The Midland Railway 2000 Class was a class of 40 0-6-4T steam locomotives designed by Richard Deeley. They were known as "flatirons" or "hole-in-the-wall tanks" because of their distinctive shape; their side tanks extended to the front of the smokebox and they had a distinct cut-out in the side tanks to access the motion. They were numbered 2000–2039.

Development

They were originally developed from 0-4-4T types designed for commuter work with an extra set of driving wheels. Acceleration and stability, however, were poor and, after a derailment, they were relegated to freight work. All were rebuilt with Belpaire firebox and superheater between 1920 and 1926. The superheated engines had slightly longer smokeboxes which extended slightly in front of the side tanks.

Ownership change

The locomotives passed to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) in 1923. They kept their Midland Railway numbers and the LMS gave them the power classification 3P.

Accidents and incidents

The class were rough riders at speed. They were liable to oscillate on poor track, which led to a number of derailments.

Withdrawal

All were withdrawn between 1935 and 1938. The standard parts would have mostly been used for spares rather than scrap. None were preserved.