15 ton Cowans and Sheldon rail crane Profile and Models

©Public Domain

During the 1890s, Cowans Sheldon sold a highly successful standard design of crane with a 4-4-0 wheel arrangement that was capable of lifting 15 tons to a radius of 20 or 22 feet when propped. A number of pre-grouping railways took advantage of the design, including many of the smaller companies operating at the time. The cranes saw a long lifespan with many operating well into Big Four and BR usage, with some still working in the late 1960s. Two types were produced, one with a curved jib and one with a swan necked jib.
Type of Vehicle	Crane
Builder	Cowans Sheldon
Build Date	1893-1895
Total Built	29
Operators	Many pre-gouping railways Great Western Railway London, Midland & Scottish Railway London & North Eastern Railway Southern Railway British Railways
Main Duties	Breakdown Rerailing Infrastucture
In Service Until	1968