2885 is a member of the Great Western 28xx 2-8-0 8F Heavy Freight Locomotive Class. It is a 'guest' locomotive that is presently out-based on static display at the recently restored original Birmingham Moor Street station>>.

2885 was built for the Great Western Railway in 1938 at Swindon Works. It was the second member of the 2884 class, which were built under C.B.Collett from 1938-42.  The original 2800 class was designed by G.J.Churchward for heavy freight duties between 1903-19.  The 2884's differed from the original engines in a number of respects. The most obvious one being that a more modern "Collett side window cab" was provided.  In all, 167 locomotives were built.  They were so popular with the ex-Great Western crews that the British Railways Western Region operating authorities wanted more of the class built after the 1948 nationalisation.  However, this request was turned down in favour of B.R. standard 9Fs.

Tyseley had a small allocation of these locomotives, however there were greater numbers allocated to nearby Oxley & Stourbridge Junction sheds and this guaranteed that numerous members of the class could be seen at work on the GW line through Snow Hill. 2885 itself was allocated to Stourbridge Junction and one of the regular Tyseley volunteers can recall working this particular engine from that depot.

2885 is an ex-Barry engine.  It has undergone cosmetic restoration at Tyseley Locomotive Works and will be on display as a static exhibit at the newly restored and refurbished original Moor Street station.  This GWR station is a listed building and is being restored for use as a terminal station for Chiltern Railways' service from Marylebone.  It will ease congestion through the Snow Hill tunnel and within Snow Hill station itself, which has been reduced to three platforms since the advent of the Midland Metro tram service to Wolverhampton.  The station being very close to the major new BULLRING Birmingham shopping complex now nearing completion, so will see greater use and prominence.  It will also have steam train run-round and servicing facilities.  The Shakespeare Express will use this station when it is eventually reconnected to the Network Rail network.  Thus restoring the station back to its original purpose i.e. as the northern terminus of the North Warwickshire Line (now known as the Shakespeare Line).  In the meantime, it will be up to 2885 to fly the flag for the forthcoming return to steam for the original Moor Street station>>.