5572 - 4575 Class

Developed from the 44xx class introduced two years earlier, engines of the 45xx class were basically similar but with larger driving wheels for extra speed. Very successful in service, being capable of 60 miles per hour between stations, they were generally based towards the west of the system, where curves were sharper. From 4575 in 1927, they were fitted with larger, sloping-top tanks for increased range. A total of 175 were built.

Withdrawal of the class began in 1950, and they had all gone by the mid-sixties, as branch lines either closed or were taken over by the diesel multiple units.

5572, was built at Swindon in February 1929. a member of the 4575 sub-class, she was almost the last produced (two from the end). Based for most of her life in the South West, in her later years she moved to South Wales where, unusually for this class, she was equipped with auto-gear for working push-and-pull trains on the valley branch lines. Of the thirteen engines of this very useful class to have survived into preservation, 5572 is the only one so fitted.

She was withdrawn by BR in April 1962, being sent to Woodham Bros of Barry for breaking up.

She was bought by the Society in August 1971, and sent to its Taunton depot, being partially restored there before coming to Didcot in 1977. Having reached the end of her ten-year boiler certificate, she is awaiting heavy repairs. She has seen service on preserved railways away from Didcot.

Status

Static Display

Build date

1929

Built at

Swindon

Wheel arrangement

2-6-2T

Route availability

Yellow

Barrel diameter

4 feet 9.5 inches

Barrel length

10 feet 6 inches

Boiler pressure

200 lbs/sq in

Boiler type

Standard No. 5

Coal capacity

3 Tons 14cwt.

Cylinders

(2) 17 x 24 inches

Heating surfaces, firebox

94.25 sq ft

Firegrate

16.6 sq ft

Power class

C

Superheater area

73.8 sq ft

Tractive effort

25,670 pounds

Heating surfaces, tubes

992.51 sq ft

Water capacity

1,300 gallons

Weight

61 tons

Wheel diameter

4 feet 7.5 inches

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