LNER Class V2

LNER Class V2

60975 at Newstead. The lack of outside steam pipes indicates that this locomotive still has monobloc cylinders.

Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Sir Nigel Gresley Builder LNER Doncaster and Darlington Works Build date 1936–1944 Total produced 184

Specifications Configuration 2-6-2 UIC class 1'C1' Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Leading dia. 3 ft 2 in (0.965 m) Driver dia. 6 ft 2 in (1.880 m) Trailing dia. 3 ft 8 in (1.118 m) Axle load 22 long tons (22 t; 25 short tons) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 7 long tons 10 cwt (16,800 lb or 7.6 t) Water cap 4,200 imp gal (19,000 l; 5,000 US gal) Boiler pressure 220 psi (1.52 MPa) Cylinders Three Cylinder size 18.5 in × 26 in (470 mm × 660 mm)

Performance figures Tractive effort 33,730 lbf (150.0 kN)

Career Class LNER: V2 Power class BR: 6MT (later) 7P6F Retired 1962–1966 Disposition One preserved, remainder scrapped

The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) Class V2 2-6-2 steam locomotives were designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for express mixed traffic work, and built at the LNER shops at Doncaster and Darlington between 1936–1944. The best known is the first of the class, 4771 (later 800 and 60800) Green Arrow, which is the only preserved example.

The V2s were the only major class of 2-6-2 tender locomotives used in Britain. Whilst 2-6-2T tank locomotives were common in the UK, the only other 2-6-2 tender locomotives were the unsuccessful experimental Midland Railway Paget locomotive of 1908, and the two examples of Gresley's LNER Class V4 of 1941. The wheel arrangement allowed the fitting of a large firebox uninhibited by the rear driving wheel, and the front pony truck improved stability at high speeds.

The V2 was derived from the Class A1/A3 pacifics with smaller driving wheels (of 6 ft 2 in or 1.880 m compared to 6 ft 8 in or 2.032 m) and a shortened boiler. It retained Gresley's favoured 3-cylinder arrangement. Unusually all 3 cylinders were part of a single 'monobloc' casting.

184 locomotives were built in 14 batches between 1936 and 1944 at Doncaster and Darlington Works, construction continuing through the Second World War as they proved their usefulness. A further four locomotives, ordered as V2s, were redesigned by Gresley's successor Edward Thompson and completed as Pacifics (LNER Thompson Class A2/1).

The V2 was a versatile locomotive, capable of hauling fast fitted freights and express passenger trains. Their relatively heavy 22 ton axle load meant their use was restricted to around 40% of the LNER's route miles. For example, they were barred from all of the former Great Eastern Railway main lines. Gresley recognised that a lighter mixed-traffic locomotive was required, and the V4 class was designed to this end. However, it was to be the versatile LNER Thompson Class B1 4-6-0 which succeeded the V2 as the LNER's standard mixed traffic locomotive, although the B1 never matched the V2's power output.