Is the Fowler 2F dock tank locomotive the most attractive of the 0-6-0Ts?

Well, opinions will differ. What is certain is that this model by M Turner of the Bradford Model Engineering Society is a terrific example of the breed. It is photographed here at the Harrogate show in 2010 and 2009.

The LMS worked a number of docksides, mostly with sharp bends in the track to fit into confined spaces. As a result most dock locomotives had an 0-4-0 wheel arrangement to be able to negotiate the tight curves. However, eventually more powerful engines were required and Sir Henry  Fowler designed this 0-6-0 tank which had a wheelbase of just 9ft. 6in. That, plus use of Cartazzi axleboxes on the rear axle permitted negotiation of the small radius curves in the docks.

Just ten were built in 1929/1930, but they became a ‘Standard’ type on the LMS. After nationalization in 1948, they were also used on branch lines. All through their lives they were painted plain black. None are preserved, so excellent models like this are the only link with these super little engines.

The 2F was also famously modelled in 5in. gauge by J Austen-Walton, dubbed “Bro. Hyphen” by LBSC. Drawings and castings for that highly detailed model are available at http://www.modelmakingsupplies.co.uk/our-locos-2.htm