GNR Class H3

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GNR Class H2 and H3 LNER Class K1 and K2
LNER K2 4652 pulling Pullman coaches
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Nigel Gresley Builder Doncaster Works (10+20) North British Locomotive Co. (20) Kitson and Company (25) Serial number Doncaster: 1354, 1372–1380, 1425–1426, 1428–1435, 1466–1475 NBL: 21971–21990 Kitsons: 5330–5354 Build date 1912–21 Total produced K1: 10 K2: 10 rebuilt + 65 new Rebuild date 1920–1921, 1931–1937 Number rebuilt 10
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-6-0 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Leading dia. 3 ft 2 in (0.965 m) Driver dia. 5 ft 8 in (1.727 m) Loco weight K1: 61.7 long tons (62.7 t; 69.1 short tons) K2: 64.4 long tons (65.4 t; 72.1 short tons) Fuel type Coal Firebox: ​  • Grate area K1: 24.5 sq ft (2.28 m2) K2: 24 sq ft (2.2 m2) Boiler pressure 180 psi (1.24 MPa) Cylinders Two Cylinder size 20 in × 26 in (508 mm × 660 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 23,400 lbf (104.1 kN)
Career Operators Great Northern Railway, London and North Eastern Railway, British Railways Class GNR: H2 and H3 LNER: K1 and K2 Numbers GNR: 1630–1704 LNER (1923): 4630-4704 LNER (1946): 1720–1794 BR: 61720–61794 Nicknames Ragtimers Withdrawn 1955–1962 Disposition All scrapped

The Great Northern Railway Class H2 and H3 (classified K1 and K2 by the LNER) was a class of 2-6-0 steam locomotive designed for mixed-traffic work.

The class was created as a locomotive which could haul heavier goods trains at speeds of up to 40 mph. The class were later developed into the more powerful H4 (LNER K3) class. After formation of the London and North Eastern Railway, the type became known as class K1 and K2 and was adopted as an LNER standard design. They got the nickname "Ragtimers" because of their lively nature when running at speed and their use of Walschaerts valve gear which was uncommon on the GNR at the time.^[1]