5532

Tank engines of the 2-6-2 wheel arrangement, known as 'Prairie' tanks, were first introduced by the Great Western Railway for branch and secondary line use in 1905. George Jackson Churchward introduced two tank classes that differed mainly in wheel size. The classes were the 44xx (with driving wheels of 4 foot 1 inch) and 45xx (with driving wheels of 4 foot 7½ inches). Some of the earliest engines in the class were built in Stafford Road Works Wolverhampton, as well as the main works at Swindon. The 45xx class was the last to be built at Wolverhampton.

Between 1927 and 1929, Charles Collett introduced a modified class with larger water tanks; the 4575 class. The class worked extensively in Wales and the West of England. One of the star turns of the class was hauling part of the Cambrian Coast Express to Pwllheli in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as parts of the Cornish Riviera Express. Despite their apparently small size, they were capable of good acceleration, and could haul passenger trains of up to 11 coaches.

Above: 5532 at Ebbw Junction Shed, Newport, on 31st July 1939. (RHG Simpson)

5532 was turned out from Swindon Works during June 1928 at a total cost of £3,602. After a few days running in at Reading, she was first allocated to Stourbridge Junction for duties in the West Midlands. Her next shed was Worcester. Later, whilst at Newport Ebbw Junction, 5532 was used to haul the Royal Train on 22nd October 1941. With classmate 5516, she hauled the train from Hereford to Monmouth Troy. Later the same day she hauled the Royal Train (with King George VI on board) from Monmouth Troy to Ross on Wye. She was based at a number of sheds in South Wales and South West England until being withdrawn in 1962. 5532 was also based at Oswestry for a short period in the Autumn of 1953.

5532 was withdrawn from service on 10th July 1962 from Laira, having travelled 705,111 miles in service. She was bought by Woodham Brothers Barry on 4th September 1962, and was to spend the next 20 years at Barry. She stayed there until 1982 when sold to the Dean Forest railway.

The Llangollen Railway Great Western Locomotive Group wanted to buy a Prairie tank from Barry in 1987, and from those that remained chose 5538. However, as this had a cracked cylinder, the group exchanged the frames and some other parts with 5532, as this was felt to be the most economic option. The numbers of engines are decided by their frames and therefore the Group became owners of 5532 when the exchange was made.

The Group bought a range of components over the years. They then helped build and pay for a part of the new engine shed, including an inspection pit. When the shed was ready, the frames were moved in during 1997, and restoration of the frames commenced. Additionally, the group bought connecting and coupling rods, paid for the repair and replacement of springs, contract work on the frames, and turning and reprofiling all the wheels. In all around £30,000 has been spent on restoration since the move into the shed. Further work is continuing so as to enable the locomotive to be rewheeled.

Above: A glimpse of the future. 5541 masquerades as 5532 in Llangollen yard to give the GWRLG a glimpse of what they are aiming for. (Charles Cooksley)

During 1999, a visit by restored sister 5541 allowed 5532 to 'reappear' briefly on a service train, giving a taste of what is in store.

Shed Allocations

Principal Dimensions