LCDR R1 class
| R1 class | |
|---|---|
 No. 1706 at London Bridge, March 1948 | |
| Specifications | |
| Power type | Steam |
| Builder | Sharp, Stewart & Co. |
| Serial number | 4668–82 |
| Total produced | 15 |
| Configuration | 0-4-4T |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Driver diameter | 5 ft 6 in (1,680 mm) |
| Trailing wheel diameter | 3 ft 6 in (1,070 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 21 ft 10 in (6,650 mm) |
| Axle load | 16 long tons (16 t) |
| Weight on drivers | 31.3 long tons (31.8 t) |
| Locomotive weight | 51.45 long tons (52.28 t) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Fuel capacity | 2 long tons (2.0 t) |
| Water capacity | 1,100 imp gal (5,000 l) |
| Boiler pressure | 155 psi (1,070 kPa) |
| Firegrate area | 16 1⁄4 sq ft (1.51 m2) |
| Heating surface: – Tubes | 972 sq ft (90.3 m2) |
| – Firebox | 99 sq ft (9.2 m2) |
| – Total | 1,071 sq ft (99.5 m2) |
| Cylinders | Two, inside |
| Cylinder size | 17 1⁄2 in × 24 in (444 mm × 610 mm) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum & Westinghouse |
| Career | |
| Railroad(s) |
South Eastern and Chatham Railway Southern Railway British Railways |
| Class | R1 |
| Power class | BR: 1P |
| Number in class | 15 |
| Number | SE&CR: 696–710; SR: A696–A710 then 1696–1710; BR: 31696–31710 |
| First run | November–December 1900 |
| Withdrawn | 1929–56 |
| Disposition | All scrapped |
| [1] | |
History
For many years the two constituents of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) - the London, Chatham and Dover Railway (LCDR) and the South Eastern Railway (SER) - had both favoured the 0-4-4T wheel arrangement for suburban and stopping passenger trains. The SER's most recent design was James Stirling's Q class 0-4-4T, which had been produced between 1881 and 1897,[2] whereas the LCDR had the more modern R class 0-4-4T of William Kirtley's design, which dated from 1891.[3] When more 0-4-4T engines were required soon after the formation of the SECR in 1899, the company had two options: to build more of either or both of the existing designs, or to produce a new design. It was intended that a range of standard designs would be produced which would be suitable for use across the whole SECR system, but until these were ready, it was decided to order more of the LCDR's existing R class design, but with modifications.[4]
Numbering
Fifteen of these locomotives were built by Sharp, Stewart & Co in 1900; their SECR numbers were 696-710 - nos. 696-705 were for use on the former LCDR routes, whilst nos. 706-710 were for the old SER system.[5] Originally they were included in the R class, but were separated into a new R1 class in January 1901.[4] No more were built, because by the time that further 0-4-4Ts were required, Wainwright's H class design was ready; it owed much to the R1 class.[6]
- Renumbering
The R1 class locos were renumbered three times: to A696-710 by the Southern Railway (SR) from 1923; to 1696-1710 by the SR from 1931; and to 31696-31710 by British Railways from 1948.[7]
Withdrawal
Two (nos. A701 and A702) were withdrawn in 1929,[8] and withdrawal of the rest occurred between 1949 and 1956.[9]
Notes
References
- Bradley, D.L. (March 1979) [1960]. The Locomotive History of the London, Chatham & Dover Railway (2nd ed.). London: RCTS. ISBN 0-901115-47-9.
- Bradley, D.L. (April 1980) [1961]. The Locomotive History of the South Eastern & Chatham Railway (2nd ed.). London: RCTS. ISBN 0-901115-49-5.
- Bradley, D.L. (September 1985) [1963]. The Locomotive History of the South Eastern Railway (2nd ed.). London: RCTS. ISBN 0-901115-48-7.
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