Railways  |
| A "Jervis" 4-2-0 |
Subsection under construction
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3001 Class loco (broad gauge)  |
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Two views of loco no. 3024 before
conversion to standard gauge |
The story of Brunel's broad gauge is a long and complex one, but by the 1890s it was coming to an end. In 1892 the Great Western Railway completed its conversion to the standard gauge used by the other major railway companies in Great Britain.
As it became clear that the broad gauge was doomed and would eventually disappear, a number of types of convertible locomotive were built. Among these were just eight of the thirty 3001 Class 2-2-2 tender locos designed by William Dean. These were not the most beautiful locomotives ever produced, but in their standard gauge version, with the wheels inside the frames, they were somewhat more attractive.
3001 Class loco (standard gauge)  |
Loco no. 3009 in the standard gauge version
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3031 Class loco  |
| Loco no. 3050 (standard gauge 4-2-2) |
Now it turned out that there was a problem with the design. The locos were too heavy at the front end and, after a derailment, it was decided to extend the front forward and replace the front axle with a four-wheeled bogie. The result of this modification was to turn the design into one of the most beautiful of the late nineteenth century.
The new version was known as the 3031 Class and was very successful, being used to haul the Royal Train. Over the years the design was modified in various ways in order to improve its performance and the photograph taken in 1915 shows it in its later form. Whatever
3031 Class loco (modified)  |
| Loco no. 3050 in 1915 |
Two of the modifications are clearly seen. Both the firebox and the smokebox are noticeably different. However, the locomotive retains its elegant appearance. Sadly, no original example of the class has survived.
--ooOoo--
The replica which has been on display for some years at Windsor and Eton Central station shows the Class as it was in the last years of Queen Victoria's reign. What strikes me about it is how small it seems in comparison with later steam locomotives.
3031 Class loco (replica)  |
Loco no. 3041 - now in Windsor
Photo: David Ingham |
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