Photographed as an example of the W4 class for Peckett's catalogue works number 560 built in 1893 was finished specially for the photographer with the number prominently displayed. Following the photographic session 560 was despatched to her owners, the United Alkali Company of St. Helens, Lancashire.
The Peckett W Class was a four-coupled, medium powered, industrial saddle tank locomotive that comprised six separate variations covering developments of locomotive design and building, from the W2 of 1884 to the W7 of 1938.
Locomotives were built at the Atlas Engine Works in St. George, Bristol, Peckett & Sons Ltd having taken over the business established there by Fox, Walker & Company in 1880.
Peckett Works No.560 of 1893 was built for the United Alkali Co. Ltd, of St. Helens in Lancashire and is shown in the ex-works lined Peckett livery of Leaf Green, which was the standard livery for Peckett locomotives, many of which were built for stock to permit prompt delivery when a customers’ order was received.
Peckett locomotives which were noted for their fine rivet work on the cabs and tanks and the generous use of brass and copperwork continued to be built at Atlas Works until June 1958. Describing their core market as “Colleries, Ironworks, Contractors Tinplate Works etc.” Peckett took pride in turning their locos out in a lined Works livery and utilised many standard components in their construction, however the nature of the locomotives’ end use meant there were a number of alterations carried out, particularly as reduced height versions for operating in smelting works and collieries.
Although producing a serviceable 200bhp diesel locomotive design like most steam locomotive builders Peckett & Sons were unable to survive the changing rail freight patterns and availability of surplus ex-BR shunting engines. The company was bought out by Reed Crane & Hoist Company during 1961, having produced 140 W4 locomotives between April 1885 and February 1906.
The Peckett company name was still recorded by Companies House as a dormant company until the 1990s and surviving company records and drawings are now held by the National Railway Museum.