NER Class F

This article is about the 4-4-0 class. For the 4-4-4T class, see NER Class D.

The NER Class F (LNER Class D22) was a class of 4-4-0 steam locomotives of the North Eastern Railway. It was designed by Thomas William Worsdell and introduced in 1887.

NER Class F LNER Class D22
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer NER Class R1 Build date 1887-1891 Total produced 37
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-4-0 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Leading dia. 3 ft 7+1⁄4 in (1.099 m) Driver dia. 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) Fuel type coal Boiler 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m) diameter Boiler pressure 160 psi (1.1 MPa) Cylinders two inside Cylinder size 18 in × 24 in (460 mm × 610 mm) Valve gear Stephenson
Performance figures Tractive effort 13,210 lbf (58.8 kN)
Career Operators North Eastern Railway London and North Eastern Railway Disposition None preserved

History

Class F (compound expansion) and Class F1 (simple expansion) 4-4-0s were developments of T.W. Worsdell's experimental Class D 2-4-0. The Class Ds were two-cylinder compounds of the von Borries type. However, the 2-4-0 wheel arrangement was found unsuitable and this led to the development of the Class F 4–4–0.

Class	Build date	No. built
D	1886, 1888	2
F	1887	10
F1	1887	10
F	1890–1891	15
Total		37

Between 1896 and 1911 all the Class D, F and F1 locomotives were rebuilt into one 4-4-0 class with 18in x 24in simple expansion cylinders, piston valves, and Stephenson valve gear. They had been built with slide valves and Joy valve gear. The combined class was designated "Class F" from 1914. Superheaters were fitted between 1913 and 1920.

Dimensions

The information box (above right) shows the dimensions after 1911. Before this, dimensions varied:

• Boiler pressure: 140, 160 or 175 psi
• Cylinders (compound): one 18 in × 24 in (460 mm × 610 mm) and one 26 in × 24 in (660 mm × 610 mm)
• Cylinders (simple): two 18 in × 24 in (460 mm × 610 mm)

Use

They were initially used for express passenger services. Between 1892 and 1894 they were displaced by newer locomotives and relegated to secondary duties. By the time of the 1923 Grouping, they had been further relegated and were typically used for branch line stopping trains.

Withdrawal

They were withdrawn between 1927 and 1935 and none were preserved.