SECR C class

SECR C class

C class 592 after its latest overhaul, August 2007.

Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Harry Wainwright Builder SECR Ashford Works (70) SECR Longhedge Works (9) Neilson, Reid & Co. (15) Sharp, Stewart & Co. (15) Build date 1900–1908 Total produced 109

Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0  • UIC C n2 Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Driver dia. 5 ft 2 in (1.575 m) Loco weight 43 long tons 16 cwt (98,100 lb or 44.5 t) 43 long tons 16 hundredweight (44.5 t; 49.1 short tons) Fuel type Coal Boiler pressure 160 lbf/in2 (1.10 MPa) Superheater None Cylinders Two, inside Cylinder size 18 1⁄2 in × 26 in (470 mm × 660 mm) Valve gear Stephenson

Performance figures Tractive effort 19,520 lbf (86.83 kN)

Career Operators South Eastern and Chatham Railway Southern Railway Southern Region of British Railways Class SECR / SR: C Power class BR: 2F Withdrawn 1947–1967 Disposition One preserved, remainder scrapped

The South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) C Class is a class of 0-6-0 steam locomotive, designed by Harry Wainwright and built between 1900 and 1908. They were designed for freight duties, although occasionally used for passenger trains. They operated over the lines of the railway in London and south-east England until the early 1960s. One example was rebuilt as an S Class saddle tank

The SECR held trials in November 1898 to decide on a standard freight locomotive design. Two existing 0-6-0 locomotives were tested: former London, Chatham and Dover Railway B2 class No. 194 designed by William Kirtley; and former South Eastern Railway O class No. 436 designed by James Stirling. The Kirtley design proved superior and a new order for 40 locomotives based on it was placed. These new locomotives were designed by Harry Wainwright, the new Chief Mechanical Engineer of the railway, and formed the first of the C class.

The first fifteen locomotives were constructed by Neilson, Reid and Company and delivered in June 1900, followed by a further fifteen from Sharp, Stewart and Company. The remainder were built by the SECR workshops at Ashford (70 examples 1900-1908) and Longhedge Works (9 examples 1903-4).

The locomotives were used on freight services and occasional passenger excursion trains (such as hop-picking specials), throughout the SER between Reading railway station and the Kent Coast. The last twelve locomotives were fitted with steam carriage heating equipment to enable them to be used to haul and prepare empty stock for express trains. The remainder of the class were also so equipped by the Southern Railway after 1923.