Ex-London & North Western Railway Webb '317' or 'Bissel Tank' class 0-4-2 Saddletank No. 47862. Built at Crewe in November 1901 as L&NWR No. 823 and withdrawn in October 1956.
The 20 locomotives in this class were originally designed for dock work and other lines where short radius curves would hinder other types. Their very short wheelbase was complemented by a Bissel trailing truck to spread the weight. This type of pivot truck was invented in 1857 by Levi Bissell (note two 'ls'). Only two of these useful but ugly engines survived into BR service. 47862 is seen here at Crewe Works in November 1953. The 'W' numbers went up to at least 'W15' and designated the working area within the works complex, does anyone know what they all meant?
