| Introduced | 1942 |
| Designer | W G Bagnall |
| Company | |
| Weight | t cwt |
| Driving Wheels | 3ft 6in |
| Boiler Pressure | 160psi |
| Cylinders | Outside – 16in x 24in |
| Tractive Effort | 22,382lbf |
| Valve Gear |
Princess was an early member of a small class of powerful shunting engines produced by W.G. Bagnall & Co Ltd, of Stafford, capable of developing a tractive effort of 22,382 lbs. The prototype for the class is also preserved – Works No 2680 Courageous.
Princess was one of seven members of this class of Bagnall locomotive to be based on the Preston Corporation system at the Albert Edward Dock, which at the height of operations in the 1950s comprised some 26 miles of track. Steam ended on the in 1968 when diesel shunters took over the work.
Princess is unusual for an industrial type of locomotive in that it is fitted with steam heating apparatus, the reason for this being it was used for warming the vans of the Geest Company’s bananas imported from the West Indies, the maintenance of correct storage temperatures being critical.
Princess is now based on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway where it has surprised many people with its power and sustained steaming ability. It performs regularly and economically to the rigorous high season timetable with a five or even six-coach train. Apart from being somewhat “light on its feet” which gives it a tendency to slip when on greasy rails with a big load, it is a firm favourite with its crews.
The locomotive, which is owned by Graham Magee, returned to steam once again in October 2019 following a ten year boiler overhaul.
Preserved British Steam Locomotives 