BR Standard 4MT Tank Engine

These locomotives were built for suburban and semi-express passenger work. They were based on the 42050 series of the LMS Stanier and Fairburn 2-6-4T locomotives, but with the tank sides, cab and bunker sloping inwards to conform with the loading gauge. The biggest mechanical change was a reduction in cylinder size, also to reduce cross-section, and a corresponding increase in boiler pressure to compensate. Other visible changes include the reintroduction of plating ahead of the cylinders.

They were successful engines and they always steamed well, without the need for re-draughting. They were popular performers with an admirable turn of speed and good acceleration. They were based on all regions except the Western.

The Standard 4 tanks were originally allocated to all regions of British Railways, except the Western. They became particularly associated with the London, Tilbury and Southend Line (LT&S) working commuter services out of London until that route was electrified in 1962. They were also widely used in East Sussex and Kent working from Brighton, Tunbridge Wells and Three Bridges on those lines of the former London Brighton and South Coast Railway that were not electrified. Another group worked from Polmadie depot in the Scottish region on the Glasgow commuter services.

80080

Built in 1954, the engine initially worked commuter services on the Eastern Region’s London, Tilbury & Southend line.

The locomotive was then transferred to Wrexham in North Wales before being withdrawn in 1965. She then spent an unfortunate fourteen years in a scrapyard in Barry at the mercy of the elements, metal thieves and preservationists seeking parts for other restoration projects. Her fortunes changed in 1980 and the former metal shell underwent a full restoration, returning to mainline running in 1987.  80080 continued to work various mainline service throughout the 1990s, including London Underground steam, services on the Folkestone Harbour branch and stopping passenger services on the Settle & Carlisle line.

The locomotive is owned by The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust and has worked on a number of heritage railways since 2010. The partnership between NNR and PRCLT will see 80080 based on the Poppyline for an initial period of five years from May 2025.