The Magnificent Great Western Moguls And Prairies Locomotive Portfolios That Shaped Britain's Railways

Great Western Railway(GWR) is renowned for its iconic locomotives that played a significant role in shaping the British railway industry. Among the notable locomotive classes were the Moguls and Prairies, which were true workhorses of their time. Not only were they innovative and powerful machines, but they also became a symbol of GWR's reputation for excellence and engineering prowess.

The Great Western Moguls

The Mogul locomotives, also known as "2-6-0" due to their wheel arrangement, were designed primarily for freight hauling. These engines were built to be versatile and capable of handling heavy loads in various conditions. Their sturdy build and reliable performance made them a favorite among GWR's engineers and crews.

The development of the Mogul class began in the late 19th century, with George Jackson Churchward as the chief mechanical engineer of the GWR. Churchward sought to improve the design of GWR's locomotives and introduced a series of innovative features in the Moguls.

Great Western: Moguls and Prairies (Locomotive Portfolios)

by David Maidment (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26919 KB
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One notable variant was the Mogul 43xx class, built between 1911 and 1922. These locomotives featured a larger boiler, improved cylinders, and increased adhesive weight, allowing for more efficient and powerful operations. The 43xx Moguls quickly became instrumental in handling freight traffic across GWR's extensive network.

Another noteworthy Mogul class was the 53xx series. Introduced in the 1920s, these locomotives showcased further developments in GWR's engineering practices. They incorporated a higher boiler pressure, improved valve gear, and larger cylinders, resulting in a significant increase in hauling power. The 53xx Moguls were adept at pulling heavy coal trains, cementing their reputation as reliable and robust locomotives.

The Versatile Prairies

The Prairie locomotives, designated as "2-6-2," were engineered for a more diverse range of tasks, including both passenger and freight services. These locomotives offered a balance between power and speed, making them suitable for a broad spectrum of operations.

The Prairie class can be traced back to the leadership of Charles Collett, who succeeded Churchward as GWR's chief mechanical engineer. Collett continued the legacy of innovation set by his predecessor and introduced several advancements in the design of the Prairie locomotives.

An important member of the Prairie class was the 41xx series. Built between 1926 and 1929, these locomotives were hailed for their reliability and versatility. With an increased boiler pressure and larger cylinders, the 41xx Prairies excelled in both passenger and freight duties, making them indispensable on GWR's expanding network.

Another notable Prairie variant was the 51xx class. Developed in the late 1930s, these locomotives featured improvements in weight distribution, resulting in enhanced stability and performance. The 51xx Prairies became synonymous with fast and efficient suburban services around London, demonstrating their adaptability across various terrains and load requirements.

GWR's Influence and Legacy

The Moguls and Prairies locomotives produced by GWR significantly impacted the British railway industry. They set new standards of performance, efficiency, and reliability, influencing subsequent locomotive designs across the country.

These locomotives played a crucial role during World War II when GWR's efforts were concentrated on supporting the war effort. The Moguls and Prairies were used extensively for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies, showcasing their endurance and reliability during times of national crisis.

Furthermore, many of these locomotives have been preserved and restored by various railway preservation societies. Visitors to heritage railways can witness the majestic power of the Great Western Moguls and Prairies, experiencing firsthand the engineering marvels that once carried Britain into the modern age.

In

The Great Western Moguls and Prairies locomotive portfolios remain a testament to GWR's ingenuity and engineering prowess. These captivating machines played a significant role in the development of British railways and continue to fascinate enthusiasts and historians alike. Whether it was the Moguls' unmatched power or the Prairies' versatility, these locomotives will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the romance and wonder of steam power.

Great Western: Moguls and Prairies (Locomotive Portfolios)

by David Maidment (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26919 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	373 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Great Western Moguls & Prairies is a volume in Pen & Swords series, Locomotive Profiles. It describes the conception, design, building and operation of the fleet of Prairie 2-6-2 tank engines and the Mogul 2-6-0s designed by Churchward in the early part of the twentieth century and perpetuated by his successor, Charles Collett, in the 1920s and 1930s. These engines formed the backbone of the GWR locomotive fleet for secondary passenger and freight work for over half a century and were some of those that remained to the end of steam traction on the Western Region of British Railways. The book also covers some of the lesser known Moguls developed in the Dean/Churchward transition at the end of the nineteenth century and briefly looks at the Mogul and Prairie designs proposed by Churchward, Collett and Hawksworth but were never built. The book is copiously illustrated with over 250 black and white and 60 coloured photographs and is a comprehensive record of a group of locomotives found throughout the Great Western and its successor, the Western Region, for over fifty years.