N15 King Arthur Class, 2-6-0 Urie LSWR
In the autumn of 1918 the LSWR's works at Eastleigh sterted to turn out a new express passenger 4-6-0 class designed by Robert Urie. With 6 ft 7 in drivers and a Urie stove pipe chimney. The new locomotives were initially welcomed by the operating department. However , when line speed increased, they proved to be poor performers since they were not free steamers and were unable to sustain high power outputs.
Richard Maunsell undertook a review of the existing locomotive stock. Although he had his own new designs planned the need to maintain services before they became available led to an improvement programme on existing designs. A revised front end design applied to the N15s including increasing the area of the steam and exhaust ports, fitting a modified chimney and blastpipe significantly improved the class' performance.
Richard Maunsell undertook a review of the existing locomotive stock. Although he had his own new designs planned the need to maintain services before they became available led to an improvement programme on existing designs. A revised front end design applied to the N15s including increasing the area of the steam and exhaust ports, fitting a modified chimney and blastpipe significantly improved the class' performance.