The GWR large Prairies provided the mainstay of the Great Western's suburban services. Designed by G J Churchward, the prototype was no. 99 built in 1903, and proved to be more than capable of fulfilling their intended role. No. 99 was renumbered 3100 when production started, thus creating the 3100 class and from that beginning, 289 'large Prairies' were completed, with minor differences and modifications until the last emerged from Swindon works in 1949. No 4160 was among the final batch, being completed in 1948.
A dozen of the class survived until the end of WR steam in 1965, among them no. 4160 which found its way to Barry scrapyard. It was rescued by 4160 Limited and is normally resident on the West Somerset Railway.
I am most grateful to Ian Crowder for the above information.
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