Four similar classes of this type were built between 1903 and 1949, being known as 31xx, 51xx, 61xx and 81xx. They began with No. 3100, introduced as one of the new Churchward standard designs, in 1903. Building of the type continued under Churchward's successor Collett, sometimes incorporating parts from the earlier engines as these were withdrawn from service.

Apart from London, with only one example, the 51xx class engines were allocated to many depots throughout the Great Western system. They often became the mainstay of the suburban services, besides being employed to bank heavy trains uphill in Somerset, Devon and through the Severn Tunnel. They lasted until replaced by diselization from 1957 onwards.

4144 was built at Swindon in September 1949 and withdrawn, from Severn Tunnel Junction depot, in March 1965, being sent to Woodham Bros. of Barry for cutting up. It survived there until it was bought jointly by the Society and one of its members in 1974. Its rebuild was completed in 1997 and it was used on the “Steam on the Met” in 1998.

The locomotive had the boiler removed for overhaul in August 2010 and it is hoped that it can return to service in 2011.

Click on any of the pictures on this page for a larger version.

Wheel Arrangement	2 - 6 - 2T
Cylinders	(2) 18 x 30 inches
Driving wheel diameter	5 feet 8 inches
Tractive Effort	24,300 pounds
Weight	78 tons 9 cwt.
Coal Capacity	4 tons
Water Capacity	2,000 gallons
Route Availability	Blue
Power Class	D

Boiler type	Standard No. 2
Boiler pressure	200 lbs/sq in
Barrel maximum dia.	6 feet
Barrel length	11 feet
Area of firegrate	20.6 sq ft
Heating surfaces, firebox	121.8 sq ft
Heating surfaces, tubes	1145 sq ft
Superheater Area	82.3 sq ft