Monster Chinese locomotive

The Chinese Engine:

No KF7

4-8-4 Tender Locomotive.

 

No KF7 ran on the Canton-Hankow and Nanking-Shanghai lines, both of which

featured steep ascents and unsubstantial bridges capable of carrying relatively low

loads. These circumstances necessitated a powerful locomotive with a low axle load

and a large firebox. A machine with the ability to burn poor quality coal was also

needed, as this was the type most readily available locally.The 4-8-4 wheel

arrangement, frequently found in the United States, was also used for this

locomotive.

No KF7 was designed by Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Cantlie, later known to

colleagues as ‘Chinese Charlie’,Technical Adviser to the Chinese Ministry of Railways.

It was built in the United Kingdom for export and spent all its working life in China

until 1977. After being withdrawn from service, KF7 was presented to the National

Railway Museum in York, UK by the Chinese Government.The engine had to be transported fromTilbury Docks to York by road, as the loading gauge is 60cm too high and

30cm too wide to run on the railway lines in Britain

Done