LNWR Alfred the Great Class

LNWR Alfred the Great class
1942 King Edward VII
Power type Steam
Designer F.W. Webb
Build date 1901–1903
Total produced 40
Configuration 4-4-0
UIC classification 2'B
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Driver diameter 7 ft 1 in (2.159 m)
Locomotive weight 57.60 long tons (58.52 t)
Boiler pressure 200 psi (1.38 MPa)
Cylinders Four: two HP (outside), two LP (inside)
High-pressure
cylinder size		 16 × 24 in (410 × 610 mm)
Low-pressure
cylinder size		 20.5 × 24 in (520 × 610 mm)
Valve gear Joy
Tractive effort 80%: 30,544 lbf (135.87 kN)
Career LNWR · LMS
Power class 2P
Number in class 1 January 1923: 15
Withdrawn 1923–1928

The London and North Western Railway (LNWR) Alfred the Great class, after modification known as the Benbow Class was a class of 4-4-0 4-cylinder compound locomotives by F.W. Webb. A total of forty were built from 1901–1903. They were a development of the Jubilee Class, with a slightly larger boiler.

Unusually for the LNWR, the locomotives were assigned a number series, this being 1941-80.

Compounds had proven unreliable, so starting in 1908 Whale started rebuilding the Jubilees into the 2 cylinder simple Renown Class. Bowen-Cooke started the same process with the Benbows in 1913, and these too were added to the Renown Class. Rebuilt engines retained their numbers. Benbow 1974 Howe was superheated in 1921; the only member of the class so treated.

Number 1976 Lady Godiva was withdrawn in December 1922 without rebuilding. By the grouping of 1 January 1923, when the LNWR passed into London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) ownership, 25 had been rebuilt to Renowns, leaving fourteen Benbows. Of these, 1956 was withdrawn in early 1923, before it could be allocated an LMS number, but the remaining 13—1944/52–55/64/66/67/69/70/74/77/79 were allocated the LMS numbers 5118–5130, sequentially. The LMS continued conversions, rebuilding another eight—1952–54/64/67/69/70/74 in 1923/4. The remainder four Benbows 1944/55/66/79 were withdrawn between 1923–1927, the last being 1974 Howe in 1928 – none of these last five received their allocated LMS numbers. And thus the class was made extinct.

Stock list

References