LMS Royal Scot Class 6170 British Legion

London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) Royal Scot Class 6170 (later 46170) "British Legion" was a British steam locomotive.

Overview

6170 was constructed in 1935 utilising the frames of the unsuccessful experimental high pressure compound locomotive 6399 "Fury". The frames were combined with a new type of boiler designed by William Stanier. It was named after the British Legion and given a number as part of the Royal Scot Class.

It remained the only 2A boilered locomotive until 1942 when two Jubilee Class engines 5735 "Comet" and 5736 "Phoenix" were also rebuilt with 2A boilers. After that, the LMS rebuilt all 70 of the Royal Scots, between 1943 and 1955 and 18 of the Patriot Class between 1946 and 1949 with 2A boilers. When built, 6170 was given the standard passenger livery of LMS crimson lake and was the only rebuilt Scot to wear that livery whilst in service, though 6100 "Royal Scot" carries it in preservation.

There were numerous differences between 6170 and the other rebuilt Scots. 6170's boiler was longer and it had a new cab with side windows, whereas the other rebuilt Scots retained their old cut-out cabs (the rebuilt Jubilees retained their original side window cabs and the rebuilt Patriots gained new side window cabs). It was the only rebuilt Scot built with a single chimney. Changes during its lifetime saw the fitting of a double chimney and smoke deflectors.

After nationalisation in 1948, 6170 was renumbered 46170. 46170 was withdrawn in 1962 and subsequently scrapped.

External links

* [http://www.railuk.co.uk/steam/getsteam.php?number=46170 Railuk database]