Special workings on the Folkestone Harbour Branch with BR Class 4 2-6-4T's nos. 80079 and 80080 on 7 May 1994 to celebrate the opening of the Channel Tunnel. From the Model Railways On-Line website www.mrol.com.au.
Looks like the leading engine has its safety valve blowing off a bit, was that a over keen Fireman, When did they change to two engines, in my day in late 50 early 60's they had four small engines
All UK tank locos were coal fired. They experimented with oil firing on a few tender locos that were converted, but converted them back to coal after a relatively short time. These particular engines carried 3.5 long tons of coal which as plenty for the outer suburban services they were designed for. They were based on a very successful lineage of similar tanks built and developed by the LMS Railway before the railways were nationalized. Some of the largest British Tank locomotives could carry up to 6 long tons (and more when over loaded) in their bunkers which is almost as much as some tender locomotives. Water was usually more of a problem, although they were usually used on services that stopped regularly and had plenty of opportunity for topping up the water tanks.
