GWR Metropolitan Class

Metropolitan
Metropolitan tank locomotive beneath Praed Street. looking towards Edgware Road
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Daniel Gooch Builder various
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-4-0T, some rebuilt as 2-4-0 Gauge 7 ft 1⁄4 in (2,140 mm) Leading dia. 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Driver dia. 6 ft 0 in (1,829 mm) Wheelbase 15 ft 6 in (4,724 mm) Cylinder size 16 in × 24 in (406 mm × 610 mm), dia × stroke
Career Operators Great Western Railway Class Metropolitan

The Great Western Railway Metropolitan Class 2-4-0T broad gauge steam locomotives with condensing apparatus were used for working trains on the Metropolitan Railway. The equipment was later removed, though the class continued to work suburban trains on GWR lines in London. The class was introduced into service between June 1862 and October 1864, and withdrawn between June 1871 and December 1877.

Twenty two locomotives were built to the 2-4-0T tank locomotive arrangement from 1862 to 1864. The locomotives were built by three workshops, each with a different naming system. The first two batches were delivered concurrently by the Vulcan Foundry (named after insects), and Kitson & Co. (named after foreign monarchs). These were followed by a batch from the railway's own workshops at Swindon, that were named after flowers.

Around 1865, seven of the class were rebuilt as 2-4-0 tender locomotives: Hornet, Mogul, Azalia, Lily, Myrtle, Violet, Laurel.

All were withdrawn between 1871 (Czar) and 1877 (Rose & Shamrock).