GWR Leo Class

This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please help improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (December 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

GWR Leo class
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Daniel Gooch Builder Rothwell & Co. (12) R and W Hawthorn (3) Fenton, Murray & Jackson (3) Total produced 18
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-4-0  • UIC 1B n2 Gauge 7 ft 1⁄4 in (2,140 mm) Leading dia. 3 ft 6 in (1.067 m) Driver dia. 5 ft 0 in (1.524 m) Wheelbase Loco: 12 ft 9 in (3.886 m) Firebox: ​  • Grate area 11.5 sq ft (1.07 m2) Boiler 50 lbf/in2 (340 kPa) Heating surface: ​  • Firebox 71 sq ft (6.6 m2)  • Tubes 396 sq ft (36.8 m2) Cylinder size 15 in × 18 in (381 mm × 457 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 2,868 lbf (12.76 kN)
Career Operators Great Western Railway Withdrawn 1864 - 1874 Disposition All scrapped

The Great Western Railway Leo Class 2-4-0 was a class of broad gauge steam locomotives for goods train work. This class was introduced into service between January 1841 and July 1842, and withdrawn between September 1864 and June 1874.

These locomotives were the first for the railway with coupled wheels as they were designed as goods locomotives, but they later found use on passenger trains too. All the class were altered to 2-4-0STs.

The locomotives were built by three different workshops, each with its own naming convention. The first three came from R and W Hawthorn, who named them after strong animals. The next three were named after volcanoes by Fenton, Murray and Jackson, while the final twelve came from Rothwell and Company carrying the names of the twelve houses of the zodiac.