LNER 5477
Robinson based his mixed traffic GCR Class 9Q (LNER B7) 4-6-0 design on the passenger Lord Faringdon class (B3). The two designs shared the same frame length, boiler, and cylinders, although the B7 cylinders were more steeply inclined. The B7's wheels were smaller.
38 were built in five batches, the first four by the Great Central, classed 9Q, between 1921-4 the fifth batch by the LNER classified B7/1. The LNER ordered a final batch of ten in 1923-4. These had reduced boiler mountings and cab to conform to the new LNER composite loading gaugeand were classified B7/2.
The locos had an appetite for coal and were known as "The Colliers Friends" although in retrospect, they were Robinson's most succesful 4-6-0 design. In fairness, their coal consumption was no greater than any other mixed traffic locomotive of the time.
The B7s were particularly good at hauling the fast goods, excursion, and relief passenger work for which they were designed. Throughout their lives they were the standard type for excursion trains in the northern area of the Great Central section.
All thirty eight B7s survived into Nationalisation (1948), but after Nationalisation they were quickly replaced by Thompson B1s. The last B7 was withdrawn in 1950.
scanned from a small photograph in my collection. Location is Nottingham Victoria, and the date 1924.
LNER 5477
Robinson based his mixed traffic GCR Class 9Q (LNER B7) 4-6-0 design on the passenger Lord Faringdon class (B3). The two designs shared the same frame length, boiler, and cylinders, although the B7 cylinders were more steeply inclined. The B7's wheels were smaller.
38 were built in five batches, the first four by the Great Central, classed 9Q, between 1921-4 the fifth batch by the LNER classified B7/1. The LNER ordered a final batch of ten in 1923-4. These had reduced boiler mountings and cab to conform to the new LNER composite loading gaugeand were classified B7/2.
The locos had an appetite for coal and were known as "The Colliers Friends" although in retrospect, they were Robinson's most succesful 4-6-0 design. In fairness, their coal consumption was no greater than any other mixed traffic locomotive of the time.
The B7s were particularly good at hauling the fast goods, excursion, and relief passenger work for which they were designed. Throughout their lives they were the standard type for excursion trains in the northern area of the Great Central section.
All thirty eight B7s survived into Nationalisation (1948), but after Nationalisation they were quickly replaced by Thompson B1s. The last B7 was withdrawn in 1950.
scanned from a small photograph in my collection. Location is Nottingham Victoria, and the date 1924.