GWR Class 5205 2-8-0 Heavy Freight Tank Engine 5224

Loco Information

The '42XX' Class of locomotives were introduced by the GWR in 1910. They were strong, powerful engines capable of moving very heavy loads. The original locomotives designed by G. J. Churchward were supplemented in 1923 by slightly more powerful locomotives of the same type known as the '5205' Class, of which 5224 is a member. These were Collett's version of the design.

The principal role of the class was working the 1000+ ton coal trains up through the Welsh valleys. A job which needed much tractive effort, due to train weights and gradients, and good steaming capabilities. Therefore, a large boiler was incorporated into the design but this resulted with relatively narrow side tanks. As these engines would pass numerous water stops along their routes, this was not really much of a concern. Because of the class’s heavy water consumption and limited tank capacity they were nicknamed “Water Carts”.

Many of the lines in South Wales had sharp curves in them. The locomotives were constructed with side play in the trailing driving wheels, this in turn meant jointed coupling rods with sideways as well as up and down movement.

Therefore the trailing coupling rods were fitted with spherical joints to allow for movement in any direction. Building of the 42xx type of locomotive carried on until 1940, with a total of 156 engines being built. The later 5205 Class were very similar. Some were rebuilt in the form of 2-8-2T of the 7200 Class. Five have been preserved, nos 4247, 4248, 4253, 4270 and 4277.

This engine is currently on hire to the MHR by Pete Waterman.

5224 is ideal for our line and is a popular engine with MHR crews. She is a powerful engine and lovely to drive. Firing 5224 requires a little, a lot of the time. The ideal firing sequence is 3 shovels across the back by the door, 3 down each side, 3 in the middle and 4 across the front. Then repeat the sequence again and again and again as required.

You will notice that at the nickname of ‘Water Cart’ rings true as every time the locomotive passes water at Alton and Ropley, the crews need to fill the tanks.