The GNSR Classes X and Y were two similar classes of 0-4-2T steam locomotives built by Manning Wardle for the Great North of Scotland Railway. The two classes were similar, and were used throughout their lives to shunt on the docks at Aberdeen. They passed to the London and North Eastern Railway at the 1923 grouping, and received the LNER classification Z5. The Class X were later reclassified Z4.

GNSR classes X and Y
LNER classes Z4 and Z5
Type and origin
Power typesteam
BuilderManning Wardle
Build date1915
Total producedClass X: 2
Class Y: 2
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte0-4-2T
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Driver dia.Class X: 3 ft 6 in (1.067 m)
Class Y: 4 ft 0 in (1.219 m)
Trailing dia.Class X: 2 ft 6 in (0.762 m)
Class Y: 2 ft 9 in (0.838 m)
WheelbaseClass X: 11 ft 1 in (3.4 m)
Class Y: 12 ft 9 in (3.9 m)
Length23 ft 4 in (7.1 m)
Axle loadClass X: 9.6 long tons (9.8 t)
Class Y: 13.85 long tons (14.1 t)
Loco weightClass X: 25.85 long tons (26.3 t)
Class Y: 30.9 long tons (31.4 t)
Fuel typeCoal
Fuel capacity1 long ton (1.02 t)
Water cap.Class X: 400 gallons
Class Y: 450 gallons
Boiler pressure160 psi (1.10 MPa)
Heating surface:
 • FireboxClass X: 48 sq.ft
Class Y: 54 sq.ft
 • TubesClass X: 450 sq.ft
Class Y: 546 sq.ft
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder sizeClass X: 13 in × 20 in (330 mm × 508 mm)
Class Y: 14 in × 20 in (356 mm × 508 mm)
Valve gearStephenson
Performance figures
Tractive effortClass X: 10,945 lbf (48.69 kN)
Class Y: 11,105 lbf (49.40 kN)
Career
OperatorsGreat North of Scotland Railway
London and North Eastern Railway
British Railways
ClassGNSR: X and Y
LNER: Z4 and Z5
BR:
Retired1956-1960
PreservedNone
DispositionScrapped

History

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When the Aberdeen Harbour Commissioners finally agreed to allow steam locomotives to replace horses on the Aberdeen docks, the GNSR purchased two 0-4-2T locomotives from Manning Wardle for the purpose. These were designated Class Y and numbered 114 and 115. On delivery these were found to be 2 tons over the maximum weight for operating on the docks,[1] and a further two locomotives of similar design were acquired. These Class X locomotives, numbered 116 and 117, had smaller driving wheels and a shorter wheelbase. In order to reduce the weight of the Class Y locos, they initially operated with their tanks only partially filled.[2]

Both classes remained almost unchanged throughout their working lives which involved working the 1.75-mile (2.82 km) long branch from Kittybrewster to Waterloo Docks in Aberdeen, local trips, and hire to nearby industry. They remained in the GNSR livery of black with red and yellow lining until painted unlined black during World War II, although they gained the letters LNER and subsequently acquired BR emblems. The locos also retained their original boilers, there being no spares. Except when on hire to industrial concerns, the locomotives were shedded at Kittybrewster.[3]

The first loco to be withdrawn was 68193 in 1956, followed by 68191 in 1959. The remaining two locos were withdrawn in 1960.

Classification and numbering

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After the grouping both the Class X and Class Y became LNER Class Z5. This was changed in 1927 when the Class X was redesignated LNER Class Z4.[2]

Number history
Class X Y
GNSR number 114 115 116 117
GNSR 1915 renumbering 43 44 30 32
LNER number 6843 6844 6830 6832
LNER 1946 renumbering 8190 8191 8192 8193
BR number 68190 68191 68192 68193
Withdrawal date[3] 28-04-1960 31-03-1959 28-04-1960 21-04-1956
Total mileage[3] 457,000 525,000 255,000 196,000

References

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  1. ^ Marsden, Richard. "The Z5 (GNSR Y) Manning Wardle 0-4-2T Shunters". The London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
  2. ^ a b Marsden, Richard. "0-4-2 'Z' Locomotives of the LNER". The London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) Encyclopedia. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
  3. ^ a b c Wild, Michael (27 February – 25 March 2004). "Aberdeen's forgotted dock tanks". Steam Railway (294). Peterborough: EMAP Active Ltd: 59.