2-4-0T Class 0298 Beattie Well Tank Profile and Models

2-4-0T Class 0298 Beattie Well Tank

30585 at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in August 2008. ©Oxyman

The London and South Western Railway (LSWR) 0298 Class or Beattie Well Tank is a class of British steam locomotive. They are 2-4-0WTs, originally built between 1863 and 1875 for use on passenger services in the suburbs of London, but later used on rural services in South West England. In 1850, the LSWR decided that the London suburban passenger services should be operated using small tank locomotives. To determine the most suitable type, Joseph Hamilton Beattie, the LSWR Mechanical Engineer, prepared a series of designs for six-wheeled well tank locomotives. Having chosen the most suitable characteristics, Beattie prepared a standard design of 2-4-0WT with 5-foot-6-inch (1.676 m) driving wheels and cylinders 15 by 20 in. They handled heavy loads with ease, and were fast runners. Out of a total production of 85, two locomotives have been preserved in an operational condition. 

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Locomotive

Steam

Builder

Beyer, Peacock & Co
Nine Elms Works

Build Date

1863 to 1875

Total Built

85

Tractive Effort

11,050 lbf

Wheel Configuration

2-4-0WT

Operated By

London & South Western Railway
Southern Railway
British Railways

Main Duties

Passenger Services

In Service Until

1962

Surviving Examples

2