GER Class 209.html



The GER Class 209 (LNER Class Y5) was a class of 0-4-0 saddle tank steam locomotives of the Great Eastern Railway. These locomotives were similar to the NBR G Class but had flat-topped, instead of round-topped, tanks. A total of 8 was built - 4 by Neilson and Company in 1874 and 4 more by the GER's Stratford Works between 1897 and 1903.

Overview

In order to shunt locations with tight curves and weight restrictions, two 0-4-0T locomotives were purchased from Neilson and Company to one of that company's standard designs by the GER, and this was followed by an order for a further two locomotives in 1876. In 1894-1895 these four locos were rebuilt under James Holden, the work including new boilers, steam brakes, and covered cabs¹.

In 1897 two new locomotives were built at Stratford Works, identical to the rebuilt 209 Class, but with slightly higher bunkers, and a further two locomotives to this new design were built, also at Stratford, in 1903¹.

Post-GER

Four were either sold or scrapped between 1911 and 1917 and the remaining four passed into London and North Eastern Railway ownership at the grouping in 1923. Their LNER class was Y5.

Three were withdrawn between 1926 and 1931. The 4th just survived into British Railways ownership in 1948 but was scrapped before it could receive a BR number.

Preservation

One locomotive, GER no. 229, is preserved at North Woolwich Old Station Museum. This is one of those which were sold between 1911 and 1917.

Modelling

A 4 mm scale kit is available from High Level Kits ².

Sources

• LNER Encyclopedia ³.

See also

• Minimum railway curve radius

References

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