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LSWR B4 class
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The London and South Western Railway B4 class is a class of 0-4-0 tank engines originally designed for station piloting and dock shunting. They were later used extensively in Southampton Docks for nearly half a century.
Design
[edit]The locomotives were designed by the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) Locomotive Superintendent William Adams. They were unusual in having inside Stephenson valve gear but outside cylinders and coal bunkers on the footplate inside the cab. The class were originally built with Adams' stovepipe chimney, although these were later replaced by a lipped version designed by Adams' successor, Dugald Drummond. Some examples also had cut away cabs to improve visibility. They were designed for shunting in locations with a sharp curves, such as the dockyard at Devonport and as pilots at the major stations.[1]
Construction
[edit]The LSWR originally ordered ten locomotives in 1890 from its Nine Elms Works. The class was designated by their order number ‘B4’ and delivered during 1891 and 1892. A further ten locomotives were ordered in 1893 which were delivered in November and December of that year under order D6. [2]
Drummond designed a similar class of five locomotives in 1907, with a slightly smaller boiler and lipped chimney. These were delivered during 1908 under order K14. No. 84, delivered in June 1908 was the last locomotive to be built at Nine Elms Works prior to the works' transfer to Eastleigh. These locomotives were originally regarded as a new class. However, Drummond's successor Robert Urie, considered them to be so similar to the originals, that they were merged with the B4 class in 1912.[2]
| Order No. | Year | Quantity | LSWR numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B4 | 1891 | 10 | 85–94 | |
| D6 | 1893 | 10 | 81, 95–100, 102, 103, 176 | |
| K14 | 1908 | 5 | 746, 747, 82–84 | 746/747 renumbered 101/147 in 1922 |

Service
[edit]The first ten locomotives were allocated to major stations throughout the system including Eastleigh, Exmouth Junction, Bournemouth and Plymouth Friary (for use on Cattedown Wharfs and the Turnchapel branch). In November 1892 the LSWR purchased the Southampton Docks, and so both new and existing B4s were sent there over the next few years to replace the existing motive power as they became worn out. By 1899 their use as station pilots had ceased except at Exeter and fourteen were working in Southampton Docks. Other members of the class were assigned to various depots around the LSWR system, for yard and dock shunting. [2]
After 1923 the Southern Railway also used them at Dover Marine, Ashford, Stewarts Lane, Hamworthy (for use at Poole Quay) and at Guildford (as a shed pilot). At least two were retained at Eastleigh one of which was used to shunt the cramped goods yard at Winchester City railway station.
Names
[edit]The locomotives used by Southampton Docks, were also given names reflecting the destinations of ships then sailing from Southamton numbers.
| LSWR No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 85 | Lady of Alderney |
| 81 | Jersey |
| 86 | Havre |
| 89 | Trouville |
| 90 | Caen |
| 93 | St Malo |
| 95 | Honfleur |
| 96 | Normandy |
| 97 | Brittany |
| 98 | Cherbourg |
| 102 | Granville |
| 176 | Guernsey |
| 746 | Dinan |
| 747 | Dinard |
Withdrawals
[edit]Following the introduction of the SR USA class to Southampton Docks in 1947, many of the class were made redundant. Withdrawals began under British Railways in May 1948, but others were still in good condition and eleven were sold during 1948/9 for industrial use. Withdrawals resumed in 1957 following the introduction of diesel shunters and by 1961 only three survived. These were withdrawn in 1963. [3]
| Year | Quantity in service at start of year |
Quantity withdrawn |
Locomotive numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | 25 | 4 | 30090–91, 30101/76 | 30101 and 30176 sold |
| 1949 | 21 | 10 | 30081/85/92/95/97–100, 30103/47 | All except 30085 sold |
| 1957 | 11 | 2 | 30082/94 | |
| 1958 | 9 | 1 | 30087 | |
| 1959 | 8 | 4 | 30083–84/86/88 | |
| 1960 | 4 | 1 | 30093 | |
| 1963 | 3 | 3 | 30089/96, 30102 | 30096 and 30102 sold |
Preservation
[edit]

Two examples of the class have survived into preservation:
- No. 96 (BR 30096) Normandy was sold to Corrall Limited and used at their Southampton coal depot, where it was named Corrall Queen. It has been preserved on the Bluebell Railway where, in the days before the line had any diesel locomotives, it was often used as a shunter. Its boiler certificate expired on 6 July 2006 and it is currently under overhaul.[1]
- No. 102 (BR 30102) Granville was purchased in 1964, after withdrawal from BR, by Butlins and then displayed alongside LMS Royal Scot class 6100 Royal Scot at the firm's Skegness Holiday Camp. In 1971 it was moved to Bressingham Steam Museum near Diss, Norfolk, where it remains on static display.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Bradley 1967, p. 53.
- ^ a b c Bradley 1967, p. 53-4.
- ^ Bradley 1967, p. 56.
- ^ Stone 1999, p. 100.
- Bradley, D.L. (1967). Locomotives of the London and South Western Railway. Part II. Lichfield, Staffs: Railway Correspondence and Travel Society Press.
- Stone, Colin (1999). Rails to Poole Harbour. Usk, Monmouthshire: Oakwood Press. ISBN 0-85361-553-5.
External links
[edit]LSWR B4 class
View on GrokipediaDesign
Origins and development
In the late 19th century, the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) underwent substantial expansion, particularly in its port and terminal facilities, which increased the demand for versatile locomotives capable of handling shunting operations in confined spaces.[1] The growth of trade at Southampton Docks, culminating in the LSWR's absorption of the Southampton Dock Company in November 1892, underscored the need for compact yet powerful tank engines to manage tight curves and heavy freight maneuvers efficiently.[5] William Adams, who served as the LSWR's Locomotive Superintendent from 1878 until his retirement in 1895, played a pivotal role in addressing these requirements by designing the B4 class in 1891.[6] His prior experience at the North London Railway, where he oversaw the development of small tank locomotives for intensive urban shunting from 1858 to 1873, directly influenced the B4's emphasis on maneuverability and power in restricted environments.[6] The B4 class was specifically intended for station piloting at major LSWR terminals and dock shunting duties, with Southampton Docks as a primary operational focus due to its challenging layout.[3] Adams opted for a 0-4-0T wheel arrangement to ensure superior short-wheelbase performance on sharp curves, prioritizing agility over speed while delivering sufficient tractive effort for demanding tasks.[7]Technical specifications
The LSWR B4 class locomotives featured a compact 0-4-0T wheel arrangement, with a single pair of 3 ft 9¾ in driving wheels suited to tight-radius shunting in dock environments.[8][1] They employed two outside cylinders measuring 16 in × 22 in, driven by inside Stephenson valve gear using slide valves, an unusual combination that provided reliable low-speed control while maintaining simplicity in the compact frame.[1][8] The boiler operated at a pressure of 140 lbf/in².[8] The locomotives weighed 33 long tons 9 cwt (Adams batch) or 32 long tons 18 cwt (Drummond batch) in working order, the latter reflecting modifications including smaller diameter boilers and lock-up safety valves.[8][1] Fuel and water capacities were modest, reflecting their intended use: 600 imp gal of water in the side tanks and 10 cwt of coal in the rear bunker.[8] The overall length measured 24 ft 10½ in.[8]| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheel arrangement | 0-4-0T |
| Driving wheel diameter | 3 ft 9¾ in |
| Cylinders | 2 outside, 16 in × 22 in |
| Valve gear | Inside Stephenson (slide valves) |
| Boiler pressure | 140 lbf/in² |
| Tractive effort | 14,650 lbf |
| Locomotive weight | Adams: 33 long tons 9 cwt; Drummond: 32 long tons 18 cwt |
| Water capacity | 600 imp gal |
| Coal capacity | 10 cwt |
| Overall length | 24 ft 10½ in |
Construction
Batches and production
The LSWR B4 class comprised a total of 25 0-4-0 tank locomotives, all constructed at the London and South Western Railway's Nine Elms Locomotive Works in Vauxhall, London.[1] These engines were produced in three distinct batches to address expanding shunting requirements at Southampton Docks and other facilities, with the initial designs originating from William Adams' office.[3] The first batch consisted of 10 locomotives, built during 1891. Construction commenced in October of that year and extended into early 1892 amid competing priorities at Nine Elms, such as passenger locomotive overhauls and broader LSWR expansion projects.[3][9] A second batch of 10 locomotives followed in 1893, completing the Adams-era production of 20 units. This phase saw similar in-house fabrication at Nine Elms, with completion by late in the year, allowing for incremental deployment to dock operations without significant interruptions from other works demands.[1][5] The third and final batch of 5 locomotives was authorized in 1908 under Locomotive Superintendent Dugald Drummond but adhered closely to Adams' original design specifications, including the outside-cylinder arrangement and side-tank configuration. Built entirely at Nine Elms, these were initially classified as the K14 subclass before integration into the B4 designation, marking the last steam locomotives produced there before the works' focus shifted under Southern Railway ownership.[1][10]Post-construction modifications
Following their construction, most LSWR B4 class locomotives underwent chimney modifications to replace the original Adams stovepipe design with a lipped Drummond-style chimney for improved safety and draught, beginning with No. 88 in March 1906 and applied to the majority of the class thereafter.[3][11] Cab alterations were implemented on several examples to enhance visibility during dock shunting duties, with open-sided (cut-away) designs fitted to second-batch locomotives from November 1893, and extended to Nos. 86, 93, 95, and 102 between February and April 1896.[5][1] In the 1920s, the driver's side front sheets of these cut-away cabs were filled in with improvised side sheets, while during World War II, proper metal front and side sheets were added for blackout compliance.[5] Braking systems were enhanced over time to suit operational demands; initially lacking power brakes, the class received vacuum brake ejectors, though Southampton Docks examples had these removed in favor of hand brakes alone before vacuum systems were eventually reinstated.[1] Boiler and frame work during Southern Railway and British Railways overhauls included reinforcements and interchanges between Adams and Drummond types, with some Adams-built locomotives later receiving the smaller-diameter Drummond boilers featuring dome-mounted lock-up safety valves.[1][5] Additionally, linseed filtrators were added to the side tanks of dock-allocated B4s between 1901 and the early 1940s to mitigate poor water quality issues.[5] The 1908 Drummond batch incorporated contemporary updates as built, including lipped chimneys, distinct cab roof profiles, and the aforementioned boiler design, setting them apart from earlier Adams examples while maintaining overall class compatibility.[1]Operational history
Dock shunting and piloting
The LSWR B4 class locomotives were primarily allocated to Southampton Docks starting in 1893, where they handled the transfer of freight between ships and wagons along tight tracks in the confined dockyard environment.[1] These engines, designed by William Adams, proved effective for such duties due to their compact 0-4-0T arrangement, which allowed reliable operation in yards with sharp curves typical of dock facilities.[9] In addition to dock work, several B4 locomotives performed station piloting duties at major LSWR terminals, including Waterloo and Portsmouth, where they assisted in marshalling both passenger and goods trains.[3] At Waterloo, for instance, they managed empty stock movements and shunting in the busy approaches to the station, while at Portsmouth they supported similar operations around the harbor and station areas during the LSWR era.[12] Their low center of gravity and short 7-foot wheelbase contributed to stability and maneuverability in these restricted spaces, enabling them to navigate curves as tight as those found in dock and station layouts.[1] During the early Southern Railway period, the class continued these core roles, with up to 14 locomotives concentrated at Southampton Docks by 1945, underscoring their enduring suitability for intensive shunting in port and station settings.[1] Crews appreciated the engines' simplicity and power for frequent starts and stops, though their small side tanks limited range, necessitating regular refueling during extended shifts.[3]Other duties and allocations
Upon the formation of the Southern Railway in 1923, the B4 class locomotives were primarily retained for shunting duties at key depots including Eastleigh, Exeter Central, Bournemouth, and Nine Elms, where they handled general yard work beyond their original dock roles.[13][14] Following the 1923 grouping, a number of the class were relocated to Dover Marine and Ashford for similar shunting tasks in support of cross-Channel operations.[15] During the Second World War, the B4s experienced intensified utilization at Southampton Docks due to surging military traffic, including preparations for D-Day, which strained the railways with over 60 miles of track handling troops and supplies from 1942 to 1944, leaving many locomotives in poor condition by war's end.[16] Under British Railways from 1948, the survivors were redistributed to depots such as Eastleigh, Bournemouth, Guildford, and Dover for ongoing shunting following their displacement by more powerful USA-class 0-6-0T locomotives at Southampton Docks in 1947.[17][3] In addition to primary shunting, the B4s undertook secondary roles including works trains at maintenance facilities, occasional departmental duties, and light goods workings that provided mainline assistance on less demanding routes.[3] The locomotives remained in traffic at these various depots until the early 1960s, succumbing to widespread dieselization.[18]Numbering and names
Numbering
The LSWR B4 class locomotives were assigned numbers in a non-consecutive sequence primarily within the range 81 to 176, reflecting the London and South Western Railway's numbering convention for tank engines, which followed a sequential allocation for new builds but included gaps due to allocations for other classes, renumberings of older stock, and specific dock service requirements. The initial batch of ten locomotives built in 1891–1892 received numbers 85–94, while the second batch of ten from 1893 was numbered 81, 95–100, 102–103, and 176.[3][5] The five additional locomotives added by Dugald Drummond in 1908, originally classified as K14 but later reclassified as B4, were numbered 82–84, 101, and 147 (the latter two initially carrying temporary numbers 746 and 747 before renumbering shortly after construction).[19] This system ensured no duplicates within the LSWR fleet, as numbers were managed centrally at Nine Elms Works to accommodate ongoing locomotive introductions and withdrawals.[3][5] Following the Grouping Act of 1923, which formed the Southern Railway (SR) from the LSWR and other companies, the B4 class retained their LSWR numbers but received an 'E' prefix to denote their ex-LSWR origin, resulting in designations such as E81, E82–E84, E85–E94, E95–E100, E101, E102–E103, E147, and E176.[1][20] This prefix system was a temporary measure implemented between 1923 and 1924 to avoid conflicts with SR's own numbering for new builds and locos from other constituents like the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. In 1931, under Richard Maunsell's direction, the SR simplified its scheme by eliminating prefixes and adopting a continuous numbering policy based on the highest pre-existing numbers from each constituent company; the B4 class thus reverted to their unprefixed LSWR numbers (81–84, 85–94, 95–100, 101–103, 147, 176), with no changes needed for this small class as their low numbers did not overlap significantly with others.[1][17] Upon nationalization in 1948, British Railways (BR) initially allowed many Southern Region locomotives, including the B4 class, to continue operating under their SR numbers during a transitional period. Full renumbering occurred progressively from 1948 onward, aligning with BR's power and wheel arrangement classification system, where 0-4-0 tank engines from the ex-SR stock were placed in the 30xxx series by prefixing '30' to the SR number. Thus, the B4 class became 30081, 30082–30084, 30085–30094, 30095–30100, 30101, 30102–30103, 30147, and 30176, with only 12 of the original 25 locomotives entering BR service. No significant numbering errors or conflicts arose during these changes, as meticulous records from Eastleigh Works facilitated smooth transitions.[3][21]Names
Of the 25 locomotives in the LSWR B4 class, 14 were given names reflecting the Channel Islands and French ports connected by the LSWR's shipping routes from Southampton, such as Jersey, Guernsey, and Cherbourg.[3] These names were assigned to engines primarily allocated to dock shunting duties at Southampton, emphasizing the class's role in supporting maritime operations.[5] The remaining 11 locomotives, mostly from later production batches including three of the five Drummond-built examples, carried no names and were identified solely by their numbers.[17] Names were applied during the LSWR period, with most fitted to the initial Adams batches between 1891 and 1893, though additional namings occurred in the late 1890s and early 1900s for engines transferred to Southampton Docks; the two named Drummond locomotives received theirs upon completion in 1908.[9][5] No formal naming ceremonies are recorded for the class. The nameplates consisted of brass ovals mounted on the sides of the bunkers, featuring the engraved locomotive name in raised lettering.[1] The named locomotives and their LSWR numbers are listed below:| LSWR No. | Name | Build Year | Notes on Naming Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Jersey | 1893 | Named upon allocation to Southampton Docks[3] |
| 85 | Alderney | 1891 | Named April 1900 upon transfer to docks[5] |
| 86 | Le Havre | 1891 | Named February 1896[9] |
| 89 | Trouville | 1891 | Named March 1901 upon transfer to docks[5] |
| 90 | Caen | 1891 | Named March 1901 upon transfer to docks[5] |
| 93 | St Malo | 1891 | Named April 1896[9] |
| 95 | Honfleur | 1893 | Named upon completion[3] |
| 96 | Normandy | 1893 | Named upon completion[3] |
| 97 | Brittany | 1893 | Named upon completion[3] |
| 98 | Cherbourg | 1893 | Named April 1900 upon transfer to docks[5] |
| 101 | Dinan | 1908 | Named upon completion (ex-LSWR 746)[3] |
| 102 | Granville | 1893 | Named upon completion[3] |
| 147 | Dinard | 1908 | Named upon completion (ex-LSWR 747)[3] |
| 176 | Guernsey | 1893 | Named upon completion[3] |
