LMS 8F class.html



LMS Stanier Class 8F

An unidentified 8F with a coal train (a typical duty) in 1966.
Power type	Steam
Designer	William Stanier
Builder	LMS Crewe Works LMS Horwich Works Vulcan Foundry North British Locomotive Co. (also GWR Swindon Works LNER Darlington Works LNER Doncaster Works SR Eastleigh Works SR Ashford Works SR Brighton Works Beyer, Peacock & Co. for REC and MoS orders)
Build date	1935-1946
Total production	852
Configuration	2-8-0
UIC classification	1'Dh
Gauge	4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm)
Leading wheel size	39.5 in (1.003 m)
Driver size	56.5 in (1.435 m)
Length	63 ft 0½ in
Locomotive weight	loco: 72.10 long tons (73.3 t)
Fuel type	Coal
Fuel capacity	9 long tons (9.1 t)
Water capacity	4,000 imp gal (18,000 l)
Boiler	LMS type 3C
Boiler pressure	225 psi (1.55 MPa)
Fire grate area	28.5 sq ft (2.65 m2)
Heating surface: Tubes	1,479 sq ft (137.4 m2)
Heating surface: Firebox	171 sq ft (15.9 m2)
Superheater area	215–245 sq ft (20.0–22.8 m²)
Cylinders	Two, outside
Cylinder size	18½×28 in (470×711 mm)
Tractive effort	32,440 lbf (144.3 kN)
Class	LMS & BR: 7F, later 8F
Retired	1960–1968 (BR service)

The London Midland and Scottish Railway's 8F class 2-8-0 heavy freight locomotive is a class of steam locomotive designed for hauling heavy freight. 852 were built between 1935 and 1946 as a freight version of William Stanier's successful black five, and the class saw service overseas during the Second World War.

Background

LMS freight traction was poor, the adoption of the Midland Railway's small engine policy had left it with trains double-headed by underpowered 0-6-0s supplemented by inadequate Garratts and Fowler 7F 0-8-0s.

Incorporating two-cylinder arrangement of the black fives. They were initially classified 7F, but this was later changed to the more familiar 8F.

On the outbreak of the Second World War, the design was chosen to become the country's standard freight design, reprising the role the GCR 8K Class had in the Great War.

Construction

Service

The War Department had 208 built by Beyer Peacock and North British Locomotive Company and requisitioned 51 more. Many saw service overseas in Egypt, Turkey (TCDD 45151 Class), Iraq, Palestine and Italy (FS Class 737). By 1943 however, it was decided to build a cheaper version and this resulted in the WD Austerity 2-8-0. During the war the LNER ordered 68 for its own use, classifying them O6, and examples were also built at Swindon. 39 returned to Britain at the end of the war and 666 entered British Railways service. Locomotive No 48600 was used in the 1953 Glenn Ford movie,'Terror on a Train'.

The British examples were withdrawn over the period 1962–1968. Some however continued to work in Turkey into the 1980s.

Preservation

Eleven LMS/BR locomotives have been preserved, and an eighth member of the class has been repatriated from Turkey. In addition, several Turkish Railway (TCCD) locomotives have been preserved in Turkey, and at least one locomotive is believed to exist in Iraq. The complete list is shown below. Two more are also visible underwater on the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm.

Gallery

48392 and 48216 at Water Orton.

48101.

Preserved 48151.

See also

• SS Thistlegorm

External links

• The Stanier 8F Locomotive Society

References

• Rowledge, J.W.P (1975). Engines of the LMS, built 1923–51. Oxford: Oxford Publishing Company. ISBN 0902888 59 5.