GWR 3031 Class

The GWR 3031 Class, known as the Dean Single or the Achilles Class, was a type of steam locomotive built by the Great Western Railway between 1891 and 1899 for express passenger work. William Dean designed it with very large 7 ft 8.5 in driving wheels. The first thirty were built as 2-2-2 engines of the 3001 Class, the first eight as convertible broad gauge locomotives. After the front axle of number 3021 Wigmore Castle broke and derailed an express in Box Tunnel on 16 September 1893, the leading wheels were replaced by a bogie, giving the 4-2-2 arrangement. The class was withdrawn between 1908 and 1915, the last, number 3074 Princess Helena, going in December 1916. None survives, though a static replica of The Queen was built.