GCR Class 1A

The Great Central Railway Class 1A, classified B8 by the LNER, was a class of 4-6-0 mixed traffic locomotives designed by John G. Robinson for fast goods, relief passenger and excursion services. They were known as the ‘Glenalmond Class’ and were a smaller wheeled version of Robinson’s earlier Sir Sam Fay express passenger class (LNER Class B2), which they closely resembled.

GCR Class 1A LNER Class B8
No. 1349 at Retford (GC) Locomotive Depot 13 April 1947
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer John G. Robinson Builder Gorton Works Build date 1913–1915 Total produced 11
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-0  • UIC 2'Ch2 Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Leading dia. 3 ft 6 in (1.067 m) Driver dia. 5 ft 7 in (1.702 m) Length 63 ft 0.3 in (19.210 m) Loco weight 122 long tons (124 t) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 6 long tons (6.1 t) Water cap 4,000 imperial gallons (18,000 l; 4,800 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 26 sq ft (2.4 m2)[1] Boiler: ​  • Diameter 5 ft 6 in (1,680 mm) Boiler pressure 180 psi (1.24 MPa) Heating surface 2,183 sq ft (202.8 m2)[1] Superheater: ​  • Heating area 294 sq ft (27.3 m2)[1] Cylinders Two, inside Cylinder size 21.5 in × 26 in (546 mm × 660 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 27,445 lbf (122.1 kN)
Career Operators Great Central Railway → London and North Eastern Railway → British Railways Withdrawn 1947–1949 Disposition All scrapped