LNWR George the Fifth class 2013 Prince George

LNWR George the Fifth Class 2013 Prince George
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Charles Bowen Cooke Builder LNWR George the Fifth Steam Locomotive Trust
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-4-0  • UIC 2′B h2 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Leading dia. 3 ft 3 in (0.991 m) Driver dia. 6 ft 9 in (2.057 m) Loco weight 59.85 long tons (60.81 t) Boiler pressure 175 psi (1.21 MPa) Heating surface 1,849 sq ft (171.8 m2) Superheater Schmidt Cylinders Two Cylinder size 20.5 in × 26 in (521 mm × 660 mm) or 20+1⁄2 in × 26 in (521 mm × 660 mm) Valve gear Joy
Performance figures Tractive effort 20,640 lbf (91.8 kN)
Career Numbers 2013 Official name Prince George Disposition Under Construction

The LNWR George the Fifth class 2013 Prince George is a full size LNWR George the Fifth Class steam locomotive under construction by the LNWR George the Fifth Steam Locomotive Trust, a Registered Charity. The 'George' is a classic example of an LNWR express engine of which no example survived into preservation. Therefore, the Trust is progressing towards 'making good this gap', and the new George is currently being contractors with much of the work carried out by Keyte Smith Ltd of Kirby in Ashfield

The Trust relies upon donations and regular contributions in order to fund the project. The Trust's short-term aims are currently focused on exhibiting its locomotive at Crewe Heritage Centre, strengthening its team and increasing the number of subscribers and active donors.

In July 2013 the Trust approached the Duke of Cambridge and Duchess of Cambridge to name their locomotive after their newborn son Prince George. The Duke and Duchess accepted, and the locomotive was given the number '2013', the year of his birth, and named 'Prince George' on 22 July 2014, in honour of his first birthday.

About the Class

They were essentially superheated versions of the LNWR Whale Precursor Class. At the same time as the first ten were built, similar non-superheated but otherwise identical Queen Mary Class engines were also built, to compare performance and costs. As the George the Fifth Class consumed 25% less coal all the Queen Mary Class were converted to George the Fifth standard.

As well as being more economical in coal, the George the Fifth Class was able to develop over 1200HP, creating a sensation amongst railway observers at the time.

Many Precursors were converted at overhauls to conform with the successful George specification; the only visual difference being the Splashers over the driving wheels.

Due to the Civil Engineer's veto of the planned 4-6-0 only a year after the introduction of the George the Fifth, the class remained on top link duties much longer than was planned. Even when the 4-6-0 did appear in 1913 it was in limited numbers until 1920. Thus the Class remained as possibly the hardest worked locomotive for its size for many years.

Once bigger locomotives were available in large numbers the Class was redeployed to less onerous main line duties, then ending up on branch lines before final elimination of the last one in 1949.

Project launch

The Trust was created in 2012 undertaking detailed evaluations and planning, whilst building up valuable information and drawings. Its first item of construction was the smokebox door. The project was officially launched on 22 July 2014 with the unveiling of a fully painted and lined out, cabside and splasher assembly complete with number and name plates; this took place at Quorn on the Great Central Railway Loughborough.

Construction

Only one 20th century LNWR locomotive exists, meaning there are virtually no spare parts in existence. Thus the whole build has to be from scratch. The Trust has acquired genuine auxiliary fittings including an LNWR whistle which came off a Special tank being scrapped. A presentation of the whistle took place on the footplate of Hardwicke at the 2012 Railfest at York. Sadly, the whistle was badly damaged in its removal, such as to make it unusable.

Frame plates have been cut, and the cab and front end assemblies mounted with the running plates for public exhibition. It is currently at Crewe Heritage Centre.

The Trust is a member of the Main Line Steam Builders' Group, sharing information and ideas, with Ricardo Rail, the Approvals body as advisors.

Project future

It will cost between £1.5 and £2 million to complete Prince George. Funds are being raised through private donation and sponsorship of parts. Raising the necessary capital is done through having a presence at events, giving talks and generating publicity through the media.