F0llowing yesterdays review of the Bachmann BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4 Tank, today we have a look at a real one in action.

Built in 1957, this tank engine is the youngest surviving Brighton-built locomotive.  The BR Standard 4MT tank was a successful design, with 155 examples built and could be found all over the British Rail network.  Many were used in the Southern Region and the class could commonly be found on what is now the Bluebell Railway.  It is fitting therefore that 3 preserved 4MT tank engines can now be found on the Bluebell Line.

Unfortunately, none of the Bluebell Line’s three 4MT tank engines are operational; 80151 was withdrawn early this year as it was due it’s 10-year overhaul.  However, a total of 15 BR Standard 4MT tank’s survived into preservation:

80002 – Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
80064 – Bluebell Railway
80072 – Llangollen Railway
80078 – Swanage Railway
80079 – Severn Valley Railway
80080 – Midland Railway – Butterley
80097 – East Lancashire Railway
80098 – Midland Railway – Butterley
80100 – Bluebell Railway
80104 – Swanage Railway
80105 – Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway
80135 – North Yorkshire Moors Railway
80136 – Crewe Heritage Centre
80150 – Mid Hants Railway
80151 –  Bluebell Railway

The pictures in this post were taken in July 2011 at Sheffield Park station.  If you want to see more blog posts of real steam locomotives in action, be sure to check out the steam diary.  Thanks for reading 🙂