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Churchward 2900 Saint Class

Discussion in 'Photography' started by neildimmer, Oct 3, 2020.

  1. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    The Great Western Railway 2900 Class or Saint Class was built by the Great Western Railway's Swindon Works. incorporated several series of 2-cylinder passenger steam locomotives designed by George Jackson Churchward and built between 1902 and 1913 with differences in the dimensions. The majority of these were built as 4-6-0 locomotives; but thirteen examples were built as 4-4-2 (but converted to 4-6-0 during 1912/13). They proved to be a successful class which established the design principles for GWR 2-cylinder classes over the next fifty years.

    Between 1902 and 1905 Churchward built and tested three prototype locomotives with detail differences, before using the third as the basis for the production series.

    2 of the 3 prototypes are featured here
    https://railway-photography.smugmug...rd-2900-Saint-Class/Prototype-locos/i-nDFhdbJ

    No. 100 as built in 1902

    The first prototype was completed at the Swindon Works of the GWR (Lot 132) in February 1902.[2] It was numbered 100 and in June 1902 was named Dean (later William Dean) to mark the latter's retirement. The new design incorporated all of Churchward's current ideas including a domeless parallel boiler, raised Belpaire firebox, 19 in (48.3 cm) diameter outside cylinders with 30 in (76.2 cm) piston stroke, and boiler pressure of 200 psi (1.38 MPa).[3] The piston valves were driven by rocking levers actuated by the expansion link of Stephenson valve gear – this particular design was only used on no. 100.[4] The parallel boiler was later replaced with a taper boiler, and then the first superheated taper boiler in 1910. Churchward had studied American boiler design, but he was also later influenced by continental practice in efficient motion design. From the Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques (SACM) a de Glehn 4-4-2 compound engine was ordered for comparative trials on the GWR.[5] According to E.C. Poultney, No. 100 was the first 4-6-0 locomotive to have high enough boiler capacity and steam ports large enough to handle the steam flow required by large cylinders: "The engine probably influenced to a large extent the use made of engines of the 4-6-0 type".[6] No.100 was renumbered 2900 in 1912, and was withdrawn from service in 1932.

    The second prototype No. 98 as built 1903

    A second prototype locomotive, No. 98, was built at Swindon Works in March 1903 (Lot 138) to a similar design but with a taper boiler, re-designed valve gear layout and cylinders and a shorter wheelbase.[7] Valve diameters were increased from 6 1⁄2 inches (170 mm) to 10 inches (250 mm).[5] According to Poultney, these improvements "may truly be said to be the keystone of the arch upon which all modern locomotives are designed".[8] In 1906 this locomotive was re-boilered with a 225 psi (1.55 MPa) boiler to correspond with the third prototype. This prototype locomotive was named Vanguard in 1907 (renamed Ernest Cunard in the same year). It was renumbered 2998 in 1912, received a superheated boiler in 1911 and was withdrawn in 1933.


    A third prototype, No. 171, was built at Swindon in December 1903 (Lot 145) incorporating the improvements to No. 98 but with a 225 psi (1.55 MPa) boiler and minor amendments to the heating surface and grate area. It was built as a 4-6-0 but in October 1904 it was converted to a 4-4-2 to enable better comparison with the performance of the French built de Glehn 4-4-2 Compound; it was reconverted to 4-6-0 in July 1907.[7] The conversion was carried out by substituting 4 ft 1 1⁄2 in (1.257 m) trailing wheels with outside suspension for the final set of driving wheels. It was named Albion in 1904, renumbered 2971 in 1912, received a superheated boiler in 1910 and was withdrawn in 1946. No. 171 formed the basis of the main production series, introduced in 1905, although at this time Churchward was still unsure of the relative merits of the 4-4-2 and 4-6-0 wheel arrangements.


    Neil
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 18, 2020
  2. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    The Saint class appeared in four production series built between 1905 and 1913, each of which differed in dimensions. There were also differences between members of each series in terms of the boilers used, wheel arrangement, and arrangements for superheating. Different series and individual locomotives within series were also fitted with different tenders

    Scott series

    Whilst 171 was undergoing trials in 1905 nine further locomotives were ordered to be built at Swindon Works to a similar design (Lot 154) followed by a further ten (Lot 158). Thirteen of these were built as 4-4-2s and six as 4-6-0s. However, by January 1913, Churchward was persuaded by the superior adhesion provided by a 4-6-0 and they had all been converted to this wheel arrangement. The new locomotives were numbered 172–190 (renumbered 2972–2990 in 1912). Twelve of the series were named after characters in the novels of Sir Walter Scott. Directors of the GWR accounted for most of the other names. The series was withdrawn between 1931 and 1951.

    Original numbering 172-190

    https://railway-photography.smugmug...-Saint-Class/2972-2990-Scott-Series/i-dWf3pWF

    Neil
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 18, 2020
  3. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    I have added some new photos of Churchwards’s Saint class. This collection features Lady series 2901-2910 built 1906

    https://railway-photography.smugmug...0-Saint-Class/2901-2910-Lady-Series/i-NkcX8rK

    A second series of ten similar locomotives appeared in May 1906 (Swindon Lot 164), numbered 2901–10 and named after historical, mythological or poetical 'Ladies'. Nos. 2904–6 had short tapered boilers and short smokeboxes, whereas Nos. 2902–03 and 2907–10 had longer versions. All except 2901 had 18.125 in × 30 in (460 mm × 762 mm) cylinders, giving a tractive effort of 23,382 lbf (104.01 kN). No. 2901 Lady Superior was the first British locomotive to be built with a modern Schmidt superheater. The remainder of the locomotives were fitted with Swindon No.3 superheaters between 1909 and 1911 and were withdrawn between 1933 and 1952.

    Neil
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 18, 2020
  4. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    I have added some new photos of Churchwards’s Saint class

    This collection features Saints series 2911-2930 built 1907

    Saints series of locos

    A third series of twenty further locomotives appeared during August and September 1907 (Swindon Lot 170), numbered 2911–30 and named after Saints. The framing for these had long curved ends under the cab and over the cylinders, which greatly improved the rather angular appearance of the earlier locomotives. They were fitted with cone boilers and smokeboxes. In October 1908, No. 2922 Saint Gabriel was fitted with a Swindon No. 2 superheater. The following year the Swindon No. 3 superheater became standard for the class. Between 1909 and 1912 the remainder of the locomotives were fitted with the Swindon No. 3 superheater, which became standard for the class. The Saints were withdrawn between 1932 and 1951. No. 2925 Saint Martin was rebuilt with smaller wheels in December 1924 to become the prototype Collett 4900 and renumbered 4900 but still carrying the same name

    Starting with
    2911 Saint Agatha
    https://tinyurl.com/y2h5nj42
     
  5. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    I have added 3 photos of Saint class 2900 William Dean
    in the prototype section of the Saints
    2900 William Dean withdrawn at Swindon September 1932 still with nameplate and number plates Churchward 2900 Saint class
    https://tinyurl.com/yy7zge79
    Neil
     
  6. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    I have added over 70 new photos of Churchwards’s Saint class
    This collection features Courts series 2931-2955 built 1911-1913
    The ‘Courts’
    A fourth series of 25 locomotives appeared during the years 1911 to 1913 These were numbered 2931–55 and named after famous Courts (i.e. mansions). They were all built with superheaters and there were detailed differences between the boilers used on different lots. They were all withdrawn between 1948 and 1953.

    Starting here with this photo of unique

    2935 Caynham Court Oxford c1948 (rebuilt in 1931 with rotary cam poppet valve gear.)
    https://tinyurl.com/y27nqdmb

    Neil
     
  7. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    Scott series
    Whilst 171 was undergoing trials in 1905 nine further locomotives were ordered to be built at Swindon Works to a similar design (Lot 154) followed by a further ten (Lot 158). Thirteen of these were built as 4-4-2s and six as 4-6-0s. However, by January 1913, Churchward was persuaded by the superior adhesion provided by a 4-6-0 and they had all been converted to this wheel arrangement.[9] The new locomotives were numbered 172–190 (renumbered 2972–2990 in 1912). Twelve of the series were named after characters in the novels of Sir Walter Scott. Directors of the GWR accounted for most of the other names. The series was withdrawn between 1931 and 1951.
    I have added 6 new photos to this collection
    Starting here with
    2973 Robins Bolitho in the snow unknown location
    https://tinyurl.com/yygzc4op


    Neil
     
  8. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    Saints
    A third series of twenty further locomotives appeared during August and September 1907 (Swindon Lot 170), numbered 2911–30 and named after Saints. The framing for these had long curved ends under the cab and over the cylinders, which greatly improved the rather angular appearance of the earlier locomotives. They were fitted with cone boilers and smokeboxes. In October 1908, No. 2922 Saint Gabriel was fitted with a Swindon No. 2 superheater. The following year the Swindon No. 3 superheater became standard for the class. Between 1909 and 1912 the remainder of the locomotives were fitted with the Swindon No. 3 superheater, which became standard for the class. The Saints were withdrawn between 1932 and 1951. No. 2925 Saint Martin was rebuilt with smaller wheels in December 1924 to become the prototype Collett 4900 and renumbered 4900 but still carrying the same name
    I have added 16 new photos to this collection including this photo of
    2912 Saint Ambrose (running with a 8 wheel tender possibly originally from 111 the Great Bear) Laira c1932
    https://tinyurl.com/y4jpdjrp
    Full collection starts here
    GWR era
    https://tinyurl.com/y5ch3r7t
    A few survived into the B.R. era
    2927 Saint Patrick Swindon station 26th July 1950
    https://tinyurl.com/y6m6dbtd
    2920 Saint David poses for a photographer during a pause in the tour at Swindon S.L.S. 'Saint Tour' 15th June 1952
    https://tinyurl.com/y6dyfxfz


    Neil
     
  9. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    Courts

    A fourth series of 25 locomotives appeared during the years 1911 to 1913 (Swindon Lots 185, 189 and 192). These were numbered 2931–55 and named after famous Courts (i.e. mansions). They were all built with superheaters and there were detailed differences between the boilers used on different lots. They were all withdrawn between 1948 and 1953.
    I have added 20 new photos to this collection
    Including this photo of one of the last couple in service with B.R. in 1953
    2945 Hillingdon Court at Weymouth
    https://tinyurl.com/1hfmjihn
    Full collection of new photos starts here with
    2934 Butleigh Court
    https://tinyurl.com/5a4p4usd

    Neil.
     
  10. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    I have added some new photos of Churchwards’s Saint class

    This collection features Saints series 2911-2930 built 1907

    Saints series of locos

    A third series of twenty further locomotives appeared during August and September 1907 (Swindon Lot 170), numbered 2911–30 and named after Saints. The framing for these had long curved ends under the cab and over the cylinders, which greatly improved the rather angular appearance of the earlier locomotives. They were fitted with cone boilers and smokeboxes. In October 1908, No. 2922 Saint Gabriel was fitted with a Swindon No. 2 superheater. The following year the Swindon No. 3 superheater became standard for the class. Between 1909 and 1912 the remainder of the locomotives were fitted with the Swindon No. 3 superheater, which became standard for the class. The Saints were withdrawn between 1932 and 1951. No. 2925 Saint Martin was rebuilt with smaller wheels in December 1924 to become the prototype Collett 4900 and renumbered 4900 but still carrying the same name

    Starting here with 9 new photos

    https://tinyurl.com/103yd68y


    Neil.
     
  11. Romsey

    Romsey Part of the furniture

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    I can only fill in the location of one image.
    1/98 and duplicated as 39/98 2937 is at Salisbury.

    Neil
     
  12. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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  13. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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