The 2884s were designed for heavy freight work and differed from the original Class 2800 engines (Nos. 2800-2883) in a number of respects, the most obvious being that a more modern Collett side window cab was provided and that they were built with outside steam
pipes.
Production 83 of the 2884 class were built between 1938 and 1941. Those built during the
Second World War did not have the side window to the cab, and the side window on the others was plated over. This was to reduce glare, as a precaution against enemy air attacks. The windows were reinstated after the war. The locomotives were so popular with the ex-Great Western crews that the
British Railways Western Region operating authorities wanted more of the class built after nationalisation in 1948; however, this request was turned down in favour of
BR Standard Class 9Fs.
Oil firing Between 1945 and 1947, coal shortages caused
GWR to experiment with
oil fired 2800
locomotives. Eight of the 2884 class were converted and
renumbered from 4850. The experiment, encouraged by the government was abandoned in 1948 once the extra maintenance costs were calculated and the bill had arrived for the imported oil.
1948 Locomotive Exchange Trials The year 1948 also saw one of the 2884 class, No.3803 (now preserved), emerge remarkably successfully from the
1948 Locomotive Exchange Trials against more modern engines including the
LMS Stanier Class 8F and the
WD Austerity 2-8-0 and
WD Austerity 2-10-0. It took the appearance in 1954 of the British Railways
BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 to displace the 2800s from their main role of mineral haulage. Nevertheless, there was still work for them right up to the end of steam on the Western region in 1965. Six decades of service testify to the fundamental excellence of Churchward's original conception. ==Withdrawal==