GWR 1400 Class

The GWR 1400 Class is a class of small steam tank locomotives designed by the Great Western Railway for branch line passenger work. It was introduced in 1932 as the 4800 Class and renumbered 1400 in 1946 when that number series was needed for twelve 2800 Class engines converted to oil firing. Seventy-five were built, numbered 1400 to 1474, and the design is credited to Charles Collett although it descended from the Armstrong 517 Class of 1868. The engines were built to work with the GWR autocoach and could reach 80 mph, faster than the diesel railcars meant to replace them. Locomotives 1401 and 1456 were assigned to the 1953 film The Titfield Thunderbolt. All were withdrawn by early 1965 and four have been preserved.