LNWR G Class
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The London and North Western Railway (LNWR) G Class along with modifications that made them into G1, G2 and G2a classes, is a class of 0-8-0 steam locomotives designed for heavy freight work.
The G class were originally introduced in 1906 as modifications of the 4-cylinder compound B Class 0-8-0s by removing their outside cylinders to give an improved two cylinder layout. From 1912 superheating was introduced and most of the B class were converted into G1 Class, not G Class. The G2 class were new builds with increased boiler pressure from 160lbf/in² to 175psi. Some G1s were converted to G2a classes after their boiler pressure was increased.
After grouping in 1923, they were acquired by the LMS who gave them the power classifications 6F for G1 and 7F for G2 and G2a locomotives. They derived the LMS 7F 0-8-0, but that was a poor engine in comparison because of the failings of the Midland Railway's drawing office, and the Super Ds outlived the Austin 7s.
One G2a, LMS 9395, BR number 49395, has survived as part of the National Railway Collection and has been returned to working order thanks to lots of money from Pete Waterman.
