The Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR) Classes 6, 8, 10, 11, 17 and 18 were 2-4-0 locomotives introduced in the period 1852-1870. The 22 locomotives were spread across 6 different manufacturers and all were withdrawn in the decade between 1880 and 1890 though some donated parts to other builds at Broadstone Works.[1]

MGWR Classes 6, 8, 10, 11, 17 and 18
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderLongridge
Fairbairn
Grendon
R. Stephenson
Fossick & Hackworth
Avonside
Build date1846-1862
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte2-4-0
Gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)
Career
OperatorsMidland Great Western Railway (MGWR)
LocaleIreland

MGWR Class 6

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Ordered from R. B. Longridge and Company, the MGWR Class 6 were 2-4-0 locomotives were the first coupled locomotives on the MGWR. They ran high mileages for goods engines and were noted on passenger duties in Mayo in 1876. They were withdrawn in 1880.[1]

MGWR No. Name Introduced Withdrawn
25 Cyclops 1852 1880
26 Vulcan 1852 1880

MGWR Class 8

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The four 2-4-0 engines ordered from William Fairbairn & Sons in 1852 were designated MGWR Class 8. They may have resembled similar locomotives order for the Waterford and Limerick Railway at this time, later designated GSWR Class 264. Locomotive No. 35 is noted for working the Ballaghaderreen branch line from 1874 (when the line opened) until the locomotive was withdrawn in 1885.[1]

MGWR No. Name Introduced Withdrawn
32 (unnamed) 1853 1880
33 (unnamed) 1853 1880
34 (unnamed) 1854 1880
35 Wren 1854 1885

MGWR Class 10

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The MGWR Class 10 engines from Thomas Grendon and Company of Drogheda were introduced in the period 1856-1860.[1]

MGWR No. Name Introduced Withdrawn
1 Orion 1860 1882/4
2 Jupiter 1857 1880
3 Juno 1857 1880
4 Venus 1857 1882/4
5 Mars 1857 1882/4
6 Vesta 1857 1880/4
41 Emperor 1856 1880
42 Regal 1856 1880/3

MGWR Class 11

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MGWR Class 11 consisted of a single engine from R. Stephenson. The almost-immediate delivery from time of order indicated it was likely the engine had already been constructed.[1]

MGWR No. Name Introduced Withdrawn
42 Ouzel 1856 1880

MGWR Class 17

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This Fossick & Hackworth locomotive was originally supplied to the Dublin & Meath Railway where it was known as drag-all. In 1864, the Dublin & Meath Railway were undergoing some financial difficulties which may account for the locomotives transfer. It was later renumbered from 11 to 85 to be outside the range used for the later MGWR Class 18. It was reputed to be less successful on the MGWR.[1][2]

MGWR No. Name Introduced Withdrawn
11→85 Meath 1864 (1862 D&M) 1885

MGWR Class 18

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The final 2-4-0 engines ordered in the pre Martin Atock era were from Avonside and formed MGWR Class 18. They were the only significant non 4-2-0 order made by the locomotive engineer Robert Rampage. They were replaced in 1889 by six Broadstone build 2-4-0 locomotives of MGWR Class 7–12 carrying the same numbers and names.[1]

MGWR No. Name Introduced Withdrawn
7 Connemara 1869 1889
8 St. Patrick 1870 1890
9 Emerald Isle 1869 1890
10 Faugh a Ballagh 1869 1890
11 Erin go Bragh 1869 1889
12 Shamrock 1870 1890

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Shepherd, Ernie (1994). The Midland Great Western Railway of Ireland – An illustrated History. Midland Publishing Limited. pp. 82–85, 123. ISBN 1-85780-008-7.
  2. ^ Shepherd, Ernie (1994). The Midland Great Western Railway of Ireland – An illustrated History. Midland Publishing Limited. p. 50. ISBN 1-85780-008-7.