The “King” Class.

“King George V.” is the apt title given to the first locomotive of the new series. There are many outstanding features in the machine, but the most noteworthy fact is that its tractive effort is no less than 40,300lbs., a figure greatly in excess of any other British express locomotive. The “King George V.” is a four cylinder 4–6–0 type engine. Distribution of the adhesion weight is effected by an equalising arrangement on the six coupled wheels, the aggregate being 67 tons 10 cwt., while the weight at the bogie is 21½ tons. The total weight of the engine in working order (without tender) is 89 tons. The tender is of standard six-wheeled pattern. It weighs, when full, 46½ tons, has a coal capacity of 6 tons, and water capacity of 4,000 gallons. The combined weight of engine and tender in working order is therefore 135½ tons.

Interesting features are presented by the bogie, which is spring controlled and of unique design. Outside bearings are provided on the leading axle, and inside bearings on the trailing axle, this arrangement being necessary in order to secure clearance between the bogie and the cylinders. The four cylinders are not placed in line across the engine, but the inside pair are set well forward in the frames, and drive on to the leading coupled axle, and the outside pair drive on to the middle coupled wheels.

Steam is supplied to the inside cylinders of the “King” class engine by piston valves operated direct from Walschaert valve gear placed between the frames, the valves for the outside cylinders being operated by rocking levers from the inside gear. The high-pressure superheater boiler has a pressure of 250lbs. per square inch, and is built with a conical barrel and Belpaire firebox, without a dome. The principal dimensions are as follows: Cylinders, 16¼ inches diameter by 28 inch stroke; bogie wheels, 3 feet diameter; coupled wheels, 6 feet 6 inches diameter; total heating surface, 2,514 square feet; grate area, 34.3 sq. ft. The finished locomotive presents a remarkably spick and span appearance, and it is of especial interest to learn that this latest giant of the Home railway workshops is, this autumn, to feature at Baltimore, U. S. A., in the centenary celebrations of the Baltimore and Ohio Railway. Of the British locomotive builder's art no more striking example than this could have been selected for so signal an honour.