0-6-0WT Haydock Foundry Tank 'Bellerophon' Profile and Models

The Haydock Collieries built a fleet of 0-6-0 well tank locomotives between 1868 and 1887 for use on the vast network of over 60 miles of private trackwork around the colliery and foundry sites in the Merseyside area. The lines had links to the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, as well as the London & North Western Railway, which meant there was a need for locomotives that could handle heavy trains on severe gradients. The 0-6-0WT design was created by Josiah Evans and was highly unusual in featuring a well-tank, outside motion and piston valves - the latter not being generally used for another two decades. One loco 'Bellerophon' was fitted with unusual Stephenson/ Gooch valve gear and happens to be the only surviving member of the class. 'Bellerophon' has become very popular with enthusiasts and currently resides at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

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