T7 Class 0-4-2T 1871, 1873-1875

81-86, 13, 14, 11, 12, 15-19

The first three of these 0-4-2Ts were built at Stratford Works to Johnson's design in 1871 for light passenger duties. The remaining twelve followed in 1873-5, and differed from the earlier locomotives in having larger tanks, holding 750 gallons instead of 500. They had outside bearings to the trailing wheels, and all were originally cab-less. The boilers were similar to those of the ‘No. 204 Class’ 0-6-0Ts, but a variety of boiler mountings were originally fitted, partly due to the fact that the later engines were delivered under the auspices of William Adams. Thus, the first three had Johnson built-up rimmed chimneys, squat open-topped domes with Salter spring balance safety valves on the first ring of the boiler, and an enclosed Naylor valve on the firebox. Of the later engines, one at least had a short rimmed chimney for use on the Woolwich line, and two had short stovepipes, for the same reason. Others had tall stovepipe chimneys, whilst the last five to be built had Ramsbottom safety valves on the firebox and closed domes, although two had squat open-topped domes, but without the spring balance valves.

It is understood that some engines were later fitted with cabs, although no photographic evidence survives. All except two were later fitted with Westinghouse brakes. None were reboilered, and they were withdrawn in 1891-1894.

GERS Collection 7032 18
The T7 class consisted of fifteen 0-4-2 tank engines built at Stratford Works to Johnson’s design between 1871 and 1875. This is an official portrait of No. 82, one of the original three 1871 engines, which had side tanks holding 500 gallons. The remaining locomotives had larger 750 gallon tanks, the final examples being completed under Adams’ superintendence and differing in details such as chimneys, number plates and so on. All ultimately received Westinghouse brakes and many gained half-cabs, and they were scrapped between 1891 and 1894.