0-6-0WT Haydock Foundry Tank 'Bellerophon' Profile and Models

0-6-0WT Haydock Foundry Tank 'Bellerophon'

'Bellerophon' at Ramsbottom in April 2015. ©Derek Hoskins

The Haydock Collieries built a fleet of 0-6-0 well tank locomotives between 1868 and 1887 for use on the vast network of over 60 miles of private trackwork around the colliery and foundry sites in the Merseyside area. The lines had links to the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, as well as the London & North Western Railway, which meant there was a need for locomotives that could handle heavy trains on severe gradients. The 0-6-0WT design was created by Josiah Evans and was highly unusual in featuring a well-tank, outside motion and piston valves - the latter not being generally used for another two decades. One loco 'Bellerophon' was fitted with unusual Stephenson/ Gooch valve gear and happens to be the only surviving member of the class. 'Bellerophon' has become very popular with enthusiasts and currently resides at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

Type of Locomotive

Steam

Builder

Haydock Foundry

Build Date

1868 to 1887

Total Built

6

Tractive Effort

11,000 lbf

Wheel Configuration

0-6-0WT

Operated By

Haydock Collieries
National Coal Board

Main Duties

Coal Transport - shunting & trip workings

In Service Until

1964

Surviving Examples

1