Q19.15 – Horizontal or Angled Steam Locomotive Cylinders

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Q.19.15 Horizontal or Inclined Steam Locomotive Cylinders.

On a recent visit to the National Railway Museum in York an overseas member noticed that the older locomotives (other than Rocket) had horizontal cylinders but that many of the later locos had angled cylinders. Enquiries to NRM staff/volunteers got no explanation, so can a reason be given?(Malcolm Harrison: 23475)