LMS Fowler Class 4F

The Fowler Class 4F was a class of 0-6-0 steam locomotives designed for medium freight work for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway. It was the ultimate development of the Midland Railway's six-coupled tender engines and was based on the 197-strong Midland Railway 3835 Class of 1911, with only a few modifications, chiefly left-hand drive in place of right-hand drive. The LMS built 530 between 1923 and 1928, numbered on from 4027, and William Stanier reluctantly authorised a further 45 in 1937 at the request of the operating department. Enthusiasts called them Duck Sixes, a nickname derived from the wheel arrangement. All entered British Railways stock in 1948 and were withdrawn between 1959 and 1966. Three LMS-built examples survive, and the first, number 4027, is part of the National Collection.