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Dean had built an experimental 2-4-2T numbered 11, whose success led to the cancellation of another batch of 2-4-0 "Metro" Tanks and the construction of the 3600s in their place. The new 2-4-2Ts had 5 ft 2 in (1.575 m) coupled wheels and 17 in × 24 in (432 mm × 610 mm) cylinders. The second batch were slightly longer than the prototype, resulting in greater tank capacity, and the third lot, delivered under Churchward, were slightly larger again, and had taper boilers. The class gained the nickname "Birdcage" due to their (for the GWR) unusually spacious cabs.
Table of orders and numbers
Year
Quantity
Lot No.
Serial Nos.
Locomotive numbers
Notes
1900
01
130
1907
11
renumbered 3600 in 1912
1902
20
134
1866–1885
3601–3620
Serial numbers out of sequence
1903
10
143
2013–2022
3621–3630
Use
The 3600 class were fitted with steam reversing gear, steam brakes, and two steam-operated water pick-ups for forward and reverse working. This reflects their intended work as fast suburban engines. About half were employed on such duties in the Birmingham area. The rest worked in the London area, though later a few worked Chester-Birkenhead trains, and some were allocated to South Wales sheds. They were essentially passenger train locomotives, and were eventually superseded by Collett's 2-6-2Ts. All were withdrawn and scrapped between 1930 and 1934.
Hendry, R. Preston; Hendry, R. Powell (1992). Paddington to the Mersey: G.W.R's Forgotten Route from London to Birkenhead. OPC Railprint. ISBN086093442X.
Allcock, N. J.; Davies, F. K.; le Fleming, H. M.; Maskelyne, J. N.; Reed, P. J. T.; Tabor, F. J. (1968) . White, D. E. (ed.). The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway, part one: Preliminary Survey. Kenilworth: RCTS.
