Career
Thomas was the Locomotive, Carriage & Wagon and Marine Superintendent for the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway. Sharp Stewart and Company
He began his career as an engineering pupil at the locomotive manufacturering firm Sharp Stewart and Company in Manchester, later becoming a leading erector in that firm. Thomas would later erect a locomotive that was exhibited at the Manchester Exhibition of 1862.
Neilson and Company
He later went on to work for Neilson and Company at their Glasgow factory.
Hamilton Windsor Ironworks
His next appointment was at Hamilton Windsor Ironworks Company in Garston, Liverpool, where he gained experience in marine engineering and design of pontoons and piers. Ruston Proctor & Company
This was followed by a period of employment for Ruston Proctor & Company in Lincoln.
Whilst he was there he worked on the designs of locomotives that were being built for the Great Eastern Railway (GER). Great Eastern Railway
He then obtained employment in the drawing office of the GER Works at Stratford, London where he remained until September 1879.
London, Tilbury and Southend Railway
Next, he was then appointed as the Locomotive Carriage & Wagon and Marine Superintendent for the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway (LT&Social Research} at their Plaistow Works.
He was in fact the first locomotive superintendent for the LT&Social Research because from its opening in 1854 until 1875 the line was worked by their contractors Peto, Brassey and Betts. From 1875 until Thomas was appointed the LT&Social Research rolling stock was hired from the GER. Thomas introduced the highly successful outside cylinder 4-4-2T type, starting with the LT&Social Research 1 Class, which became the mainstay of the LTSR passenger services. Thomas retired in July 1910.
A British Rail Class 357 Electrostar Eastern Mediterranean University (number 357 029) currently operating on the c2c service from Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness is named in honour of Thomas Whitelegg.