LNER Class W1

LNER Class W1
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderDarlington Works
Build date1929
Total produced1
RebuilderDoncaster Works
Rebuild date1936
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte4-6-4
 • UIC2′C1.1′ h4v
later 2′C1.1′ h3
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Leading dia.3 ft 2 in (0.965 m)
Driver dia.6 ft 8 in (2.032 m)
Trailing dia.3 ft 2 in (0.965 m)
Fuel capacity9 long tons (9.1 t; 10 short tons)
Water cap.5,000 imp gal (23,000 L; 6,000 US gal)
Firebox:
 • Grate areaOriginal: 35 sq ft (3.3 m2)
Rebuilt: 50 sq ft (4.6 m2)
BoilerOriginal: Diagram 103
Rebuilt: Diagram 111
Boiler pressureOriginal: 450 psi (3.10 MPa)
Rebuilt: 250 psi (1.72 MPa)
CylindersOriginal: Four (compound); two high pressure inside; two low pressure outside
Rebuilt: Three (simple)
Cylinder sizeRebuilt: 20 in × 26 in (508 mm × 660 mm)
High-pressure cylinderOriginal: 12 in × 26 in (305 mm × 660 mm); bore later reduced to 10 in (254 mm)
Low-pressure cylinderOriginal: 20 in × 26 in (508 mm × 660 mm)
Valve gearWalschaerts (outside only post-rebuild), Gresley Conjugated inside post-rebuild
Performance figures
Tractive effortOriginal: 32,000 lbf (142.3 kN)
Rebuilt: 41,437 lbf (184.3 kN)
Career
OperatorsLNER » BR
ClassW1
Power classBR: 8P
NumbersLNER: 10000
BR: 60700
NicknamesHush-Hush
Axle load classRoute Availability: 9
WithdrawnJune 1959
DispositionScrapped
10000 on a turntable at Kings Cross, 1931

The LNER W1 No. 10000 (also known as the Hush-Hush due to its secrecy) was an experimental steam locomotive fitted with a high pressure water-tube boiler. Nigel Gresley was impressed by the results of using high-pressure steam in marine applications and so in 1924 he approached Harold Yarrow of shipyard and boilermakers Yarrow & Company of Glasgow to design a suitable boiler for a railway locomotive, based on Yarrow's design.