1935: GWR 1400 class 0-4-2T 'auto tank' 1450 Courtesy Mike Little and the Dean Forest Railway (accompanied by auto-trailers no. 178 and W231)
The Great Western railway had a large number of branch lines and routes where passenger numbers were not high, including the Honeybourne Line. These had been worked by ageing Armstrong 517 class locomotives which by the 1930s were decidedly past their best. Collett set about designing a replacement and the 4800 class (later becoming 1400 class) was the result. The new engines looked very much like their predecessors with a tall chimney and prominent dome, but with refinements such as increased boiler pressure (165 psi) and roomier cab with better visibility. The class was equipped with auto working equipment and ATC (automatic train control). The wheels and valve gear were essentially from the 5400 class pannier tank.
Altogether, 95 0-4-2s were turned out of Swindon works between 1932 and 1936, no. 1450 being completed in 1935. It was based at Oxford for most of its life, working the Abingdon branch but its final allocation was Exmouth Junction, finally being withdrawn in 1965 when it was bought straight out of BR service.
1450 is one of four survivors. It has made visits to several heritage railways, including the Honeybourne Line. Famously, it was given a main line 'ticket' a few years ago and successfully worked the 'Dawlish Donkey' along the Devon main line. The engine has just undergone its '10 year' overhaul at Crewe. It will be working during GWR175 along with auto-coaches nos 178 from the Dean Forest Railway and W231 from Didcot.