GWR Hercules Class

Hercules

Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Daniel Gooch Builder Nasmyth, Gaskell & Co.

Specifications Configuration 0-6-0 Gauge 7 ft 1⁄4 in (2,140 mm) Driver diameter 5 ft 0 in Wheelbase 12 ft 6 in Cylinder size 15 in dia × 18 in stroke

Career Operators Great Western Railway Class Hercules

The Hercules Class were four broad gauge steam locomotives for the Great Western Railway. They were the first 0-6-0 locomotives, being built in 1842 by Nasmyth, Gaskell and Company. They were all withdrawn in 1870 and 1871.

From about 1865, the Hercules Class locomotives became part of the Fury Class, along with the Premier Class locomotives.

Locomotives

• Goliah (1842 - 1871)

This locomotives was named after the Biblical giant, Goliah.

• Hercules (1842 - 1870)

This locomotive was named after the Greek mythological strongman, Hercules.

• Sampson (1842 - 1870)

This locomotive was named after the Biblical strongman, Sampson.

• Tityos (1842 - 1870)

This locomotive was named after Tityos, a giant in Greek mythology.

Accidents and incidents

• On 27 June 1849, the boiler of Goliah exploded whilst it was hauling a freight train on the South Devon Railway at Plympton. One person was killed.

References

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