An image of the saddle tank engine 'Backworth' ordered by Backworth Coal Company Ltd in May 1906 (TWAM ref. DS.RSH/1/1/3).

Engine no. 2671.
Built for: Backworth Coal Company Ltd.
Date ordered 11 May 1906.
Gauge of Railway: 4 feet 8½ inches.

Principal Dimensions.
Cylinders dia: 17 inches.
Cylinders stroke: 26 inches.
Wheels (Dia. of coupled): 4 feet 1 inch.
Wheel-base - total: 13 feet 0 inches.
Water capacity: 1100 gallons.
Fuel capacity: 52 cubic feet = 1.2 tons.
Heating surface – total: 995 square feet.
Grate area: 15.5 square feet.
Working pressure: 160 lbs per square inch.
Total weight in working order: 44.5 tons.
Tractive force taking 90% of the working pressure: 22080 lbs.
Tractive force taking 75% of the working pressure: 18400 lbs.
Approximate shipping space: 3250 cubic feet.
Approximate gross weight packed for shipment: 39.7 tons.
Code Word: BACKWORTH

This album celebrates the achievements of the Hawthorn Leslie locomotive works at Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne. The works were established by Robert Hawthorn in January 1817 and in 1820 his brother, William Hawthorn joined him as a partner. The firm initially manufactured stationary engines but within a few years diversified into marine engineering and in 1831 produced its first locomotive engine for the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

In 1870 the firm established a separate marine engine works on the River Tyne at St. Peter’s and from 1882 the Forth Banks Works became devoted entirely to the manufacture of locomotives. In 1885 the firm amalgamated with the shipyard of Andrew Leslie at Hebburn, creating the world-famous shipbuilding and engineering company R and W. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co. Ltd.

The Forth Banks Works of Hawthorn Leslie produced engines of all types and sizes for railways around the world. The output of the Forth Banks Works included a large number of tank engines for industrial works and collieries and the firm established a speciality in the construction of crane locomotives.

The images in this set date from the early twentieth century and are a reminder of Newcastle upon Tyne’s proud industrial heritage. They are taken from a series of photograph albums produced by Hawthorn Leslie. The albums were kindly donated to Tyne & Wear Archives by Alan C. Baker and T.D. Allen Civil.

(Copyright) We're happy for you to share this digital image within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email [email protected]

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Owner: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
Source: Flickr Commons
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