5542 - ‘4575’ class tank locomotive, owned by the Locomotive 5542 Limited. The locomotive was rescued from Barry Scrapyard in 1975 and moved to the West Somerset Railway for restoration. The PFP (Planet's Favourite Prairie) steamed again in October 2002, for the first time over 40 years.

Photograph copyright Paul Stratford, 2008

Wheel arrangement:

2-6-2T - known as ‘small prairie’ tank engines.

Origin:

Great Western Railway

Introduced

1927-29. These locomotives were the final development of the 44xx class, introduced in 1904 and, in all, some 185 were built. No 5542 was built in July 1928 and features the larger wheels, sloping tank tops and outside steam pipes characteristic of the later batches.

Working weight:

61 tons

Water capacity

1,300 gallons

Purpose:

Light Branch passenger. These reliable and popular engines could be found throughout the Great Western, outside of London, handling passenger and freight traffic; some, including 5542 were fitted for working 'auto' trains on push-pull services. 5542 was first allocated to Gloucester. Its final allocation was Westbury from where it was withdrawn in 1961. You can find out more about 5542 on the No 5542 website.