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LMS No. 6203 – PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE
Built at Crewe Works in July 1935 as works number 253, LMS 6203 PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE (later BR number 46203) is a striking example of The Princess Royal class designed by Sir William Stanier.
After withdrawal in October 1962, it was acquired by Billy Butlin and displayed at Pwllheli holiday camp before eventually transferring to the Midland Railway Centre in Butterley. In 1988 PRCLT purchased the locomotive and by 1990 restoration brought it back to main-line operation.
It operated on charters until 1996, after which it has been on static display in the WEST SHED Museum, awaiting funds for a future overhaul.
Quick Facts
- Name: PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE
- LMS Number: 6203
- Class: Princess Royal Class
- Wheel Arrangement: 4-6-2 (Pacific)
- Designer: Sir William Stanier
- Builder: LMS Crewe Works
- Date Built: July 1935
- Current Status: Preserved (static display)
- Owner: The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust
Technical Specifications
| Wheel Arrangement: | 4-6-2 (Pacific) |
| Driving Wheel Diameter: | 81 in |
| Cylinders: | Four |
| Cylinder Size: | 16½ in × 28 in |
| Boiler Pressure: | 250 psi |
| Tractive Effort: | ~40,000 lbf |
| Fuel / Water Capacity: | 10 tons coal / 4,000 gal water |
| Power Classification: | LMS 7P |
Design & Purpose
The Princess Royal Class was developed to handle the heaviest and fastest express services between London and the north-west of England and Scotland. These locomotives were among the largest and most powerful passenger engines of their time in Britain. PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE was originally turned out in LMS Crimson Lake livery and represented the prestige of mainline express rail travel in the 1930s.
Service History
Entering service in October 1935, 6203 was stationed primarily at major LMS depots, working premier express routes including the London to Glasgow corridor. Throughout her working life she proved reliable and capable of sustained high-speed running. The locomotive continued in service into the British Railways era before being withdrawn in 1962 after approximately 27 years of express passenger work.
Preservation
After withdrawal in 1962, the locomotive was acquired for display at Butlins holiday camp at Pwllheli. In 1975 it was purchased for preservation by Mr B P Ewart MBE, DL and later moved to the Midland Railway Centre (now Midland Railway – Butterley). Subsequently it moved to the ownership of The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust. Finally in 1987 a start was made to return her to mainline condition and she ran from 1990 until 1996 whereupon she succumbed to a major boiler problem, unfortunately she is now maintained today as a static, museum-quality exhibit at West Shed home of The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust.
Historical Significance
- One of the earliest locomotives named after a member of the British Royal Family born in the 20th century
- Represents the development of high-speed LMS express steam power pre-WWII
- One of only two surviving Princess Royal Class locomotives
- A key exhibit within the collection of The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust
Current Condition
PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE is currently displayed at the WEST SHED, located at the Midland Railway – Butterley in Derbyshire. The locomotive is cosmetically restored and maintained for exhibition, with periodic conservation work carried out to preserve her long-term condition.
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