SR Lord Nelson class

SR Lord Nelson class[1]
850 "Lord Nelson"
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
DesignerRichard Maunsell
BuilderSR Eastleigh Works
Build date1926–1929
Total produced16
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte4-6-0
 • UIC2′C h4
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Leading dia.3 ft 1 in (0.940 m)
Driver dia.6 ft 7 in (2.007 m)
6 ft 3 in (1.905 m) (one-off modification on E859)
Length69 ft 9+34 in (21.3 m)
Loco weight83 long tons 10 cwt (187,000 lb or 84.8 t)
Tender weight57 long tons 19 cwt (129,800 lb or 58.9 t)
Fuel typeCoal
Fuel capacitylong tons 0 cwt (11,200 lb or 5.1 t) (5.6 short tons)
Water cap.5,000 imp gal (23,000 L; 6,000 US gal)
Firebox:
 • Grate area33 sq ft (3.1 m2)
Boiler pressure220 lbf/in2 (1.52 MPa)
CylindersFour
Cylinder size16+12 in × 26 in (419 mm × 660 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort33,510 lbf (149.06 kN)
35,298 lbf (157.01 kN) (E859 w/6 ft 3 in. driving wheels)
Career
Operators
Power classBR: 7P
NumbersSR:850-865, BR:30850-30865
LocaleGreat Britain
Withdrawn1961–1962
Preserved850 Lord Nelson
DispositionOne preserved, remainder scrapped

The SR class LN or Lord Nelson class is a type of 4-cylinder 4-6-0 steam locomotive designed for the Southern Railway by Richard Maunsell in 1926. They were intended for Continental boat trains between London (Victoria) and Dover harbour, but were also later used for express passenger work to the South-West of England. Sixteen of them were constructed, representing the most powerful (although not the most successful) Southern 4-6-0 design. They were all named after famous admirals.[2]

The class continued to operate with British Railways until withdrawn during 1961 and 1962. Only one example of the class – the first engine, Lord Nelson itself – has been saved from scrapping. This has been seen running on mainline tours and preserved railways throughout Britain.

  1. ^ Herring 2000, pp. 110–111.
  2. ^ Hillier-Graves, Tim (2020). Southern Railway, Lord Nelson Class 4-6-0s Their Design and Development. Pen & Sword Books Limited. ISBN 978-1-5267-4474-6. OCLC 1202458524.