The LNWR Experiment Class of was a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotive designed by George Whale
They were an extended version of the Precursor class, with slightly smaller driving wheels. Experiment was built in 1905 and a total of 105 were constructed up until 1910. The LNWR reused numbers and names of withdrawn locomotives, with the result that the numbering system was completely haphazard. A 19" express goods with smaller driving wheels was also built from 1906. From 1911 a super heated version 'the Prince of Wales class was built
The Experiment has always seemed to me too small a locomotive for the 4-6-0 wheel arrangement. The drivers are just crammed in there and only just make it (despite their smaller diameter compared with the 4-4-0s). On the other hand, the freight version of this design, the one having the smaller driving wheels, looks very balanced and 'right' (to my mind).
ReplyDeleteA great shame none of Whale's Precursors were saved for preservation - they were great little engines and they proved indispensable to the LNWR (together with Bowen-Cooke's George V variant) until larger engines arrived to handle the inevitably heavier and heavier trains.
This is the L.&N.W.R. Claughton(small boilered)class.From a growing learner of British Steam.
ReplyDeleteQuite correct Darth Vader. The small boiler-ed locomotives were the original taken from the first experimental engine which was named after Sir Gilbert Claughton the LNWR's chairman. Later twenty were rebuilt by the LMS with larger boilers, and ten of these had Caprotti valve gear. Twelve others were rebuilt as the initial engines of the LMS Patriot Class, though not much material was reused. The name 'Patriot' being taken from a 'Claughton' which was the LNWR's war memorial engine No 1914. Of course a patriot is in the process of new build 'The Unknown Warrior' and it will be lovely to see the locomotive completed and in steam.
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