SEK Class Λβ

SEK (Sidirodromoi Ellinikou Kratous, Hellenic State Railways) Class Λβ (or Class Lb; Lambda-beta) is a class of 16 2-10-0 steam locomotives, ex-WD Austerity 2-10-0s purchased after the Second World War. All of them were previously stabled in Egypt and were transported to Greece, as part of the UNRRA mission in Greece (arrived at Thessaloniki port in 16 January 1946). They were given the class letters "Λβ" and numbers 951-966.

SEK Class Λβ (WD Austerity 2-10-0)
Former Λβ951 preserved as 90775 on the North Norfolk Railway.
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Riddles Builder North British Locomotive Company Build date 1943-1944 Total produced 16
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-10-0  • UIC 1′E h Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Loco weight 78 long tons 6 cwt (175,400 lb or 79.6 t) Fuel type Coal Boiler pressure 225 lbf/in2 (1.55 MPa) Cylinders Two Cylinder size 19 in × 28 in (483 mm × 711 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 34,215 lbf (152.20 kN)
Career Withdrawn 1975-1985

They were mainly allocated to the Salonika division, but hauled both freight and passenger trains (including Athens to Istanbul Expresses) all across Greece, until they were slowly replaced by diesel locomotives until the mid-1970s, being one of the last classes of steam locomotives of SEK to be withdrawn from regular service.