LNER Class V1/V3

Infobox Locomotive Auto
name = LNER Class V1/V3
powertype = Steam
service = passenger
builder = LNER
builddate = V1: 1930–39
V3: 1939–40
totalproduction = (V1) 82
(V3) 10
whytetype = 2-6-2T
uicclass = 1C1'h3t
trucks = (front) double swing link; (rear) radial
leadingsize = convert|3|ft|2|in|mm|abbr=on
driversize = convert|5|ft|8|in|mm|abbr=on
trailingsize = convert|3|ft|8|in|mm|abbr=on
wheelbase = convert|32|ft|3|in|m|2|abbr=on
length =
width =
height =
axleload = V1: convert|19.25|long ton|kg|abbr=on
V3: convert|20|long ton|kg|abbr=on
weight = V1: convert|57.05|long ton|kg|abbr=on
V3: convert|58.1|long ton|kg|abbr=on
fueltype = coal
fuelc
convert|4|long ton|kg|abbr=on (convert|4.5|long ton|kg|abbr=on with hopper-type bunker)
waterc
convert|2000|impgal|L|abbr=on
boilersize = convert|5|ft|m|2|abbr=on diameter
boilerpressure = V1: convert|180|psi|kPa|abbr=on
V3: convert|200|psi|kPa|abbr=on
firearea = convert|22.08|sqft
tubearea = convert|830|sqft
fluearea = convert|368|sqft
fireboxarea = convert|127|sqft
totalsurface = convert|1609|sqft
superheatertype = Robinson
superheaterarea = convert|284|sqft
cylindercount = 3
cylindersize = convert|16|in|mm|abbr=on bore × convert|26|in|mm|abbr=on stroke
valvegear = Outside: Walschaerts valve gear;
inside: Gresley derived motion
tractiveeffort = V1: convert|22464|lbf|kN
V3: convert|24960|lbf|kN
locobrakes = steam
trainbrakes = vacuum

The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) Class V1 and Class V3 were two classes of related 2-6-2T steam locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley. [cite web
url = http://www.lner.info/locos/V/v1v3.shtml
title = The Gresley V1 and V3 2-6-2T Prairie Tank Locomotives
work = The LNER Encyclopedia
first = Richard
last = Marsden
accessdate = 2007-04-08] A total of 82 V1s were built with 71 being rebuilt into the higher pressure V3s with a additional ten being built as V3s from the final batch of V1s. The V3 was a development of the V1 with increased boiler pressure and a resultant increase in tractive effort.

Development history

The development of large tank engines was somewhat delayed by problems on the Southern Railway following the Sevenoaks derailment thought to have been caused by the instability of the large K class 2-6-4 tanks. Gresley carried out stability tests on one of these locomotives and finding no trouble and without further delay produced his sophisticated VI class suburban tank in 1930. This incorporated his 3-cylinder system and was the first example of all three cylinders and valve chests being incorporated into a single steel casting [Brown, F.A.S: "Nigel Gresley, Locomotive Engineer" (Ian Allan, London, UK, 1961), pp.107-108] ; this arrangement was used for the P2 "Cock o' the North" and the subsequent V2, K4 and V4 types.

Construction history

A total of 71 V1s were built at Doncaster from 1930.

Operational history

They were first used in Scotland on the Glasgow-Edinburgh - Helensburgh services. One, no 2911 was also tried in 1931 with excellent results on the Hitchin-London trains before returning to Scotland.

Later development of the V3

From 1939, with working pressure increased to 200 psi gave higher power and better acceleration. A number of V1s were rebuilt to conform [Brown, F.A.S: "Nigel Gresley, Locomotive Engineer" (Ian Allan, London, UK, 1961), pp.186-187] . French-style hopper type coal bunker were also fitted. By 1956 there were 57 V1 and 35 V3 types in service [Ian Allan ABCof British Railways Locomotives] , many on Newcastle-Middlesbrough services.During World War Two a number were transferred to help with the heavy wartime loads from the ROF factory at Thorp Arch until the end of the war.

In all the V1 and V3s were hard working engines suited to the suburban workings. Some of the class were displaced from their sheds by the newer Thompson L1 class, a 2-cylinder 2-6-4T design based on the V1 and V3.

Withdrawal of the V1 and V3 began in 1960 with the V1s being disposed of by 1962 and the V3s by 1964 as they were replaced by DMUs and the new line of diesels that were becoming ever more common as the modernisation plan came into effect.

None of either class survived to be preserved.

References