LNER Class J39

The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) Class J39 was a class of medium powered 0-6-0 steam locomotive designed for mixed-traffic work throughout the former LNER system between London and the north of Scotland.^[3]

LNER Class J39
No. 4965 at Grantham Shed 1947
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Nigel Gresley Build date 1926-1941 Total produced 289
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0  • UIC Ch2 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Driver dia. 5 ft 2 in (1.575 m) Length J39/1: 54 ft 0 in (16.46 m) J39/2: 55 ft 8+3⁄8 in (16.977 m) J39/3: 54 ft 10+1⁄8 in (16.716 m) [1] Loco weight 57.85 long tons (58.8 t; 64.8 short tons) Tender weight J39/1 44.2 long tons (44.9 t; 49.5 short tons), J39/2 52.65 long tons (53.5 t; 59.0 short tons) J39/3, various Fuel type Coal Water cap. Various Firebox: ​  • Grate area 26 sq ft (2.4 m2)[2] Boiler pressure 180 psi (1.24 MPa) Heating surface 1,397.78 sq ft (129.858 m2)[2] Superheater: ​  • Heating area 271.80 sq ft (25.251 m2)[2] Cylinders Two, inside Cylinder size 20 in × 26 in (508 mm × 660 mm) Valve gear Stephenson Valve type piston valves
Performance figures Tractive effort 25,665 lbf (114.16 kN)
Career Operators London and North Eastern Railway British Railways Class LNER: J39 BR: 4P5F Numbers 4700-4988 : LNER, BR : 64700-64988 Withdrawn 1959–1962 Disposition All scrapped

History

The class was introduced by Nigel Gresley in July 1926, based on his previous Class J38 (introduced in January 1926) but with larger driving wheels. The larger wheels enabled them to be used on both passenger and freight trains, although at the expense of a lower tractive effort. As a result they were given the BR power classification 4P/5F, rather than the 6F of the earlier class. A total of 289 examples were built over the next fifteen years, mostly built by the LNER's Darlington Works although 28 were built by Beyer, Peacock and Co. in 1935.

The larger wheels necessitated the provision of low splashers over the front two wheels, which is the main means of differentiating between the two classes. However the increased speed afforded by the larger wheels caused the big end bearings to overheat, something that was aggravated by their use on passenger trains, and reliability suffered as a result. The locomotives were all fitted with superheaters and Ross 'Pop' safety valves.^[4][3]

J39/2 No. 64898 at Lincoln, Pelham St. Level-Crossing 21 May 1956

All passed into British Railways ownership in 1948 and they were numbered 64700-64988. They began to be withdrawn from service in 1959 and all examples had been scrapped by the end of 1962.^[5] No. 64747 served out the remainder of its days as a stationary boiler at the Woodford shed until October 1964.^[6]

Sub-classes

J39/3 No. 4973 at Immingham Locomotive Depot 21 September 1947.

The class was divided into three sub-classes depending on the type of tender fitted.

• J39/1 Standard LNER 3500 gallon tender.
• J39/2 Standard LNER 4200 gallon tender.
• J39/3 Various former North Eastern Railway tenders 3940-4125 gallons.

Accidents and incidents

• Circa 1930, locomotive No. 1448 was derailed by trap points at Lumpsey Colliery, Brotton, Yorkshire.^[7]
• On 28 August 1950, the connecting rod of a locomotive of this class became detached and consequently pierced the firebox, scalding the driver.^[8]
• On 23 October 1950, locomotive No. 64880 was hauling a passenger train that was derailed at Drumburgh, Cumberland due to the condition of the track. Two people were killed and three were injured.^[9]

In model form

Bachmann manufactures the J39/2 version in 00 gauge model form.^[10]

Bassett-Lowke manufactures the J39/2 version in 0 gauge model form.

Union Mills manufactures the J39 in British N-Scale.

Graham Farish-Bachmann manufactures the J39 in N scale as BR black with late crest & stepped tender numbered as 64841 and 64880.