NER Class L

The NER Class L (LNER Class J73) was a class of 0-6-0T steam locomotives of the North Eastern Railway.^[1][2] They were a specialised design, intended for use on the Redheugh and Quayside banks on either side of the River Tyne. They were replaced on the Quayside branch by NER Class ES1 electric locomotives in 1905 but were re-allocated to other duties.

NER Class L LNER Class J73
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Wilson Worsdell Builder NER Darlington Works Build date 1891-1892 Total produced 10
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0T Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 4 ft 7.25 in (1.403 m) Length 31 ft 8 in (9.65 m) Loco weight 46.75 long tons (47.50 t) Fuel type coal Fuel capacity 2.5 long tons (2.5 t) Water cap. 1,000 imp gal (4,500 L; 1,200 US gal) Firebox: ​  • Grate area 15.6 sq ft (1.45 m2) Boiler pressure 160 psi (1,100 kPa) Cylinders two inside Cylinder size 19 in × 24 in (480 mm × 610 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 21,320 lbf (94,800 N)

Overview

The Class L was Wilson Worsdell's first design for the NER. Unusually for a Wilson Worsdell design, they were fitted with Joy valve gear instead of the Stephenson valve gear fitted to his later locomotives.

British Railways

All 10 locomotives survived into British Railways ownership in 1948 and their BR numbers were 68355-68364. They were all withdrawn between 1955 and 1960. None have been preserved.