LNWR Precedent full Class

Webb succeeded Ramsbottom as LNWR Locomotive Superintendent in 1871. The Precedent class of 1874 was an enlargement of Ramsbottom's Problem class singles to a 2-4-0 layout, providing two coupled axles for the heavier expresses then required. With 6 ft 7 in coupled wheels, inside cylinders, and a parallel boiler with Ramsbottom safety valves, the Precedents were simple, fast, and economical. 96 were built between 1874 and 1882; many were later rebuilt with larger boilers as "Improved Precedents" or "Big Jumbos".

The Precedents worked LNWR expresses on the West Coast Main Line for 30 years. The class earned its place in railway legend during the Race to the North in August 1895, when LNWR No. 790 Hardwicke hauled the train from Crewe to Carlisle (141 miles, including the climb to Shap summit) in 126 minutes — an average of 67 mph and a record that stood for many decades.

Hardwicke was withdrawn in 1932 and selected for preservation as part of the LMS's collection of historic engines. It is now at the National Railway Museum in working order, having last steamed in the 1980s during preservation tours. The remaining Precedents were progressively withdrawn through the 1920s and 1930s.

Inside-cylinder 2-4-0 with 6 ft 7 in coupled wheels, parallel boiler with Ramsbottom safety valves on the firebox, brass dome on the front ring of the boiler. LNWR "blackberry black" livery with red and cream lining. Hardwicke retains its 1880s appearance.

• 790 Hardwicke (1892, National Railway Museum)