LNER Class J38

LNER Class J38
Gresley J38 0-6-0 No. 65925 and brake van on a goods working at the site of Forest Mill station,
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Nigel Gresley Build date 1926 Total produced 35
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0  • UIC Ch Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Driver dia. 56 in (1.422 m) Loco weight 58.95 long tons (59.90 t; 66.02 short tons) Total weight 103.15 long tons (104.81 t; 115.53 short tons) Fuel type Coal Boiler pressure 180 psi (1.24 MPa) Cylinders Two, inside Cylinder size 20 in × 26 in (508 mm × 660 mm) Valve gear Stephenson Valve type piston valves
Performance figures Tractive effort 28,415 lbf (126.40 kN)
Career Operators London and North Eastern Railway British Railways Class LNER: J38 Power class BR: 6F Retired 1962–1967 Disposition All scrapped

The London and North Eastern Railway Class J38 was a class of steam locomotive designed for freight transport. They were designed by Nigel Gresley and introduced in 1926. A total of 35 were built and they were used in Scotland. All passed into British Railways ownership in 1948 and they were numbered 65900-65934.

The J39 was a later development, exchanging the J38's 4 ft 8 in (1.422 m) driving wheels with larger 5 ft 2 in (1.575 m), 289 J39s being built. Some of the J38s were later rebuilt with J39 boilers.

Dimensions

• BR Power classification, 6F
• Locomotive weight, 58 long tons 19 cwt (132,000 lb or 59.9 t)
• Tender weight, 44 long tons 4 cwt (99,000 lb or 44.9 t)
• Boiler pressure, 180 psi (1,200 kPa)
• Superheater, Yes
• Cylinders, 20 in × 26 in (508 mm × 660 mm)
• Driving wheel diameter, 4 ft 8 in (1.422 m)
• Tractive effort, 28,415 lbf (126,400 N)
• Valve gear, Stephenson
  • piston valves

Preservation

All J38s were withdrawn between 1962 and 1967, with none surviving into preservation and falling to the cutter's torch. Though rumors persist about plans to build a replica of this steam locomotive some time in the near future, along with the LNER J39 steam locomotive.

Sources

Ian Allan ABC of British Railways Locomotives, 1962 edition

External links

• LNER encyclopedia
• Railuk database