W.H.Tildesley is actively involved in many heritage locomotive projects, assisting with critical forged components to ensure they remain in operational condition.

Over the years we have worked closely with the West Somerset Railway regarding their Great Western Railway (GWR) 4500 or Small Prarie Class 2-6-2T steam locomotives.

A total of 75 GWR 4500 Class locomotives were built between 1906 and 1924, with 20 originating from the Stafford Road Works in Wolverhampton and the remaining 55 from the Swindon Works.

Currently, a total of 7 different components are drop forged by WHT. Given the nature of specialist locomotive restoration projects, they are only required in small batches that WHT is happy to accommodate and support.

If you require new forged components for your project please reach out to our team who will gladly assist you.

Rendered Pre-Production Forging Models Of The GWR 4500 / Prairie Class Components

Drop Forged Bearing Plates For the GWR 4500 / Prairie Class Locomotives

Drop Forged Spring Hangers For the GWR 4500 / Prairie Class Locomotives

Forged Components Produced For the
GWR 4500 / Prairie Class Locomotive