LNER Class A4 4483 Kingfisher

LNER Class A4 4483 Kingfisher was a Class A4 steam locomotive of the London and North Eastern Railway.

Kingfisher
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder LNER, Doncaster Works Serial number 1848 Build date 26 December 1936
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-2  • UIC 2'C1h3 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Leading dia. 3 ft 2 in (0.965 m) Driver dia. 6 ft 8 in (2.032 m) Trailing dia. 3 ft 8 in (1.118 m) Boiler pressure 250 psi (1.72 MPa) Cylinders Three Cylinder size 18.5 in × 26 in (470 mm × 660 mm) Loco brake Steam Train brakes LNER: Vacuum
Performance figures Tractive effort 35,455 lbf (157.7 kN)
Career Operators LNER Class A4 Number in class 35 Numbers LNER 4483, 24, BR 60024 Official name Kingfisher Withdrawn 5 September 1966 Disposition Scrapped

History

Kingfisher was built at Doncaster Works in 1936 and entered service on 26 December of that year. Originally painted in LNER Apple Green livery, but was repainted in Garter Blue livery in June 1937. It carried the name Kingfisher throughout its existence. After World War II it was renumbered as 24. On nationalisation it was allotted the British Railways number of 60024. Kingfisher was used in its final years to work express trains from Glasgow to Aberdeen, along with fellow class members 60019 Bittern and 60034 Lord Faringdon. The last of the A4 class in common use along with Bittern, it was withdrawn for scrapping on 5 September 1966 from Aberdeen Ferryhill shed (61B). However, due to a shortage of motive power available at the depot on 14 September 1966, Kingfisher worked the 08:25 Glasgow to Aberdeen return trip which heralded the final revenue earning service for an A4.

Preservation plans were halted when problems were discovered with the engine's firebox and the locomotive was delivered to scrap merchants Hughes Bolckow of North Blyth in late November, being cut up in February 1967.