built there, Doncaster in fact took them on.

The last in the series, No.76114, was also the final steam engine to be constructed at the 'Plant' (as Doncaster works was known). 76099 was last steam locomotive to be built at Horwich and in fact, was the last of the class to be completed, just after 76114 at Doncaster. The Standard Four Mogul was essentially a standardised version of the LMS Ivatt Class 4, and was primarily intended for freight use.

Although a BR Standard, the 4 2-6-0 class did not have the same design of wheels as the Swindon-built 82XXX and 77XXX Class 3 engines which also had driving wheels, yet all three locomotive classes share the same cylinder casting.

The cylinder covers of engines built early in the programme of construction were fitted with "screw-in" type pressure relief valves. From September 1955 revised cylinder covers were introduced for renewals incorporating "bolt-on" type pressure relief valves. Rectangular type coupling rods rather than the original fluted type, were fitted to 76035 onwards.

Operation With its diameter driving wheels this sixth of the BR standard designs was clearly biased towards freight working. An axle-loading of only meant its route availability was virtually unrestricted. Batches were allocated to every BR region except the Western.

Accidents and incidents On 23 September 1954, locomotive No. 76017 was hauling a freight train that overran signals and was derailed by trap points at station, Hampshire. In December 1957, locomotive No. 76016 was hauling a freight train that overran signals and was derailed by trap points at station, Hampshire. On 12 February 1960, locomotive No. 76026 was hauling a freight train that overran signals and was derailed by trap points at Whitchurch Town station.

Preservation Four engines have survived into preservation, all four built at Horwich Works and rescued from Woodham Brothers scrapyard at Barry Island. Three members of the class have steamed so far in preservation but 76077 has yet to do so and is at present undergoing restoration from scrapyard condition. As of September 2023, no members of the class are mainline certified. All three engines that have run in preservation have been on the main line, but only two have hauled railtours, 76079 and 76084. On 13 October 2022, 76017 was moved by rail from its home at the Watercress Line to the Bluebell Railway.

76079's main career on the main line was when it was owned by Ian Riley in Bury, Lancashire, but it was eventually sold to the NYMR. After completion of an overhaul in 2014 it once again had a mainline certificate but was restricted between Battersby and Whitby on the Esk Valley Line, the locomotive is now no longer mainline certified or based at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. 76084 meanwhile, was certified to operate over the national network hauling railtours alongside passenger runs along the Bittern Line and the Esk Valley Line.

BR No. TOPS No. (if applicable)BuiltWithdrawnService lifeHome baseOwnerLiveryTender AttachedStatusMainline CertifiedImageNotes7601798417May 1953Jul 196512 Years, 1 monthKent & East Sussex Railway John BunchBR Lined Black, Early EmblemBR2AStored. Boiler Ticket Expired: 2026.No, to be certifiedRecently changed ownership following death of previous owner.76077 -Dec 1956Dec 196711 YearsGloucestershire Warwickshire RailwayToddington Standard Locomotive LimitedN/AUnder Restoration from scrapyard conditionNoFundraising for the boiler overhaul is underway and the tender pattern is confirmed as being a BR2A pattern. Restoration anticipated for completion in 2026.7607998476Feb 1957Dec 196710 Years, 10 monthsStrathspey RailwayStrathspey RailwayBR Lined Black, Early EmblemUnder OverhaulNoSold from North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Strathspey Railway in May 2026.76084 98484Apr 1957Dec 196710 Years, 8 monthsNorth Norfolk Railway76084 Locomotive Company LimitedBR Lined Black, Early EmblemUnder OverhaulNo (2016 - 2023)Withdrawn for 10 year overhaul in Dec 2023.

Overhaul commenced in June 2026.

Models The erstwhile Kitmaster company produced an unpowered polystyrene injection moulded model kit for 00 gauge. In late 1962, the Kitmaster brand was sold by its parent company (Rosebud Dolls) to Airfix, who transferred the moulding tools to their own factory; they re-introduced some of the former Kitmaster range, including this locomotive. In time, the moulding tools passed on to Dapol who have also produced the model kit.

Bachmann produces a ready-to-run model in both OO and as part of their Graham Farish range for British N gauge.

Sound 76079 Between Egton and Grosmont 76079 departing from Grosmont

Notes

References Citations

Bibliography A Detailed History of BR Standard Steam Locomotives, - Vol 2 - The 4-6-0 and 2-6-0 Classes. RCTS

BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0

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