The GNR(I) class U was a class of 4-4-0 steam locomotives built for the Great Northern Railway (Ireland).

Great Northern Railway (Ireland) class U
204 Antrim on a passenger train leaving Omagh, 7 June 1957
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
DesignerGeorge T. Glover[1]
BuilderBeyer, Peacock & Co.[1]
Serial number5904-8, 7244-8
Build date1915 (5), 1947 (5)[1]
Total produced10[1]
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte4-4-0[1]
 • UIC2′B h2
Gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)[1]
Driver dia.5 ft 9 in (1.753 m)[1]
Fuel typecoal
Boiler pressure175 psi (1.21 MPa)
CylindersTwo, inside[1]
Cylinder size18 in × 24 in (457 mm × 610 mm)[1]
Performance figures
Tractive effort16,763 lbf (74.6 kN)[1]
Career
OperatorsGNR(I)
UTA
CIÉ
ClassU
Numbers196–205
Delivered1915, 1948
First run1915
Last run1965
Withdrawn1959–1965
Scrapped1959, 1961-1965
DispositionAll scrapped

History

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Five were built by Beyer, Peacock and Company in 1915. The class was so successful that an additional batch of five was built in 1947, making them the last inside-cylinder 4-4-0 locomotives to be manufactured anywhere in the world.[1]

The earlier locomotives were initially unnamed. However, after the later locomotives were delivered with names of counties along the GNR(I) route, the earlier locomotives received names of Loughs.

Withdrawal

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All were still in service in 1958 when the GNR(I) was divided between the Ulster Transport Authority (UTA) and Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), with each receiving five locomotives.

No. 198 Lough Swilly was the first to be withdrawn in 1959 before its CIÉ number (198N) was applied. CIÉ withdrew steam traction in 1963, whereas the UTA withdrew their U class fleet between 1961 and 1965. None of the class were preserved.

Fleet list

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BP serial No. Date GNR(I) No. Name Named 1958 owner 1958 No. Withdrawn Notes
5904 1915 196 Lough Gill 1953 UTA 64 1961
5905 1915 197 Lough Neagh 1949 CIÉ 197N 1962
5906 1915 198 Lough Swilly 1950 CIÉ 1959 198N allocated, but not applied
5908 1915 199 Lough Derg 1949 CIÉ 199N 1963
5907 1915 200 Lough Melvin 1950 UTA 65 1961
7244 1948 201 Meath New UTA 66 1965
7245 1948 202 Louth New UTA 67 1965
7246 1948 203 Armagh New CIÉ 203N 1962
7247 1948 204 Antrim New CIÉ 204N 1963
7248 1948 205 Down New UTA 68 1965

Model

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An 00 gauge model of No. 205 Down is currently available as an etched-brass kit from Studio Scale Models. It includes transfers, brass etches and cast white metal parts.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Kelly (1993) p.21
  • Kelly, Peter (1993). The Railway enthusiast Almanac. Eric Dobby Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-1-85882-008-8.
  • Rowledge, J. W. P. (1993). Irish Steam Locomotive Register. Stockport, Merseyside: Irish Traction Group. ISBN 0-947773-33-9.