B.R.S.C Burren-Type 0-4-2ST

The B.R.S.C Burren-Type is a 0-4-2ST narrow gauge steam locomotive designed by B.R.S.C. It was designed for the Fomphson & Co. Railway, and was intended for mixed-traffic use. Its design process lasted from 1946 to 1947, and the construction of the first example was completed in 1947, at B.R.S.C Locomotive Works.

Purpose
The locomotive was designed for mainstream mixed-traffic use, and was supposed to be able to pull coaches, trucks, flatbeds, and cargo vans. Fomphson & Co.'s board of directors had noticed that the railway's fleet was quite outdated, and that they were losing to their competition. So, they wanted three new engines and new rolling stock. They placed this order in March, 1946, almost directly after B.R.S.C had opened for business. This would turn out to be the first order B.R.S.C would recieve, and they handled it well, being quick to design two new locomotives. The Burren's design was not the first to be started; the B.R.S.C Coaster-Type 0-4 + 4-0T was started first, and was more powerful. This also made it less flexible than the Burren; on a smaller line such as the Fomphson & Co. Railway, not all of the trains required a powerful locomotive. The Burren was easier and cheaper to run. Below is the part of the original order, compiled by Albert Jones (Mr, Burwell's secretary), which included the two locomotives.

"They want 5 standard narrow gauge branch line (4 wheel) coaches, and 3 new engines: 2 reliable narrow gauge tank engines for mainstream mixed traffic use; coaches and trucks, cargo vans and flatbeds (trucks with stone, slate, coal, ballast etc.). "

To the right is a picture of a Kerr, Stuart Wren-Class, the basis of the Burren.

Design
The design of the Burren was adapted from a Kerr, Stuart Wren, with several major improvements and changes that would do wonders to the versatility and strengh of the locomotive. Below is the original design explanation of the locomotive, called the 'solution', because it was designed to the giudelines of a different company. It was written by Albert Jones, who created it using the notes of Mr. Burwell, the designers, and the engineers.

"Engine No. 1 (classified No. 2 by B.R.S.C (builders and designers) and No. 1 by Fomphson & Co. Railway because it arrived first, and was easier and cheaper to run but not as powerful as No. 2) is based on a Kerr, Stuart Wren-Class 0-4-0ST, modified to have an enclosed cab, enlargened, and with added trailing wheels to become a 0-4-2ST. Is also refined by modern knowledge / design / technology for greater power, efficiency etc."