Eastleigh Works Centenary Open Days
Saturday 23rd - Monday 25th May 2009
© copyright photographs by Colin Duff

Southern Steam Locomotives

The Merchant Navy class is another product of Eastleigh. When introduced in 1941 with airsmoothed casing and many novel features they were simultaneously both controversial and a symbol of using modern techniques. Whilst undoubtedly powerful locomotives they were sometimes let down by features which were not a successful as hoped. They did not fulfill their full potential until rebuilt by British Railways when they in-part resembled contemporary BR Standard designs. However, they were still largely Bulleid and very very capable locomotives . Merchant Navy history and pictures from the Southern E-Group.

A large class of light Pacifics - with a wider route availability - followed after the MNs. They were similarly built with airsmoothed casing, though by this time the design had settled down, the only major variations being the width of the cab, shape of the cab windows and type of tenders. Like the MNs the class was rebuilt by British Railways, although with the ending of steam being brought forward only 60 were treated before the economic justification for doing so evapourated. Thus members of the class with airsmoothed casing survived. Note although the light Pacifics were sub-divided into West Country and Battle of Britain classes this was only for image purposes and the locomotives are otherwise one and the same. Bulleid light Pacific history and pictures from the Southern E-Group.

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