SEK Class Λβ

SEK Class Λβ (WD Austerity 2-10-0)
Type and origin
Power type Steam
Designer Riddles
Builder North British Locomotive Company
Build date 1943-1944
Total produced 16
Specifications
Configuration 2-10-0
UIC classification 1′E h
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Driver diameter 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Locomotive weight 78 long tons 6 cwt (175,400 lb or 79.6 t)
Fuel type Coal
Boiler pressure 225 lbf/in2 (1.55 MPa)
Cylinders Two
Cylinder size 19 in × 28 in (483 mm × 711 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort 34,215 lbf (152.20 kN)

SEK (Sidirodromoi Ellinikou Kratous, Hellenic State Railways) Class Λβ (or Class Lb; Lambda-beta) is a class of 2-10-0 steam locomotives, ex-WD Austerity 2-10-0s purchased after the Second World War. Sixteen of these came to Greece via Egypt in 1952. They were numbered Λβ951-966.

They were allocated to the Salonika division, where they hauled main line passenger trains, including Athens to Istanbul Expresses until they were replaced by diesel locomotives in 1967. However, they remained in service through the 1970s, the last being withdrawn in 1979.

Preservation

A total of five Greek Austerity 2-10-0s have survived. Two of them (Λβ951 and Λβ960) have been repatriated to Great Britain, and two more (Λβ962 and Λβ964) are in working condition in Greece.[1] Two more are abandoned in Salonika and Tithorea (Λβ 958). The fate of others is less clear.

References

  1. ↑ "Συγκεντρωτικός Πίνακας Κινητήριου Τροχαίου Υλικού (Concise table of self-propelled rolling stock)" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-06-02.

External links