GWR Sun Class

Sun
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
DesignerDaniel Gooch
Buildervarious
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte2-2-2
Gauge7 ft 14 in (2,140 mm)
Leading dia.3 ft 6 in (1.067 m)
Driver dia.6 ft 0 in (1.829 m)
Trailing dia.3 ft 6 in (1.067 m)
Wheelbase13 ft 8 in (4.166 m)
Cylinder size14 in × 18 in (356 mm × 457 mm) dia × stroke
Career
OperatorsGreat Western Railway
ClassSun

The Great Western Railway Sun Class were 2-2-2 broad gauge steam locomotives for passenger train work. This class was introduced into service between April 1840 and January 1842, and withdrawn between January 1864 and June 1879.

A smaller-wheeled version of the Fire Fly Class for working trains on the hilly sections of line west of Swindon, they did not prove heavy enough for the task and were later altered to become 2-2-2T tank locomotives. Later still Sun, Hesperus, Gazelle, Wolf, and Assagais were given higher pressure boilers and in this form ran until 1879; the last unrebuilt locomotive having been withdrawn in 1872.

From about 1865, the Sun Class was known as the Wolf Class.