LNWR Newton Class

The LNWR Newton Class comprised 96 steam locomotives built between 1866 and 1873 at Crewe Works by the London and North Western Railway (LNWR). Designed by John Ramsbottom, these engines featured a curved link Stephenson valve gear and had 6-foot-6-inch diameter wheels with 6-foot-9-inch driving wheels. The first 76 locomotives were initially built without cabs but later received them. F.W. Webb constructed the remaining 20, all with cabs.

In 1873, ten Newton Class locomotives were transferred to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (L&YR) for use on passenger services between Blackpool, Manchester, and Yorkshire. They were numbered 456–462 and 731–733. Some received new boilers by 1888 but faced retirement starting in 1895, with most withdrawn by 1897. Exceptions included No. 461 (retired 1904), No. 462 (1912), and No. 731 (1926), which served longer careers.

The Improved Precedent Class replaced all Newton locomotives by 1894. Notably, no Newton Class engines were preserved. However, the Improved Precedent No. 790 (formerly LMS No. 5031) at the National Railway Museum Shildon bears nameplates from an 1873 build date, indicating its historical connection to the original class.