We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Vehicles

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Pannier Tank?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 8,120
Share

A pannier tank is a type of locomotive which carries fuel and water in panniers along the side of the boiler. This approach to the tank locomotive is associated most particularly with the Great Western Railway (GWR), although examples could be seen in service on other railways as well. Although steam locomotives have been largely replaced by locomotives of other types, a few can be seen in action today in various corners of the world, including pannier tank locomotives.

Steam locomotives derive their power from steam. Historically, each locomotive carried a tender with fuel and water. Over time, railways began adopting tank locomotives; engines which carried fuel and water right on the locomotive, instead of in a separate tender. There were a number of advantages to this design which caused it to catch on in many corners of the railroading world, and a number of variations on the tank engine were created to meet various needs.

A locomotive with pannier tanks has a low center of gravity, which can make it safer at high speeds. The fuel and water are also readily accessible, another distinct advantage, while the bottom of the tanks is higher than that seen in side tanks, another tank style which can be used with locomotives. The design causes the locomotive to look a bit bulgy, as the tanks stick out from the side of the boiler, but some people find the look of pannier tanks rather cheerful; depending on the style, the engine can be reminiscent of a squirrel with cheeks full of nuts.

The traveling distance of a steam locomotive is limited in part by how much fuel and water it can carry, in addition to how efficiently it can use its supplies. While trains can stop to reload their tanks, it is much more convenient and efficient to be able to go straight through. The pannier tank design was intended to maximize the amount of material which could be carried without compromising the operation of the boiler.

The Great Western Railway produced pannier tank locomotives in part by modifying existing locomotives, and eventually developed several models which were built with pannier tanks installed. Enthusiasts can point to several different models and modifications used by the GWR with pannier tanks, along with examples of the pannier tank design which were once used by other railways. People who are interested in seeing this design in person may want to ask heritage railways if they use a pannier tank locomotive or know of a railway which does.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/what-is-a-pannier-tank.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.