Kirtley’s robust engines provided a foundation for future service, with his coal-burning method adopted worldwide. Johnson’s precise and beautiful locomotives, painted in deep red, increased in number during his tenure. Johnson’s approach of creating engines in small batches allowed for continual design improvements between each batch. Deeley, a cerebral engineer, improved on Johnson’s compound locomotives, ensuring they could be easily operated by multiple drivers.

An expert in lubricants and lubrication, Deeley developed machines and processes for testing and improving lubricants, as well as softening water for locomotive use. His austere locomotive designs and focus on functionality mirrored the late Edwardian era.

Under Fowler’s leadership, locomotive design consolidated, with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Fowler’s introduction of superheating led to significant improvements in locomotive efficiency and power, showcased in designs like the 483 class 4-4-0 and the 4F 0-6-0.

The Midland Railway’s civil engineers expanded the network’s running lines from 1880 to 1910, quadrupling tracks to increase traffic capacity. However, these lines were under-engineered for future locomotives, leading to challenges with train lengths. The company’s segregation of goods and passenger lines, unique operating methods, and Centralized Train Control system allowed for efficient traffic management without requiring larger locomotives.

Fowler’s focus on rebuilding locomotives, introducing superheating, and maximizing goods line utilization led to robust designs like the 483 class 4-4-0 and the 4F 0-6-0, which continued to be built in large numbers by the LMS and British Railways.

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