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Description
The 28xx was the first 2-8-0 locomotive class in the British Isles, a product of GWR chief mechanical engineer George Jackson Churchward's revolutionary standardization program. The first prototype, number 97 was constructed in 1903 at Swindon Works. After two years of testing, production of the class began in 1905 and continued until 1919 at Swindon, with 84 examples constructed. The 28xxs were built using standard parts such as the same 3,500 gallon tenders and Swindon No.1 boilers as the Saint and Star class 4-6-0s. Their primary function was heavy freight, and they were used all across the GWR system. The 28xxs as a class survived intact to Grouping in 1923, and most of the class was improved throughout the 1920s with the fitting of outside steam pipes. Churchward's successor, Charles Collett, then began production of another batch of the class in 1938, producing another 83 engines from then until 1942. The only difference between the original class and the new 2884 Class was the addition of a side window cab.

A coal shortage at the end of World War II necessitated the GWR to outfit 12 28xxs and 8 2884s with oil firing apparatus, though the cost of the fuel oil meant this experiment was short lived. 2884 class number 3803 was sent to represent the GWR in the 1948 locomotive exchange trials which were held after Nationalization and outperformed the younger LMS 8F and WD Austerity 2-8-0 and 2-10-0s. Both classes were successively replaced on their duties of mineral haulage by BR Standard 9F 2-10-0s, but continued to serve until withdrawals began for the 28xxs in 1958. All of the 28xxs and 2884s would be withdrawn by the end of steam on the Western Region of BR.

Six 28xxs are preserved, plus one more serving as a parts donorOf these, number 2807 holds the distinction of being the oldest preserved member of its class and the oldest engine to be rescued from Woodham Brothers Scrapyard of Barry Island. Number 2857 is the only member of the class currently operational. Nine 2884s are preserved, and among them number 3802 is operational. The aforementioned 3803 which participated in the 1948 Locomotive Exchange Trials is also preserved.

Description
The 28xx was the first 2-8-0 locomotive class in the British Isles, a product of GWR chief mechanical engineer George Jackson Churchward's revolutionary standardization program. The first prototype, number 97 was constructed in 1903 at Swindon Works. After two years of testing, production of the class began in 1905 and continued until 1919 at Swindon, with 84 examples constructed. The 28xxs were built using standard parts such as the same 3,500 gallon tenders and Swindon No.1 boilers as the Saint and Star class 4-6-0s. Their primary function was heavy freight, and they were used all across the GWR system. The 28xxs as a class survived intact to Grouping in 1923, and most of the class was improved throughout the 1920s with the fitting of outside steam pipes. Churchward's successor, Charles Collett, then began production of another batch of the class in 1938, producing another 83 engines from then until 1942. The only difference between the original class and the new 2884 Class was the addition of a side window cab.

A coal shortage at the end of World War II necessitated the GWR to outfit 12 28xxs and 8 2884s with oil firing apparatus, though the cost of the fuel oil meant this experiment was short lived. 2884 class number 3803 was sent to represent the GWR in the 1948 locomotive exchange trials which were held after Nationalization and outperformed the younger LMS 8F and WD Austerity 2-8-0 and 2-10-0s. Both classes were successively replaced on their duties of mineral haulage by BR Standard 9F 2-10-0s, but continued to serve until withdrawals began for the 28xxs in 1958. All of the 28xxs and 2884s would be withdrawn by the end of steam on the Western Region of BR.

Six 28xxs are preserved, plus one more serving as a parts donorOf these, number 2807 holds the distinction of being the oldest preserved member of its class and the oldest engine to be rescued from Woodham Brothers Scrapyard of Barry Island. Number 2857 is the only member of the class currently operational. Nine 2884s are preserved, and among them number 3802 is operational. The aforementioned 3803 which participated in the 1948 Locomotive Exchange Trials is also preserved.