3441 'Bird' class introduction

Running numbers: 3441 - 3455.

Built:   1909-10         (3441 - 3455) to lot number 177,.

    This final version of the 'Bulldog' type of locomotive was produced in 1909 and 1910 with much deeper frames stiffened around the trailing axleboxes but using the same 5 feet 8 inches driving wheel. They also were fitted with larger sandboxes and the later non-fluted coupling rods. A return was made to the screw reverse as fitted to the 'Dukes', as the engines between the classes were fitted with steam reverse gear. The boilers, which were the Standard number 2 long taper type when built, were not superheated as standard but longer smokeboxes together with the common copper capped chimney were employed. Other details were the same as the 'Bulldog' class.

Modifications.
    The fitting of superheating and top feed both began in 1911.

Withdrawal.
    From this class of fifteen locomotives, the first to be withdrawn was 3452 Penguin in April 1948, whereas the last engines were 3453 Seagull and 3454 Skylark, both withdrawn on the 7th November 1951.

Specifications (long cone boiler with superheater).