9466 at Didcot. (Photograph Bruce Murray)  

1952: BR(W) 9400 class 0-6-0PT no. 9466
Courtesy Dennis Howells MBE and the 9466 Locomotive Group

The 9400 class has the distinction of being the last GWR-designed class to be produced.  These taper-boiler pannier tanks were designed by F W Hawksworth but are essentially a tank engine version of Collett's 2251 0-6-0 tender locomotive.  In all, 210 were built, but only the first ten were turned out from Swindon works. The rest were sub-contracted to Bagnall & Co, Yorkshire Engine Co and Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns.  They were being produced at a time when their designed-for role - heavy freight shunting and short trip workings - was receding or being displaced by class 08 diesel-electric shunters.  Most had a lamentably short life, some being cut up when little more than five years old.  Just two survive, the GWR-built no. 9400 and 9466, which was built by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns (works no. 7617). Its first allocation was Worcester and its last Cardiff (Radyr).

9466 was withdrawn from service in 1964 and found its way to Barry scrap yard.  Earmarked for preservation 11 years later, it was purchased by Dennis Howells and restored at Quainton Road in Buckinghamshire, to MT276 main line specification, returning to steam in 1985. The engine has since enjoyed a sparking career with main line, heritage railway and 'Steam on the Met' engagements to its credit.  This is the first visit in preservation by 9466 (it could have visited the line when allocated to Worcester shed in BR days) and it is a welcome addition to the GWR175 celebrations.