Crampton realised that the locomotives of the GWR were better than the standard gauge locomotives for a number of reasons.
The broad gauge allowed a larger boiler diameter and higher centre of gravity for the same stability.
Broad gauge also allowed a bigger firebox and heating area.
Larger driving wheels gave a lower piston speed, which allowed a higher speed for the locomotive before exhaust problems occurred.

In 1843, Crampton took out a patent for a new design of locomotive.
It is for the physical appearance of his locomotives that Crampton is remembered for today, with the driving wheel placed behind the firebox.
But there were technical improvements that he made, which laid the foundations for future locomotive design.
The three most important improvements were:- wide steam passages, large heating surfaces and generous bearing surfaces on the wheels.

From 1844 to 1848, Crampton was working for John and George Rennie.

In 1845, Crampton received his first order for a locomotive built to his patent.

The Namur and Liege Railway in Belgium ordered three locomotives with 7 feet (2.13 m) diameter driving wheels and a 14.5 square feet (1.35 m²) grate.
They were built by the firm of Tulk and Ley of Whitehaven.
One of the locomotives was tested in 1847 on the London and North Western Railway, who then built a "Crampton Patent" locomotive at Crewe.
Another two locomotives were bought by the LNWR, including a 6-2-0 Liverpool built by Bury, Curtis and Kennedy in 1848 with 8 feet (2.44 m) diameter driving wheels.
A claim of 79 miles per hour (127 km/h) being achieved was made, with an average of 53 miles per hour (85 km/h) over 30 miles (48 km) with a 60-ton load.
Another claim was for a speed of hauling eight carriages over 16 miles (26 km) at an average speed of 74 miles per hour (119 km/h).

One locomotive Crampton designed had an indirect drive arrangement, with a crankshaft between the driving wheels.
This locomotive had a 2-2+2-2 wheel arrangement.
In 1847, Crampton became a founder member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and in 1848, Crampton set up in business as a Civil Engineer in London.
In 1850, a Crampton locomotive was exhibited at Birmingham which had balance weights on the driving wheels.
This feature was commented upon by William Stroudley.
In 1851, Crampton started the Broadstairs Gasworks, overseeing the construction and financing much of the works.
Crampton realised that the locomotives of the GWR were better than the standard gauge locomotives for a number of reasons. The broad gauge allowed a larger boiler diameter and higher centre of gravity for the same stability. Broad gauge also allowed a bigger firebox and heating area. Larger driving wheels gave a lower piston speed, which allowed a higher speed for the locomotive before exhaust problems occurred.
In 1843, Crampton took out a patent for a new design of locomotive. It is for the physical appearance of his locomotives that Crampton is remembered for today, with the driving wheel placed behind the firebox. But there were technical improvements that he made, which laid the foundations for future locomotive design. The three most important improvements were:- wide steam passages, large heating surfaces and generous bearing surfaces on the wheels.
From 1844 to 1848, Crampton was working for John and George Rennie.
In 1845, Crampton received his first order for a locomotive built to his patent. 
The Namur and Liege Railway in Belgium ordered three locomotives with 7 feet (2.13 m) diameter driving wheels and a 14.5 square feet (1.35 m²) grate. They were built by the firm of Tulk and Ley of Whitehaven. One of the locomotives was tested in 1847 on the London and North Western Railway, who then built a "Crampton Patent" locomotive at Crewe. Another two locomotives were bought by the LNWR, including a 6-2-0 Liverpool built by Bury, Curtis and Kennedy in 1848 with 8 feet (2.44 m) diameter driving wheels. A claim of 79 miles per hour (127 km/h) being achieved was made, with an average of 53 miles per hour (85 km/h) over 30 miles (48 km) with a 60-ton load. Another claim was for a speed of hauling eight carriages over 16 miles (26 km) at an average speed of 74 miles per hour (119 km/h).
One locomotive Crampton designed had an indirect drive arrangement, with a crankshaft between the driving wheels. This locomotive had a 2-2+2-2 wheel arrangement. In 1847, Crampton became a founder member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and in 1848, Crampton set up in business as a Civil Engineer in London. In 1850, a Crampton locomotive was exhibited at Birmingham which had balance weights on the driving wheels. This feature was commented upon by William Stroudley. In 1851, Crampton started the Broadstairs Gasworks, overseeing the construction and financing much of the works.
Thomas Russell Crampton