In real life, the distance between parallel track centres differs depending on factors such as when the track was...
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What is the correct spacing to use between two parallel tracks in N gauge?Read more -
What is a bubble car?Read moreBubble cars were a single-unit first generation DMU built by British Rail in the late 1950s and 1960. Because they...
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Is a 21 pin DCC decoder better than an 8-pin decoder?Read moreSurely more is always better, so a 21 pin decoder is bound to be better than an 8 pin decoder? Actually, the answer...
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Can you get everything for N gauge that you can for 00 gauge?Read moreOne of the fears modellers have surrounding N gauge is that you will not be able to get everything for your model...
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What is a diesel headcode?Read moreA diesel (or electric) locomotive's headcode was a four-digit code displayed on the front of the loco in the 1960s...
Why were the 'Prairie' steam locomotives used by Great Western Railways so named ?
Historically, this name was originally given to a series of steam locomotives designed to work on routes through the Mid-West Prairies of the United States. These locomotives adopted a distinctive 2-6-2 configuration according to the whyte notation. This means that they had two leading wheels, six driving wheels and two trailing wheels. The middle set of six driving wheels gave the locomotive a characteristic look.
Great Western Railways (GWR) adopted this wheel arrangement for some of their locomotives because it provided a good balance between power and flexibility. The leading and trailing wheels helped to guide the locomotive around curves, while the six driving wheels ensured that it had enough traction to haul heavy loads. This made the 'Prairie' locomotives well-suited for both freight and passenger services on the Great Western Railways network.
The 'Prairie' locomotives were a popular and successful design, not just for Great Western Railways but also on other railways around the world. They were known for their reliability, efficiency and versatility. The name 'Prairie' became synonymous with this particular wheel arrangement and is still used today to describe locomotives with a 2-6-2 configuration.
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