GWR 4400 Class
# GWR 4400 Class

The Great Western Railway (GWR) 4400 Class was a class of 2-6-2T side tank steam locomotive.

## History

They were introduced in 1904 for work on small branch lines. The 4500 class was a later development with larger driving wheels. The 4400s were particularly used in hilly districts, notably the Princetown and Much Wenlock Branches. All were withdrawn and scrapped between 1949 and 1955.

The 4400, 4500 and 4575 classes, which all had 24 in (610 mm) stroke cylinders, the Standard 5 boiler and driving wheels under 5 ft (1.524 m), were collectively known as "Small Prairies", as opposed to the 5100, 3150, 5101, 6100, 3100 and 8100 classes, with 30 in (762 mm) stroke cylinders, Standard 2 or 4 boilers and driving wheels over 5 ft (1.524 m), known as "Large Prairies".

