Power type Steam Total produced 2501: 30
2511: 10 UIC class 1′C n2 | Build date 1899 Configuration 2-6-0 | |
Builder 2501 class: Baldwin
2511 class: Schenectady | ||
The Midland Railway 2501 and 2511 Class were two classes of American-built 2-6-0 steam locomotives. The Midland's own Derby Works had reached their capacity, and were unable to produce additional engines at the time, and many British locomotive builders were recovering from an 1897-1898 strike over the eight-hour working day, and thus had large backlogs of unfulfilled orders, so the Midland Railway turned to American builders. Thirty 2501 class locomotives were built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1899, followed by ten 2511 class engines built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works later that same year. Both classes were built in the United States as kits, shipped to Derby, and assembled.
Contents
Appearance
For the 2501 class engines, little or no consideration was given to British practice, so they were distinctly American in appearance, and their tenders were typical of American practice, featuring two bogies of two axles each, rather than the rigid, three axle tender design more commonly used in Britain. However, when the 2511's were acquired, more consideration was given, as they had tenders of the latter design and their appearance, while still American, had much cleaner lines.
Numbering
The 2501 class engines were numbered 2501–2510, 2521–2540, and the 2511's numbered 2511–2520. In 1907, the Midland Railway had renumbered its engines, and as such the 2501 and 2511 classes were numbered 2200–2229, and 2230–2239, respectively.
Withdrawal
Being non-standard, both classes were quickly withdrawn and all were scrapped before the formation of the LMS in 1923.