4-4-0 Class L SECR Profile and Models

The SECR L class was a class of 4-4-0 steam tender locomotive built for express passenger service on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway. Although designed by Harry Wainwright, they were built during the Maunsell era. During the first years of the SECR, express passenger services were well served by Wainwright's 'D' and 'E' 4-4-0 classes; however loads continued to increase and by 1912 the designer realised that he would soon need more powerful locomotives, resulting in the L class. Wainwright's original design for the new class was for a handsome and robust locomotive which incorporated a Belpaire firebox but there were several revisions. After his departure, his assistant placed an order for 12 with Beyer Peacock. After Richard Maunsell took office in January 1914, he agreed to the ordering of a further ten with minor detail differences and Schmidt superheaters from Borsig of Berlin. The Borsig locomotives were delivered just in time before the outbreak of World War I. The locomotives were used on express trains on the South Eastern main lines from London to Dover, Ramsgate, and Hastings. They remained on these duties until the mid-1920s. The final locomotive was withdrawn in December 1961. None have been preserved.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Locomotive

Builder

Beyer, Peacock & Co
Borsig, Berlin

Build Date

Total Built

Tractive Effort

Wheel Configuration

Operated By

Main Duties

In Service Until

Surviving Examples