A11 - Originally Large A Class

Notes

The Baldwin Locomotive Works was making it known in the 1870s that they could provide cheaper locomotives than British manufacturers. Although H Horniblow, Locomotive Superintendent agreed their prices were initially cheaper, he expressed doubts as to whether the engines would be a robust as their British counterparts. It was decided to obtain a similar engine from Britain for comparison. The cost of this engine was £2,226. It was supplied as a 2-4-0 but was found to have weight distribution problems. This was overcome by converting it to 4-4-0 in April 1888 by fitting a four wheel Baldwin style front bogie. The original four wheel tender was replaced with a six wheel one with larger capacity in 1889.

Abbreviation

Vulcan - Vulcan Foundry UK