LNER K4 Class
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The LNER class K4 were 3-cyclinder steam locomotives with a 2-6-0 wheel arrangement, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for use on the West Highland Line. Six Locos were built 1937-1939.
Charter Trains 2014
61994 at Perth on 20th April 2011 Photo by johnbushell
- Locomotive No. 3445 (later 1997 & 61997) was rebuilt by Thompson in 1945 with 2 cylinders and reclassified K1, as a prototype for the new series commencing 62001 built in 1949-50.
- After nationalisation, BR transferred the other five K4s to Fife depots Thornton Junction (62A) and Dunfermline (62C) in 1959.
- One locomotive of the K4 class, 3442/61994 'The Great Marquess', was saved for preservation after withdrawal in 1961.
- Restored to LNER Green livery by Cowlairs Works and moved to Leeds in April 1963.
- Based on the Severn Valley Railway 1972-2005
- Operated on the mainline in LNER green livery as 3442 from 1989 to 1994.
- Ran on the Fort William - Mallaig steam service in July 1989.
- Used on the West Highland Line Centenary specials (with K1 2005) in August 1994.
- Repainted as 61994 in lined BR black livery in 1997.
- Bought by John Cameron and moved to Crewe Heritage Centre for overhaul in 2005.
- Came to Scotland with A4 60009 to work the inaugural 'Great Britain' rail tour in April 2007.
- Used for the official opening of the Stirling - Alloa line in May 2008.
- Last worked on the mainline in Scotland on a West Highland Photo charter to Mallaig in October 2014.
- Last ran in October 2015 on North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where it was stopped with a cracked firebox, and subsequently stored.
- Moved by road to Bo'ness on 22/09/17, and was exhibited there in the Museum of Scottish Railways from December 2017.
- 61994 was moved out by road to John Cameron's Balbuthie farm in Fife mid-April 2023.
See Also
Charter Trains 2007Charter Trains 2014
Photo Links
- Flickr - 3442 on a Fort William to Mallaig train, July 1989
- Flickr - 3442 & 2005 heading for Fort William in August 1994
- Flickr - 61994 on re-opening special at Alloa, May 2008
- Flickr - 61994 heading for Kyle on the GB2 tour, April 2009
- Flickr - 61994 at Oban, 5th September 2010
- Flickr - 61994 in the Museum at Bo'ness, November 2019