Gresley V2's deputising for Bullied Pacifics 1953

During 1953 several Gresley V2's were sent the Southern region of BR to cover for an axle fault on the WC/MN class

I have added 2 photos taken at Bournemouth of the V2's

60893 hauling 'The Bournemouth Belle' Pullman at Bournemouth

https://railway-photography.smugmug.com/LNERSteam/Gresley-Locomotives/Gresley-V2/6089260917-Built-1940-Darlingt/6089260900/




60892-60900 - Railway-Photography
railway-photography.smugmug.com
railway photographs from the last 100 years


and

60908 Bournemouth 1953

https://railway-photography.smugmug.com/LNERSteam/Gresley-Locomotives/Gresley-V2/6089260917-Built-1940-Darlingt/6090160917/i-9wTXfvH


Neil

 

Thank you for these

How well did they perform and does anyone know what Southern crews thought of the V2's?

 

35020 Bibby Line was hauling the 16:30 Exeter Central to Waterloo service when its crank axle broke while passing through the station at about 70mph apparently. BR withdrew all MN locos [but not WC/BoB I believe] whilst investigating the cause. Metal fatigue was found to be a common fault in MNs which required a different design to be made and fitted before they re-entered service. To cover, I know Gresley V2's and Black Fives were sent to the western division of Southern Region but unsure if other classes helped out too.
Once the Gresley firebox door flap was mastered I understand most fireman were reasonably content and I think most drivers liked them too.

 

The WR loaned some Britannia Pacifics, also for use on the Western division and I think one or two B1s appeared in Kent.

Incidentally, the 50th anniversary of the V2s' visit to the SR was marked by Green Arrow working a special down to Southampton in August 2003, followed by a 3-4 week stint at the Bluebell in October the same year. I think that the Bluebell crews were favourably impressed, like their BR(S) counterparts 50 years earlier.

 

The V2, like so many other Gresley designs, was driven on the cut-off, sometimes as low as an indicated 10%, with wide if not fully open regulator. But away from home territory, so to speak, how were the type driven on the Southern?

 

The locomotives transferred in to cover for the MNs were:

Britannia class: 70017, 70023, 70024, 70028, 70030, 70034

V2 class: 60893, 60896, 60908, 60916, 60917, 60928

Black 5s: 45051, 45061, 45130, 45216, 45222, 45223, 45250

BR Standard 5MTs: 73003, 73015, 73017

B1 class 61015, 61041, 61133, 61138, 61148, 61188, 61192, 61219, 61273, 61274, 61329, 61338, 61354

The V2's had their cab steps reduced from 8' 4'' to 7' 11'' wide, the live steam injector pipe was reduced from 8' to 7' 3'' wide and an extra lamp bracket put on the nearside of the smokebox door.

The B1's had their leading footsteps taken off for their loan to the Southern.