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0-6-4 crane tank locomotive, No 18, Steropes
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0-6-4 crane tank locomotive, No 18, Steropes
Built 1901, withdrawn 1936
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 4303151
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases the historic 0-6-4 tank locomotive No. 18, nicknamed Steropes, which was built in 1901 and retired from service in 1936. The locomotive, a unique example of early railway engineering, is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the steam age. The 0-6-4 wheel arrangement, also known as the "Mikado" configuration, refers to the arrangement of six leading wheels and four trailing wheels. This configuration provided excellent traction and stability, making it a popular choice for heavy freight and passenger trains. Steropes, named after a Greek mythological figure, was a crane tank locomotive, meaning it was equipped with a crane mechanism on the rear of the locomotive. This crane was used to lift and move heavy objects, such as railway tracks or other engineering materials, making it an essential tool for railway maintenance and construction projects. The locomotive's intricate design is on full display in this photograph. The large boiler, which held the steam pressure that powered the engine, is flanked by the massive driving wheels and the smaller guiding wheels. The tall chimney, which released the exhaust gases, can be seen towering above the cab. The crane mechanism, with its counterweight and pulleys, is visible on the rear of the locomotive. Despite its impressive size and power, Steropes was withdrawn from service in 1936, as the railway industry began to transition to more modern and efficient forms of motive power. Today, this historic locomotive is preserved at the Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway, where it continues to inspire awe and fascination in visitors of all ages. The photograph serves as a reminder of the important role that steam locomotives, like Steropes, played in the development of the railway system and the transportation industry as a whole.
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