The steam locomotives of British Railways were used by British Railways over the period 1948–1968. The vast majority of these were inherited from its four constituent companies, the "Big Four".
In addition, BR built 2537 steam locomotives in the period 1948–1960, 1538 to pre-nationalisation designs and 999 to its own standard designs. These locomotives had short lives, some as little as five years against a design life of over 30 years, because of the decision to end the use of steam traction by 1968.
Read more about Steam Locomotives Of British Railways: Background, Locomotives Inherited From Constituent Companies, Classification, Locomotives Acquired From The War Department, Locomotives Built By BR To Big Four Designs, BR 'Standard' Classes, Liveries, Withdrawal, Vale of Rheidol Finale, Preservation
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“Now that the steam engine rules the world, a title is an absurdity, still I am all dressed up in this title. It will crush me if I do not support it. The title attracts attention to myself.”
—Stendhal [Marie Henri Beyle] (1783–1842)
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In the days of long ago,
Ranged where the locomotives sing
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—Edmund H. North, British screenwriter, and Lewis Gilbert. First Sea Lord (Laurence Naismith)
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—H.G. (Herbert George)