LNER Class J38

LNER Class J38
A Gresley J38 0-6-0 at the site of Forest Mill station
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Nigel Gresley Build date 1926 Total produced 35
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0  • UIC Ch Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Driver dia. 56 in (1.422 m) Loco weight 58.95 long tons (59.90 t; 66.02 short tons) Total weight 103.15 long tons (104.81 t; 115.53 short tons) Fuel type Coal Boiler pressure 180 psi (1.24 MPa) Cylinders Two, inside Cylinder size 20 in × 26 in (508 mm × 660 mm) Valve gear Stephenson Valve type piston valves
Performance figures Tractive effort 28,415 lbf (126.40 kN)
Career Operators London and North Eastern Railway British Railways Class LNER: J38 Power class BR: 6F Retired 1962–1967 Disposition All scrapped

The London and North Eastern Railway Class J38 was a class of steam locomotive designed for freight transport. They were designed by Nigel Gresley and introduced in 1926. A total of 35 were built at the LNER's Darlington Works in 1926 and they were used in Scotland. All passed into British Railways ownership in 1948 and they were renumbered from 5900–5934 to 65900–65934.

The far more numerous J39 class was a later development, exchanging the J38's 4 ft 8 in (1.422 m) driving wheels with larger 5 ft 2 in (1.575 m). Some of the J38s were later rebuilt with J39 boilers.

Dimensions

• BR Power classification: 6F
• Locomotive weight: 58 long tons 19 cwt (132,000 lb or 59.9 t)
• Tender weight: 44 long tons 4 cwt (99,000 lb or 44.9 t)
• Boiler pressure: 180 psi (1,200 kPa)
• Superheater: Yes
• Cylinders: 20 in × 26 in (508 mm × 660 mm)
• Driving wheel diameter: 4 ft 8 in (1.422 m)
• Tractive effort: 28,415 lbf (126,400 N)
• Valve gear: Stephenson
  • piston valves

Withdrawal

All J38s were withdrawn between 1962 and 1967, with the last two in service being No. 65901 and No. 65929. These two engines were the last ones designed by Gresley to be withdrawn. All engines of this class were scrapped.

Sources