6430 – ‘64xx’ class pannier tank locomotive, built 1937. Normally resident on the Llangollen Railway and visiting the GWR for the ‘Harvest Festival of Steam’ on 11th and 12th of September.

Photograph copyright Martin Perry

Wheel arrangement:

0-6-0PT

Origin:

Great Western Railway. All were built at Swindon.

Introduced:

1932. One of several classes of pannier tank locomotive, the 64xx were derived from the 54xx class introduced in 1930, which used 5ft 2in driving wheels and were equipped with auto-gear for push-pull working. The 64xx series started production in 1932 and had slightly smaller driving wheels but were otherwise very similar to the 54xx series. 40 were built and were very successful, working both freight & light passenger duties. A further class, 72xx, followed with higher boiler pressure and were not auto-equipped. Of the 115 locos built in all three classes only three of the 64xx series survive - 6412, 6430 and 6435.

Working weight:

45 tons

Water capacity:

1,100 gallons

Purpose:

The class was primarily intended for light passenger work and were capable of rapid acceleration and reasonably high speed. This locomotive was first allocated to Kidderminster, moving to Pontypool Road. Its final allocation was Yeovil and it was withdrawn in October 1964. Sister loco 6412 has been a regular visitor to the GWR over the past 3 years.