Request Number Two: NWR MT1 Class Sprite

Here is Day Six of Diamond Jubilee's Advent Calendar: a sprite of a freelance class and also a request from Champ2stay — the NWR MT1 'Moguls'.

In the 1920's, the Hickory Vale Railway needed additional motive power to cover both passenger and freight duties; a fast, strong, sure-footed design was required. The result was a copy of James' class, but with a round-top firebox. Class leader number 361 was an instant success and named 'Clancy Higgins' after one of the men who died whilst working on the construction of the HVR; however during trials the engine was rather heavy on coal and the engine was re-built with a larger Belpaire firebox. The original boiler was not scrapped, for it was used as a stationary boiler. As the HVR expanded despite the Great Depression, the MT-1's had more work to do and a larger tender was needed for the longer runs. A scaled down version of the LNER corridor tender was built and used on a few of the class—including the engine shown here, number 363.

'Clancy', the class prototype, was constructed at Hickory Vale Works in 1927, and four were built by Beyer Peacock the following year. Interestingly, five more were built by Avonside in 1930. All were built with six-wheeled tenders, though some have later acquired double bogie corridor tenders (including 363, as seen here).

Even though 'Clancy' was considered free-steaming, the rest of the class were 'shy steamers' early in their lives. This was cured with the fitting of   longer chimneys and a modified blast pipe. 'Clancy' did not need to be re-boilered, though a few have acquired Belpaire boilers (including 363).

During the Second World War, 'Clancy' and number 363 were sent to the North Western Railway (where they were meant to be) to help with the heavy work load. 'Clancy' returned to the HVR in August 1946, and 363 the following month.

The first withdrawal was number 369 in 1948 after a leaking steam pipe. The second withdrawal was number 365 the following year when it had to be dismantled for spare parts. Withdrawals paused for seven years, then resumed in 1956 when 362 was involved in a derailment. 366 was withdrawn and scrapped in 1958, 367 and 370 were withdrawn for spares in 1959, and 368 was scrapped in 1961 when its boiler and cylinders wore out completely. The last engines to be withdrawn were 361 'Clancy', 363 and 364 in 1962, and these three engines have been preserved.

'Clancy', 363 and 364 were restored to working order in 1971 because backup motive power was needed after a few of its engines have since left for the North Western Railway. Apart from periods out of action for overhauls, they are still very much active today, and have proven to be among the most popular engines that the HVR has in their books.

FACT: Although the class was meant for the NWR, economic concerns during the mid-20's meant that they were destined for the Hickory Vale Railway instead!

You can use it if (or however) you like to use it, but credit is due. 

ENJOY!

Thomas and Friends © HiT Entertainment, Britt Allcroft (Thomas) Ltd/Gullane, and Mattel.
The Railway Series © The Awdry Family, HiT, and Egmont Publishing.
Sprite style © Cj-The-Creator and LeMuffinQueen
The MT1 moguls © Champ2stay