Twenty-two locomotives were built to the 2-4-0
Ttank locomotive arrangement from 1862 to 1864.[1] The locomotives were built by three workshops, each with a different naming system. The first two batches were delivered concurrently by the
Vulcan Foundry (named after insects), and
Kitson & Co. (named after foreign monarchs). These were followed by a batch from the railway's own workshops at
Swindon, that were named after flowers.
Around 1865, seven of the class were rebuilt as 2-4-0 tender locomotives: Hornet, Mogul, Azalia, Lily, Myrtle, Violet, Laurel.[2]
All were withdrawn between 1871 (Czar) and 1877 (Rose & Shamrock).[2]
Locomotives
Azalia (1864–1872)
Built at
Swindon, it ran as a 2-4-0 tender locomotive. Named after the flower, the
azalea.
Built at Swindon, it ran as a 2-4-0 tender locomotive. Named after the tree, the
laurel.
Lily (1864–1872)
Built at Swindon, it ran as a 2-4-0 tender locomotive. After withdrawal the boiler was sold to the Telegraph Construction Company who used it as a stationary boiler on board the
SS Great Eastern. Named after the
lily family of flowers.
Locust (1862–1876)
Built by the Vulcan Foundry. Named after the insect, the
locust.
Mogul (1862–1872)
Built by Kitson & Co, it was later altered to a 2-4-0 tender locomotive. A
mogul was the leader of the Mughals.
Mosquito (1862–1877)
Built by the Vulcan Foundry. Named after the insect, the
mosquito.
Myrtle (1864–1873)
Built at Swindon, it ran as a 2-4-0 tender locomotive. Named after the
myrtle genus of flowering plants.
Rose (1863–1877)
Built at Swindon. Named after the flowering shrub, the
rose, the symbol of
England.
Shah (1862–1872)
Built by Kitson & Co. The
shah was the ruler of Persia.
Shamrock (1863–1877)
Built at Swindon. Named after the flowering plant, the
shamrock, the symbol of
Ireland.
Thistle (1863–1874)
Built at Swindon. Named after the
thistle family of flowering plants, the symbol of
Scotland.
Violet (1864–1872)
Built at Swindon. Named after the flower, the
violet.
Wasp (1862–1875)
Built by the Vulcan Foundry. Named after the insect, the
wasp.
Reed, P. J. T. (February 1953). White, D. E. (ed.). The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway, Part 2: Broad Gauge. Kenilworth:
RCTS. p. B26.
ISBN0-901115-32-0.