The Midland Railway 156 Class was a class of 2-4-0tender engines built at Derby Works between 1866–1874. In total 29 of the class were built under the Midland Railway. They were rebuilt sometime between 1873 and 1903.[1]
History
These engines use to work for express passenger trains to King's Cross, the Midland Railway's London Terminus.[2] 21 survived to become part of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) fleet of engines in 1923. By then they were reduced to the humblest of roles. In September 1930, the LMS recognised the significance of the class and number 156 itself was ear-marked for preservation. But William Stanier chose not to preserve it and the engine was scrapped two years later.[3][4]
Preservation
One engine, 158A (originally built as 158 before subsequently renumbered to that number, then it became Midland Railway's No. 2 in 1907, and finally 20002 by the LMS in 1934) survives. She was withdrawn from service in July 1947 as a station pilot at Nottingham station by the LMS to be restored to her former Midland identity and old number 158A as a static exhibit in Birmingham during the centenary celebrations at the New Street Station in 1954.[5][6] The locomotive was preserved at Derby Works until being moved to the National Railway Museum. She was on loan to the Midland Railway – Butterley in Butterley, Derbyshire and was still on static display since 1975.[7] The surviving example is not in as built condition. It has twice been reboilered and the front end rebuilt. The original tender was replaced a century ago.
