LNWR Class D

LNWR Class D
No.1866
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer George Whale Rebuilder Crewe Works Rebuild date 1906–09 Number rebuilt 62 from Class A 1 from no. 2524
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-8-0  • UIC D n2 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 4 ft 5.5 in (1.359 m) Fuel type Coal Boiler pressure 175 psi (1.21 MPa) Heating surface 2,043.25 sq ft (189.824 m2) Cylinders 2 inside Cylinder size 19.5 by 24 inches (500 mm × 610 mm)
Career Operators London and North Western Railway, London, Midland and Scottish Railway Disposition All rebuilt to Class G1 1923–37

The London and North Western Railway (LNWR) Class D was a class of 0-8-0 steam locomotives. They were simple engine rebuilds of earlier Webb Class A three-cylinder compound engines.

History

Though the original rebuilds of the Class As had reused the existing small (4 ft 3 in diameter) boilers with 19.5 in diameter cylinders (Class C, the smaller boilers could not raise adequate steam, so from 1906 the next 62 rebuilds (63 according to the LNWR Society) were rebuilt with a larger 5 ft 2 in diameter Experiment-type boilers, retaining the cylinders. These, from 1911, would be classified D. These rebuilds left smaller boilers available and so from 1906 rebuilds used these smaller boilers with smaller cylinders to Class C1.

To these compound rebuilds was added the prototype eight-coupled goods engine No. 2524 which was rebuilt with a larger boiler in 1906. Previously it had been similar to the Class C with a smaller boiler; though was not classified as such since the letter classification was introduced in 1911.

Numbering

All Ds were numbered in the 18xx or 25xx series by the LNWR. All passed into LMS ownership in 1923, and the LMS assigned them the numbers 9002-64, sequentially in order of rebuild date.

The LMS rebuilt all of the Ds with the addition of superheating, taking them into Class G1, nicknamed "Super Ds" between 1925 and 1934. Many carried their LNWR numbers until rebuilt for a second time, and the LMS number thereafter. And thus the class was rendered extinct.

Further reading

• Bob Essery & David Jenkinson An Illustrated Review of LMS Locomotives Vol. 2 Absorbed Pre-Group Classes Western and Central Divisions
• Edward Talbot, The London & North Western Railway Eight-Coupled Goods Engines
• Willie Yeadon, Yeadon's Compendium of LNWR Locomotives Vol 2 Goods Tender Engines