LSWR 415 Class - Construction History

Construction History

William Adams' 415 (later 0415) Class was based on his earlier LSWR 46 Class, and was specifically designed with London suburban services in mind. The design was based on a 4-4-0 design with a trailing axle added to support an enlarged coal bunker, a necessity for the intensive suburban services of the LSWR network. The radial axlebox worked in a corresponding curved hornblock the centre of which was struck near the middle of the chassis. The device was originally invented in 1863 by William Bridges Adams (no relation) and could be applied to a leading or trailing axle but was generally preferred for the latter. Many other engineers used it, including Webb, R. J. Billinton, H. G. Ivatt, and D.E. Marsh. Many of the tank engines so fitted earned the soubriquet "Radial Tanks", or simply "Radials". The enlarged coal bunker was also designed to incorporate a back tank for extra water storage in addition to the capacity of the side tanks. Valve gear was of modified Stephenson type.

Production began in 1882 when a total of four engineering companies were contracted by the LSWR to construct the new class, which numbered 71 when production ceased in 1885. These were: Robert Stephenson & Co. (28 constructed); Dübs & Co. (20 constructed); Neilson & Co. (11 constructed) and finally Beyer, Peacock and Company (12 constructed). This arrangement was because Nine Elms, the LSWR's own locomotive works, was already stretched to capacity in terms of production.

Year Builder Quantity LSWR numbers Notes
1882 Beyer, Peacock & Co.
12
415–426
1883 Robert Stephenson & Co.
18
427–432, 45, 47–57
1884 Dübs & Co.
10
169–171, 173, 490–495
1885 Neilson & Co.
11
479–489
1885 Robert Stephenson & Co.
10
68, 77–78, 82, 104, 106–107, 125–126, 129 68, 77–78 renumbered 58–60 in 1889–90
1885 Dübs & Co.
10
516–525

Although all were constructed to the same basic design, the locomotives that were outshopped from 1884 had slightly larger side water tanks and deeper fireboxes, therefore increasing efficiency. All carried the trademark Adams stove pipe chimney throughout his tenure as Locomotive Superintendent of the LSWR. In order to facilitate the speedy overhaul of these locomotives in the confined spaces of Nine Elms, spare boilers were constructed. Coupled to a short wheelbase and guiding bogies, the locomotive was relatively manoeuvrable on tight curves, a feature that was to ensure the survival of some of the class later on.

Upon the appointment of Dugald Drummond as Superintendent of the LSWR after Adams' departure, the class was modified slightly, with the application of his lipped chimney in place of the stovepipe version that the locomotives were equipped with when built. This also coincided with the addition of coal rails to the bunker in an attempt to increase capacity. Because the class was not considered to have a long working life under Robert Urie, they were not equipped with superheating.

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