BR Standard Class 9F facts for kids
The BR Standard Class 9F was a very powerful steam locomotive (a train powered by steam) built for British Railways in the 1950s. It was designed by Robert Riddles. This type of engine was the last in a series of new, standard locomotives made for British Railways.
Its main job was to pull very fast and heavy freight (goods) trains over long distances. People often called these huge engines 'Spaceships' because of their large size and unique shape. They were numbered from 92000 to 92250.
Contents
What is a BR Standard Class 9F?
A BR Standard Class 9F was a special type of steam train. It had a "2-10-0" wheel arrangement. This means it had two small wheels at the front, ten large driving wheels in the middle, and no wheels at the back. These ten big wheels helped it pull very heavy loads.
This locomotive was part of a group of "standard" engines. This means they were all built using similar parts and designs. This made them easier to build and repair.
Why Were They Built?
British Railways needed new, strong engines after World War II. They wanted trains that could handle heavy freight. The Class 9F was designed specifically for this tough job.
It was meant to pull long trains of goods across the country. It also needed to be fast enough to keep up with busy schedules. The 9F was built to be very efficient and reliable.
Amazing Power and Performance
The Class 9F was one of the strongest steam locomotives ever built in Britain. It could pull incredibly heavy trains. It was also known for being quite fast, even with a big load.
These engines did their job very well. They proved to be excellent at pulling freight. They were a great success for British Railways.
The 'Spaceships' Nickname
The Class 9F locomotives earned a fun nickname: 'Spaceships'. This was because of their impressive size. They looked very big and powerful, almost like something from outer space.
Their unique shape also contributed to the nickname. They stood out from other steam engines. This nickname shows how impressive people found these trains to be.
Where Did They Work?
These powerful engines worked all over Britain. They were mainly used on important freight routes. They helped move goods and materials across the country.
Even though they were designed for freight, they sometimes pulled passenger trains too. This showed how versatile and strong they were. They were a common sight on the railways in the 1950s and 1960s.
Images for kids
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Right hand view of a Crosti BR Standard 9F 2-10-0, No. 92024, showing the unique layout
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9F 92029 at Newport in 1963. By this stage it had been converted back to a conventional arrangement
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A 9F hauling an express passenger train at Bath Green Park station in 1962
